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"At the moment, I think Canada's music scene is absolutely amazing," says Grammy-award winning Canadian songstress Tamia. "When I was growing up, I always felt like you had to go to the States to become famous. But now, Canadian artists can decide whether or not they want to go to the States - and if they decide to stay home, they can still have a great career."

Tamia knows first-hand the emotional difficulty of leaving home in order to pursue a career in the recording industry. She got an early start in the music business, moving from her home in Windsor, at the request of super producer Quincy Jones. Hand-picked by Jones, Tamia, crooned her way to stardom on You Put a Move on My Heart, the first single from the 1994 hit album Q's Jook Joint.

"Being away was difficult at first," she says. "But Quincy really taught me a lot about the industry and life. Early on he kept instilling the value of ownership; I mean he owns everything he does, and he kept telling me to keep that in mind. His lessons were something I remembered when I decided to venture out on my own."

Tamia's latest release, Between Friends, is wholly owned by Plus One Music Group, a record label that she founded and that works in partnership alongside her long-established publishing company.

"It took me a bit of time in the industry to realize that if you want to be the one who determines your image and you want to call the shots and be in control of your life, you have to be the boss," she admits. "I think it was just more of a natural progression for me. I've been in the industry since I was 17, and so I've really been directed and told what to do since then. But if you are ever in a position to own the thing which you are creating and be in control of your life, I think you have to go for it."

The constant support of her husband, NBA basketball player Grant Hill, has also helped to build strong family ties. Through devotion and commitment to their relationship, the two prominent figures have managed to maintain a solid bond in the midst of two very hectic schedules.

"Everybody always asks me how Grant and I do it, how do we maintain any kind of sanity with our busy schedules," she says. "My husband is in the NBA and he's travelling all the time, and with my career I'm always working. But we've figured out a system that works for us. Mind you, people forget that my husband is off for nearly half the year. There are literally months where we spend every day together, and then, by the time the season starts up again, we're both glad to give each other a little space!"

In 2005, Tamia was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an oftentimes debilitating disease that jeopardized the singer's career.

"A lot of people ask me whether I ever wanted to stop singing and performing after the diagnosis," she points out. "To be honest with you, I never entertained the thought of ending my career. I am a singer and a performer and I wasn't going to stop being myself because of this illness."

Fans of the entertainer couldn't be happier with her decision. Sales of Between Friends have beaten expectations and Tamia is working feverishly to maintain the disc's success.

"I try not to over-think life," she says. "I have goals, of course, but I really try to maintain a sense of balance. I think that the best thing that anyone can do is just learn to take things as they come."

Jon Sarpong is the Diversity Officer at Durham College and UOIT. He provides independent diversity training and consultation for various organizations. Contact Jon by e-mail at jsarpong@hotmail.com.