Vanessa Williams and her daughter, ‘Lion Babe’ vocalist Jillian Hervey inspire New Year hair goals as they grace the cover of the January 2017 issue of Essence Magazine, on news stands now.
vanessa williams jillian hervey essence
The flawless mother and daughter talk about their journey in and out of the spotlight in ESSENCE’s January 2017 issue. Williams, 53, and Hervey, 27, both share the belief that maintaining a strong work ethic and staying true to who you are at any age is important. Vanessa Williams has used these skills to continue growing her career over the last 30+ year. She went from being dethroned as Miss America in 1984 to becoming an award winning film, TV and Broadway actress and recording artist. Now she’s coming back to television next spring as an aging mean girl talk show host on VH1’s Daytime Divas.

vanessa williams jillian hervey essence

Photo by Warwick Saint


Williams’ second oldest daughter Jillian Hervey and her partner, Lucas Goodman (aka Astro Raw) began releasing music under the Lion Babe moniker in 2012 and later signed with Interscope Records. Hervey and Goodman are now gearing up for their next project to follow the 2016 EP Begin.

Hervey tells ESSENCE, “My hair was supposed to represent this freedom, and then it almost became a trap.” She proudly celebrates her natural coils, even participating in a hair panel during AfroPunk. She recalled being emotional at the sight of women who “were different versions of me. Everyone was creative and beautiful, and it felt so sacred.”

For more from Vanessa Williams and Jillian Hervey, pick up a copy of our January issue, on newsstands December 9.

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