The Grammy-winning artist updates us on how she’s adjusting to parenthood and how it’s impacted the way she’s sees her work and the world.

In the U.S. alone, more than 700,000 people, including children and teens experience homelessness–a global epidemic that does not discriminate.

Parents recently had the opportunity to speak with Grammy-winning songstress and new mom, Ashanti about her latest film project, her parenting journey, and how becoming a mom has expanded her desire to help others, especially women and families.

New Motherhood Brings New Appreciation

Ashanti is enjoying her parenting journey and candidly admits hating being away from her baby. She quips that she’s always Face timing to check in when she’s away. And, surprisingly, her best parenting advice so far has come from her husband Nelly, who always encourages her, “To relax, and that everything is going to be fine,” she tells Parents.

In her new film, No Address, which hits theaters on February 28, Ashanti plays Violet, a homeless veteran with a big heart and “thick” skin. Like all performers taking on a role, transformation is part of the process, and Ashanti emphasizes how this acting role, as well as her role of mother, has transformed her into a better version of herself.

“Having a child magnifies the love and the humility [that one has for their circumstances],” she observes. “And, sometimes I’m just so grateful for my mom, cousins, aunties, and family. We have this amazing village, and my heart goes out to women who don’t necessarily have that.” 

Ashanti understands the power of compassion and wants to use her influence to positively impact the lives of other families–even if it means giving away what she has.

“[Now] I’m like, what else can we do? Can we donate? We have tons of clothes. We’re always giving things away,” she shares. “We’re always trying to figure out, okay, maybe this brand or this company could link up with this shelter and [with] women [who are] going through domestic abuse and have children. It’s just [an increase] of love. You don’t know it until you experience it, you know?”

Advocating for others in vulnerable circumstances is a passion for Ashanti that appears to be an additional gift with new motherhood. “Now, I’m a firm advocate for the homeless and those experiencing domestic violence,” she confirms. “After having my baby and just feeling that love [did it for me]. And, then realizing that everyone doesn’t have those resources makes you want to give, and it makes you want to do something.”

The Responsibility of Awareness

Though an accomplished singer, Ashanti says she immediately identified with the script for No Address and the film’s mission to bring more awareness to those without homes. Noting she initially had no idea how big of an issue homelessness is in America, since starting the filmmaking process, she’s wanted to be a part of giving a face to it.

Like her character in the film, Ashanti also talks about understanding what it is to have resilience, especially as someone who has navigated the music industry for several years.

“I identify with Violet being a fighter, a survivor, and being determined. In the film, Violet gets extremely sick and doesn’t share it with anyone until she’s really pushed [to do so]. And, sometimes I keep things in until I feel like it’s necessary to share because I don’t like to put my problems on people. [My character and I] are similar in that manner. And, being in this music industry as a whole, you have to have a thick skin. You have to be incredibly strong, and you have to believe in yourself from within.” 

Ashanti believes projects like No Address are important vehicles for her to continue using her platform to not only elevate important conversations, but take responsibility. It means so much more to her now that she has her own family. She understands the sacrifices that families, especially mothers are willing to make in the best interests of their loved ones.

“You can’t judge anyone else’s struggle,” she says. “And, if women have to make certain choices to do what they have to do to put food on the table or a roof over their heads, you can’t judge that. Especially if you are not providing a solution.”

A Mother’s Love Conquers All

To parents who may be struggling to feel successful or comparing themselves to others who appear to be doing better on the surface, Ashanti’s message is simple: Love is victory.

“My advice is always to do what you have to do to protect your family. So whatever that may be–the focus is ‘How do I protect?’ ‘How do I cover?’ ‘How do I love?’ ‘How do I care?’ That’s what’s important.

“Of course, you don’t want women to feel forced into compromising themselves and their bodies and things like that. You never wish that on anyone, but at the end of the day, that’s a mother’s love. As long as my baby is okay, safe and sound, and not hungry, I’m going to do what I have to do.”

For parents looking to find ways for their families to support the homeless population in their communities, check out the nonprofit partner directory through the No Address movie website. 

*The written portion of this interview has been condensed for length and readability.

Read the original article on Parents