In anticipation of the Confessions of a Video Vixen 20th Anniversary Edition release on March 4, 2025, I’m revisiting my 2015 one-on-one conversation with Karrine Steffans.
Two decades ago, Karrine exposed the hidden truths of fame, relationships, and exploitation in the hip-hop industry—issues that are just as relevant and visible today. Her story remains a raw and unforgettable look at a world most only see from the outside. Tap in for the flashback!
Orsayor: What inspired you to write Vindicated?
Karrine: When I signed the deal for Vindicated, I had no idea what this book would be about. My publisher wanted something similar to my first book, maybe even my second, but there was no was I could deliver a story that never happened. Besides, my life belongs to me now and I keep the details of it private. When trying to decide what there was left to write about, there was only one story that no longer belonged to me, only one part of my life that needed to returned to the universe, and that’s from where Vindicated came.
Orsayor: How did you come up with the title?
Karrine: I’m sure I went through a few names and utilized my thesaurus during that search. I was looking for the perfect synonym for how I feel after such a long journey, after keeping so many hurtful details of my life secret for nearly a decade, and after allowing other people to lie and misrepresent me. With this book, I feel and I am vindicated. There was no other title that could have fit.
Orsayor: What is your favorite motivational phrase?
Karrine: I have so many, all of which I have created and coined. Maybe my favorite is, Turn your mess into a message and you’ll never regret a day of your life. I live by this mantra, never regretting one single thing that happens in my life, understanding that God allows everything and it is up to me to use what he had allowed to show His grace and mercy.
Orsayor: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Karrine: I wouldn’t give my younger self any advice. She did a good job! She survived situations that would have killed a weaker person. I’m proud of her and because of who she was, I am the woman I am. What do you do to keep yourself centered?” I am a huge proponent of centering. I am centered everyday. I find peace and joy in everything and I am grateful for it all. I live a quiet life with very little fanfare, stay home more than I venture out and only do things I enjoy. I am the boss of me and I make the rules around here, never putting myself in the position to do or be anything I don’t want to. I live in a bubble, really, and I love it.
Orsayor: What would you like readers to take away from your book?
Karrine: Literature is art and art is subjective. There is no way I can dictate or even suggest what others take from Vindicated. I never write books with an idea of what I want other people to derive from them; I write books for the purpose of catharsis. Every reader will interpret the work in their own way and I always find it interesting to hear from readers who tell me what each book has done for them. So, I look forward to that with this book, as well.
Orsayor: Is there one question above all else that you don’t want to answer about yourself?
Karrine: What is the question? Haha! No. There is no question I wouldn’t answer, especially about myself. Only weak, shameful, fearful people are afraid of their own truths and I am not one of them.
Orsayor: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Karrine: As always, the Karrine & Co. website (karrineandco.com) is the portal to everything I think, say, write, and do. There, readers are lead to all my social networks, the Steffans Publishing website, as well as my health, beauty, and lifestyle website, The Gorgeous Girl’s Guide. There is access to upcoming events, free online courses, my Dear Gorgeous advice column, and so much more. I have built a useful, meaningful brand for my readers, of which I am very proud.
