Well look who went and grew up. And while you might say that “clownish” could be somewhat harsh, let’s not front, that was the look we were seeing from Nicki Minaj for a long time with the bright blue eyeshadow, big eyelashes, bright pink lipstick and wacky wigs. While it’s what helped her get her foot in the door, I guess it’s not something that Minaj felt allowed people to take her seriously. So it’s gone. For now. And honestly, the girl looks ten times better toned down with natural makeup and more chill attire as she covers the April issue of ELLE magazine–the real Nicki Minaj is in the building. And she’s keeping it real in her interview speaking on her goals and struggles she dealt with as a young lady coming from Trinidad on her way to the top:

When speaking on being bullied as a kid:

“I went through a lot of bullying early on. Girls made my life a living hell. We had come to America from a different country. My brother and I had accents. It was very tough. So I’ve always put up this wall— it was a self-defense mechanism growing up— because I was almost expecting people to attack me. And I still have it. It’s sad.”

Minaj discusses the importance of commanding respect no matter what your job title or position in life:

“My advice to women in general: Even if you’re doing a nine-to-five job, treat yourself like a boss. Not arrogant, but be sure of what you want— and don’t allow people to run anything for you without your knowledge. You want everyone to know, Okay, I can’t play games with her. I have to do right by this woman. That’s what it’s all about.”

On her plans to be a mogul by creating a massive empire based on her music success and side business hustles:

“My goal in the beginning was to buy my mother a house. Now I realize, Okay, if I really focus and become a key player in business, then I can build an empire. I’m thinking of a legacy that I can be proud of and wealth that my grandchildren can use to go to college. So world domination— in terms of providing for my family— is absolutely my goal.”

And if you’re wondering what her own thoughts were on stepping back on all the makeup, including her bright pink lipstick (which she still loves and wears) for the shoot, it was a drastic change for the star:

“When I saw myself with barely any makeup at, it was such a… like, I’m so, so attached to my pink lipstick, it’s hard. I feel that it’s become a part of me. To go in front of the camera, without pink lips or big ol’ crazy lashes— you know, nothing— I felt unclothed. It was scary! So this photo shoot was a real accomplishment in my eyes.”

It sure is. Check out more photos from the shoot on their website and pick up the new issue of ELLE when it hit stands on March 26.

Photos courtesy of ELLE by Thomas Whiteside