One thing about Keke Palmer is sis is going to say a word.
Whether she's addressing self-worth, her noteworthy career moves, or standing in her power as the Keke "Keep a Job" Palmer that we know her to be, Keke has a way of speaking life into any room she enters and into any person in ear-shot of her words of wisdom. As the years go by, the multi-hyphenate continues to prove there's no limit to her ability to level up.
From launching her own digital network, KeyTV to producing and starring in films (the recently-releasedOne of Them Days is yet another win for the star), and of course, gifting us with a meme every now and again, the 31-year-old no doubt provides the entertainment, but she also has the uncanny ability to leave us feeling empowered.
Here, we take a moment to celebrate the wealth of gems Keke has graced us with by being her most authentic self at all times. Keep reading for 10 of Keke's most inspirational quotes that are bound to leave you motivated AF.
Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty ImagesKeke Palmer On Unshakeable Self-Belief: "If you ain't riding for you, then why am I getting in the passenger seat?"
Keke's self-belief is unmatched and in relaying the quote that follows, it's clear that she wants us all to have a piece of that by standing ten toes down in our own power. During a guest appearance at the Sherri show in February 2025, she dropped the following that I'd argue should be a part of your morning mantra if it isn't already:
"They may not ever see you, but you see you. The moment that you say you're that girl, you're that guy, you're that person to yourself. If somebody is going to follow, that's when they will. People can't do what you're not doing. If you ain't riding for you, then why am I getting in the passenger seat? You know what I'm saying? When you look in the mirror at yourself, what do you say to yourself? Girl, you are who you think you are!"
Keke On Embracing a New Perspective: "Everything feels kind of possible in terms of the skills that I’ve learned up until this point that allow me to move forward. I can do it with the right mindset, with the right practices. Nothing is the end of the world."
Keke’s confidence and self-assurance stem from trust, patience, and the deep understanding that she no longer has anything to prove. She spent her 20s laying the groundwork for the sense of ease she now moves with in her 30s, something she credits to the investment she’s made in herself.
She shared this perspective and other gems in her 2024 digital cover story with SELF, adding, "I have a greater sense of perspective. There’s also a level of contentment—I don’t have to prove anything to anybody."
On Authenticity & Perception: "You only can be yourself authentically in the way in which you are perceived. And if you’re trying your best to be perceived accurately, there might be different ways that you have to perform for people to resonate with it."
Keke understands that a major key to authenticity is not side-stepping the importance of perception. In a world that constantly projects expectations onto us, Keke acknowledges that sometimes, connecting with others requires a level of performance, not to be inauthentic, but to be received in the way we intend.
"It could be because you’re a woman. It could be because you’re Black, it could be because you’re gay, because you’re straight, because you are disabled. Now you have to take into account how people see you," she told SELF. "It doesn’t mean that it’s not authentic to you. It is you authentically being intentional about how you show up so that you can get where you want to go."
Keke Palmer On Career Fulfillment: "My work isn't measured by anything more than if I had fun doing it and if I'm enjoying it."
In a 2020 exclusive interview with xoNecole, Keke talked about her project Virgo Tendencies and her evolution of an artist. She continued, saying that her work is "not based on anyone else's outside reactions or feelings, but it's based off of the fact that I like music, I'm creating it and it's enjoyable whereas sometimes when I was a kid, there was a lot of label pressure. Now I don't have a lot of that and I think that shows through the music in the way that I'm able to have more of a creative expression and be able to be more natural with how I give my music to my fans. It's more authentic to me."
On Being a Virgo: "It's the constant analyzing of myself and being able to really pay attention to the details of myself to know what it is I need. That is super Virgo of me and it's a bit controlling, but I like to be in control of myself and in control of my life, so it's okay."
In the same interview, Keke also gave insight into how her Virgo tendencies that served as inspiration for the name of the album she was promoting also act as a throughline in her life, adding, "It's in every factor––whether it be how I feel about my body and my fitness, or how I feel about my mental health and if I need a break, if I need to add more of 'this' in my life with my friends, or remove 'that' because that's not making me feel good––that's my Virgo tendency that I feel really does help me, but then I have other Virgo tendencies that make me crazy, too (laughs)."
Keke On Giving Herself Permission to Simply Be: "I love my alone time. I don't want to talk... For me, it was realizing that I also deserved to exist like that."
For as long as we’ve known Keke, from child star to now, she’s been a natural entertainer. You can count on her to be the one cracking jokes, lighting up rooms, and exuding confidence. But even the most charismatic people have layers, and Keke has been candid about the difference between the extroverted version of herself in public and the more introverted version of herself she is behind closed doors.
In a 2024 interview with Interview, she explained to RuPaul, "You might seem more introverted outside, but then when you get home to the people that are close to you, they might see this super extroverted person. It can vary. But I think for me, I was always externally out, making jokes. It was kind of my defense mechanism in order to deal with some of my own sensitivity. But then when I’m in my own space, I’m very quiet. I love my alone time. I don’t want to talk. Even now when I’m with my son, there are no words. For me, it was realizing that I also deserved to exist like that."
