Mari Ssa Roberts.
Each year we celebrate the incredible people that make Nashville a beautiful place to live.This year, we toast a lineup that includes creatives, business people, culinarians, and everything in between. With a passion for philanthropy and a beautiful outlook on life, these are the men and women who make Music City shine.
CeCe Winans
Age: 56
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Occupation: Singer
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I was a licensed cosmetologist and used to own a salon in Detroit before I moved to Nashville.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
My Children, Alvin and Ashley. They are pretty awesome, they love God, and they love people. And of course, my grandson, Wyatt.
How would friends describe you in three words?
I love God, I love my family, and I am a homebody.
Tell us about a skill or activity that you’ve always wanted to try or one you’ve learned and mastered?
One thing that I want to try is painting. I would like to accomplish that one day. I haven’t really put my efforts into it yet, but I do love drawing and painting.
Name the person who has been the greatest influence in your life.
My mom, Delores Winans.
Name an organization or non-profit that you affiliate with outside of work and why it’s important to you.
Compassion International and World Vision. It is important to bless those who are in need and it is important to bless children. Both of those are great organizations.
Tell us about someone you consider a hero and why?
My hero is Bridget Hilliard. She's my mentor and dear friend! Her faith for impossible things to happen has help strengthen my faith in God for myself and countless others!
What are a few of your favorite places in Nashville?
My church, Nashville Life, is my favorite place. I also love the new restaurant Eddie V’s, it is probably my favorite restaurant in Nashville right now. I do enjoy the Green Hills Mall, especially Restoration Hardware, it is also one of my favorite places. It is comfortable, elegant, and relaxing, and is a great escape.
Tell us about your routine/tips for looking and feeling great inside and/or out (salon, spa, fitness, wellness, well-being, etc.)
I think well-being is so important for your spirit, soul, and body. Prayer and meditation for the spirit. Having faith keeps me well inside. Laughter is like medicine for the soul. And I love walking and good food.
Describe your perfect day.
Being home, hanging out with my grandson Wyatt and catching a movie with my husband. Just chilling out, no schedule. The days when I don’t have any schedule are the best.
Do you have a favorite quote you live by that you would like to share (and why)?
“Treat others the way you want to be treated” because whenever you do that, you are going to do your best to honor and treat people right. I aim to do that towards others. That is a powerful thing to live by and if we would all do that, I think we would have a better world.
What is your definition of beauty—as it pertains to yourself and/or others?
I think it’s beautiful when you value yourself and embrace your real self, the gift that God created. We can down ourselves and try to compare ourselves to others but everyone is an important part to life’s puzzle. Everyone is unique and embracing your uniqueness, is beauty.