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In an honest and transformative conversation with Natalie Manuel Lee of Now with Natalie, Karrueche Tran opens up about her journey of growth, faith, and resilience. Known for her evolution from rising star to Emmy-winning actress, the Claws star’s story resonates deeply with fans who admire her ability to expand her identity beyond her past and into her purpose.


Learning to Surrender

At the core of Karrueche's transformation is the concept of surrender. She describes it as a mental and emotional release—a trust in God and the universe to guide her steps. “Surrendering is hard,” she admitted. “It’s like turning off a switch in your mind. But I’ve learned that everything always works out. Regardless of what happens, it’s going to be okay.”

She shared how letting go of overthinking has allowed her to embrace the unpredictability of life. “I’m so calculated sometimes—I like structure. But life doesn’t always work like that. Releasing and taking things one step at a time has been a game-changer.”

The Beauty of Healing

Karrueche’s healing journey has been a process of self-revelation, aided by therapy. “I had to unravel so much—insecurities, trust issues, feelings of not being good enough,” she shared. Therapy helped her trace these struggles back to her childhood and begin breaking those cycles.

“It’s hard to face yourself and the ugly parts of your truth, but it’s necessary to grow,” she explained. For Karrueche, healing also meant asking herself profound questions: “Who do I want to be in this world? What do I want to show up as? What are the bricks in my foundation, and how can I strengthen them?”

Faith as a Cornerstone

God has played an essential role in the L.A. native’s journey. “I didn’t have a relationship with Him before, but now I talk to Him all the time,” she said. She highlighted how moments of gratitude and prayer ground her, especially during times of uncertainty. “Even when I’m scared or anxious, I trust Him. I know He hears me and has the right plan for me.”

Turning Pain Into Purpose

Perhaps the most poignant part of Karrueche’s story is how she navigated the loss of her father while standing in the middle of an answered prayer. In the same week, she received news of her Sundance film premiere, she got the devastating call that her father had passed.

“It was the call I always feared,” Karrueche said, reflecting on the overwhelming responsibility of making funeral arrangements while grieving. “I didn’t know what to do, but I had to figure it out. It was a whirlwind.”

Despite her pain, she chose to honor her father’s spirit by attending Sundance. “I asked myself, ‘What would my dad want?’ And I knew he’d say, ‘Girl, get to Salt Lake City.’” While grappling with her emotions, she celebrated her accomplishments and premiered a film she knew her father would have loved.

“I was living out my purpose and navigating grief at the same time. It was numbing, but I knew it was all for a reason,” she said.

In 2015, she revealed that her father was gay. "I don't think I've ever told anyone this, but my father is gay,” she told MadameNoire. "I knew from like middle school. Even in elementary school, I knew something was different. And I don't know how I knew or how I even knew what gay was being so young, but I think when you're younger, you catch onto things and you watch TV, so I've always kind of known. As I grew older, we had certain talks, or I talked with my mom, and it just is what it was."

A Season of Transition

Now, Karrueche finds herself in what she calls a season of transition. “I’m shedding old habits and stepping into the new me. Growth is uncomfortable, but it’s necessary,” she shared.

This phase of her life is about embracing the unknown and leaning into her faith more than ever. “I’m learning to let go of perfection and negative thinking. I’m realizing it’s okay to make mistakes. Those moments help you grow.”

Legacy Beyond Fame

As she continues to evolve, Karrueche’s focus is on the impact she has on others. “Accolades are amazing, but I want people to remember how I made them feel. I want to maintain my light, my energy, and spread kindness. That’s the legacy I hope to leave.”

With unwavering determination and a heart full of purpose, Karrueche Tran is an inspiring example of resilience. Her story reminds us that even in the face of pain, there is strength in surrender and beauty in transformation.

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Featured image by JC Olivera/Getty Images

 

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