On Side Hustles: "I feel like they are necessary and the only way to create a sense of personal power in the work place. It would be nice to have one job but I feel like depending on one source of income leaves you with zero autonomy."
It's no surprise that the woman wearing multiple hats in the different career lanes she occupies also believes side hustles and multiple income streams in the 2020s is "necessary." She shared her thoughts on the topic in 2023 on X/Twitter via Black Enterprise.
Keke Palmer On Mastering Herself First: "For me in my life, it’s not about the things that I do, it’s about me that I master. Obviously, it’s a constant journey. You’re always evolving."
For Keke, success isn't just about the accolades and achievements, it's about self-mastery. The Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative author shared with US Weekly, "For me in my life, it’s not about the things that I do, it’s about me that I master. Obviously, it’s a constant journey. You’re always evolving. But if you can figure out how to master yourself, then your ability to be a part of all things and make all things work for you is the goal for me. Part of my journey of mastering myself so that I can be everything I want to be and more."
On Keeping It Real: "I don't think I'm servicing anyone by being fake. I am gonna be real because you’re safe when you’re being real. If you say, ‘I don’t know how to do that,’ then you’re not gonna have to go through the pressure of pretending you do."
As a Black woman in Hollywood, choosing authenticity is a radical act, but for Keke, it’s the only way to move through life. In a 2019 interview with Refinery29, she shared that believes that honesty, even about what you don’t know, is the key to real freedom.
"I don’t think that I’m servicing anyone if I’m being fake,” Keke told the publication. “I am gonna be real because you’re safe when you’re being real. If you say, ‘I don’t know how to do that,’ then you’re not gonna have to go through the pressure of pretending you do. Don’t lie to nobody, and then you can relax."
Keke Palmer on the Power of the Reframe: "That's where the reframe comes in. I am the queen of a reframe, okay?"
A recurring theme in Keke's world is the power of shifting her mindset, and one way she's revealed she does that is by mastering the art of the reframe. The Baby, This Is Keke Palmer host shared on The Jennifer Hudson Show that she takes ‘rejection is redirection’ to the next level, reframing every perceived loss as a win.
"That's where the reframe comes in. I am the queen of a reframe, okay? It's not that I didn't get the role, it's that your movie no longer is gonna be as good as it could have been 'cuz I'm not in it. You didn't break up with me, you released me from being in your wrath. And you can call it delusional, but I call it a reframe."
For Keke, it's about divine alignment, a lesson meant to guide her toward something even better. By shifting her mindset, she reclaims her power and moves forward with confidence.
If there’s one lesson we can take from Keke Palmer’s most inspiring quotes, it’s that perspective is everything. She reminds us that when you believe in yourself, the universe has no choice but to align in your favor.
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The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
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Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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10 of those things are listed down below. And although each of them can benefit you, health-wise, in a myriad of different ways, today we’re going to solely focus on how all of them can be relied upon to get your skin into the kind of condition that you’ve always wanted it to be.
1. Coconut Water Serum
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If you want to get a bit more potassium or antioxidants in your system, coconut water can make that happen. Since potassium is something that helps to keep hydration in your skin and antioxidants are awesome at slowing down the signs of aging, these are already two wonderful reasons to consume coconut water consistently. Aside from that, coconut water is also good for your skin because it contains antimicrobial properties that help to prevent breakouts, plus, it is a solid source of vitamin C which helps to boost collagen production so that your skin has more elasticity.
Wanna hydrate your skin from the outside in? Check out this Coconut Water and Jojoba Oil recipehere.
2. Papaya Masks
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A fruit that also contains a lot of vitamin C and antioxidants is papaya. It also has an impressive amount of Vitamin A in it which is good to know becausevitamin A is a nutrient that can help reduce skin sagging, decrease hyperpigmentation, and even soothe the symptoms that are associated with psoriasis. Since papaya features properties that also fight inflammation, it can help to speed up the healing process of pimples and, if you’re looking forfree radicals to stay far away from your skin, papaya can do that for you as well.
Looking for a gentle way to exfoliate your skin while soothing any skin irritation that you may have at the same time? Check out this DIY Papaya Maskhere.
3. Bone Broth
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I am someone who enjoys cooking withbone broth. If you’ve always wondered exactly what it is, bone broth is simply the nutrients that come from animal bones after they’ve been soaking in water for a long period of time.Since bone broth is packed with everything from protein and calcium to magnesium and amino acids, it’s definitely something that can give your skin a boost of health from the inside out. Specifically, the amino acids in bone broth help to reduce inflammation and help you get a good night’s rest (which is paramount as far as achieving glowing skin is concerned).
Also,the collagen that’s in bone broth can help to make your skin firmer and more youthful-looking. So, if you want to proactively help out your skin, cook with bone broth more often. Within a matter of weeks, you should notice a difference.
