In Pasadena, California, the atmosphere on set with Cardi B is exactly what one might expect: a mix of high-fashion flair, a preference for Chick-fil-A crushed ice, and the star’s famously unfiltered personality. The 33-year-old artist, known for her chart-topping hits like "WAP," appeared immaculately styled in a custom-made structured teal romper, matching her inch-long nails and an elaborate updo to the cans of Zevia she was promoting. Despite her polished look, she candidly pointed out a flaw in her manicure while posing for the cameras with a megawatt smile.
This shoot marks the launch of her first national campaign as a brand ambassador and shareholder for Zevia, a company known for its "zero fake" sodas. The campaign, which debuts July 21, features the rapper as a "real talk interpreter" who translates conversational subtext into sharp zingers across two commercials. This partnership, which began in March, is a two-year commitment that goes beyond simple promotion; as an equity owner, Cardi B holds a financial stake in the brand. She emphasized that her involvement is driven by a desire for growth, stating, "To me, being a shareholder means that everything that I invest in, everything that I'm a partner with, I want it to be big. I don't want to be part of something that does small projects. I want something where I go to every store and I see my product there."
While fans have previously seen the brand featured on her Little Miss Drama tour, this campaign represents her most visible effort yet. Cardi B explained that her candid nature is simply who she is, noting, "I was born like this." However, she admitted that she does occasionally care about public perception, calling that tendency "terrible." Beyond her public persona, she expressed that she is much savvier than people realize. "I don't think people know how savvy I am," she said. "I think they just see Cardi, and she's loud and she's just herself, but I'm very into securing my future. It's not even about me anymore. It's about my kids; I've got four kids."
Her approach to parenting and health is a significant focus as she navigates her 30s. As a mother to children aged between 8 months and 8 years, she often grapples with the pressure of providing healthy options. "I want to give them healthier candies and healthier sodas, because I just feel like, 'Damn, am I doing something bad when I get them something that is really not healthy?'" she confessed. "It makes me feel like I'm a bad person, like a bad mom, but it's like… everything in moderation."
Regarding her own health, she admits she is not a "super healthy freak girl" but is becoming more conscious of her choices. "I'm a little bit older, and now I'm being more careful in the things that I consume," she said, noting that she balances her occasional indulgences, like eating 10 chicken wings, with healthier habits. She also shared her specific pet peeves regarding grocery delivery apps. "I don't buy poultry through the app, and I don't like buying a lot of vegetables and fruits from the app because they don't be picking the freshest things like you would," she explained, joking about receiving rotten sweet potatoes. "Yo, put a little bit of love in picking my order."
While her charisma has shone in projects like "Saturday Night Live" and the 2019 film "Hustlers," Cardi B clarified that she is not currently prioritizing an acting career. "I'm not really too heavy on that," she said. "I'm not a set girl, for real. I really don't like sitting on set all day." Ultimately, her drive remains rooted in her long-standing ambition. "I always wanted to win," she declared. "Before I had kids, I always wanted to be successful."
Though the "Love & Hip Hop: New York" alumna has been outspoken about the hard work that's gone into becoming a self-made woman and her passion for building her own businesses, "I don't think people know how savvy I am," she says.
