The former Destiny's Child singer was convinced she would be more successful if her brown skin was fairer.
Kelly told website Essence.com: "It's said that brown skinned girls don't sell magazines and that's so sad.
"I remember wishing I was more fair skinned, but Tina Knowles, Beyoncé's mom, would say, 'Don't you know how beautiful you are?' She made me come into my brown beauty. I didn't get it, but now I do."
Thanks to Tina's advice, Kelly insists she was able to accept herself for who she really is and be proud of her heritage.
The 26-year-old star said: "I am chocolate and beautiful and loving it!"