4. Black Cumin Seed Oil Cleanser
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I ain’t got not one lie to tell you — when it comes to something that is holistically beneficial for your health, black cumin seed oil is that one. So much, in fact, that there are several articles out in cyberspace (like this onehere) that list over 100 ways that it can do wonders for your overall health and well-being. Your skin will adore this particular oil becauseit contains properties that fight acne, treat psoriasis and eczema, andhelp to dissolve warts. Also, this oil contains antibacterial and antiviral properties that help to keep your skin healthy, in general.
If you’re looking for an all-natural way to deeply cleanse your skin, black cumin seed oil can certainly be of great assistance. You can read more about why and how by goinghere.
5. Watermelon Skin Toner
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On the palate tip, few things make me happier than cubes of watermelon (when it’s in season, which is typicallybetween May and September). Since it consists of92 percent water, you know that watermelon is going to hydrate your skin — plus, the vitamin C that’s in it will do a good job of increasing your skin’s collagen production. Some other great things about watermelon (as far as your skin is concerned) is ithelps to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and it can evenhelp to even out your skin tone.
A super refreshing way to tone and tighten your skin is to use a toner that has watermelon in it. A quick and easy recipe that will help you to do just that is locatedhere.
6. Hemp Milk Soap
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At the end of the day, hemp milk is a milk alternative that is made by mixing water and seeds from the Cannabis sativa plant (yes, the plant that makes weed) together. Since there are a lot of fatty acids in hemp milk, that automatically makes it “skin worthy” because fatty acids help to hydrate your skin, improve the texture of your skin, and reverse some of the environmental damage that your skin may be experiencing. Since there are also vitamins A, D, and E in hemp milk, that makes it beneficial for your skin as well because vitamin A can help to unclog your pores, vitamin D can help to cultivate new skin cells, and vitamin E can help to smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
If you’re looking for a way to soothe your entire body with hemp milk, there’s a cool (albeit ingredient-rich) recipe for how to make hemp milk soaphere.
7. Tomato Paste Mask
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It’s not that I don’t like tomatoes, it’s just that…if I go months without eating one, I don’t really notice. I wish that wasn’t the case too becausetomatoes are a good source of fiber, folate, Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and potassium.Your skin needs beta-carotene because it’s an antioxidant that helps to protect it from UV damage and it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that you might have. Some other benefits that come withusing tomatoes for your skin are they reduce skin inflammation, boost collagen production, help to prevent cellular damage and they work well as a skin exfoliant.
So long as your skin isn’t super sensitive (because there is a fair amount of acid that’s in this particular fruit), it will be so happy that you’ve given it a face mask that has tomatoes as one of its main ingredients. StyleCraze has many for you to choose from. Gohere to check ‘em all out.
8. Fig Face Polish
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If you’ve always wondered whatthe difference is between a fig and a date, let’s get free today. Although they both are fruits, figs contain more calcium, aren’t as sweet or sticky and they also have fewer wrinkles than dates do. On the skin health tip, figs contain fiber which helps you to stay regular which can help to detox your system and prevent breakouts.Figs also contain nutrients that can help to speed up the healing process of symptoms that are associated with dermatitis and eczema.
If you’re looking for something that will deeply hydrate and moisturize your skin, figs can do that. Figs also have a pretty good reputation when it comes to removing dead skin cells so that your skin’s texture will be soft and smooth; this is partly thanks to the antioxidants that are in them.
Ready for your skin to have a brilliant glow? Check out this fig face polish recipehere.
9. Aloe Vera and Honey Facials
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There was actually a season in my life when I used todrink Aloe vera juice. Although I preferred to mix it with juice, I must admit that I could tell that it was good for me when it came tomy digestive system. I’m pretty sure that my skin enjoyed it as well, seeing that Aloe vera, internally, also helps to hydrate skin and keep it well-moisturized. If you actually use the gel on your skin,it can help to heal inflammatory acne, speed up the healing process of eczema and psoriasis symptoms and it can even assist withminimizing the appearance of pores.
As far as honey and your skin go, it’s dope because the properties in it will help to treat issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, it can soften the appearance of acne scars and it can even brighten your complexion over time.
If you’re someone who is all about DIY facials, this DIY Aloe & Honey Face Mask (here) will absolutely get you right.
10. Zinc Gel for Glass Skin
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A mineral that your skin definitely needs you to have in your system on a consistent basis is zinc. Studies have proven that zinc can do everything for your skin fromhelping to prevent and heal acne and providing it with protection from the sun tosoothing the symptoms that are associated with eczema and rosacea andhelping to repair DNA damage that could lead to signs of aging. Zinc-enriched foods that can help you to receive these perks internally includelamb, lentils,pecans, shiitake mushrooms, and fortified cereals.
Something else that is high in zinc — chia seeds. That said, if you like the look thatglass skin provides, you can actually make a homemade gel that can help you achieve that look. The instructions that will help you to do so are locatedhere.
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All of these are edible ways to achieve beautiful skin, whether you eat them or apply them.
Give them a shot. They’re delicious (inside) and easy (outside) ways to achieve your skin goals without any of the sometimes expensive, chemical-filled drama that comes with a lot of these commercial brands out here. And that’s just the truth.
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