Grace Harry, born Grace Michelle Harry in Brooklyn, New York, is a multi-faceted individual whose life has been marked by transformation, creativity, and a focus on joy. Known primarily as the ex-wife of R&B star Usher, Grace is much more than that. Her journey has taken her from a challenging childhood to a dynamic career in music, entrepreneurship, and personal development. Today, she works as a “joy strategist,” helping people connect with a deeper sense of happiness and fulfillment.
Early Life and Challenges
Grace Harry was born on April 2, 1969, in Brooklyn to a teenage mother. Her early years were difficult, as she spent some time in foster care before being reunited with her mother. Her father, whom she described as an activist, struggled with addiction and had periods of incarceration. This background shaped her into the resilient and compassionate person she is today.
Despite these challenges, Grace has openly embraced her mixed-race heritage, with an African-American father and a Caucasian mother. Her upbringing in a diverse and dynamic environment in Brooklyn played a crucial role in shaping her future endeavors in the creative and entertainment industries.
A Diverse Career in Entertainment
Grace’s career began in the culinary world. She started working for catering companies and eventually launched her own catering business. Her first major break came when she served as an executive chef for The Cosby Show. This experience, coupled with her connections in the entertainment industry, helped her transition into a career in music.
Over the next 30 years, Grace held various roles in the music industry, including working as an executive at MCA, Geffen, and Jive Records. Her most notable position was as the Executive Vice President of Marketing and Creative Services at Island Def Jam Records, where she worked with top-tier artists and played a significant role in shaping the careers of numerous musicians. She also managed Usher during their relationship, demonstrating her diverse skill set in both music management and executive roles.
Marriage to Usher and Public Attention
Grace Harry gained widespread public attention when she married Usher Raymond IV in 2015, following his divorce from Tameka Foster. Their relationship had been a significant part of her public identity, with the couple appearing frequently in media coverage. However, the marriage ended in 2018 after three years, with reports suggesting differences in their views on having children. While the separation made headlines, Grace and Usher have maintained a cordial relationship.
Grace is a mother of two children from a previous relationship. Her daughter, Leaf McLean, has followed in her mother’s footsteps into the entertainment world, debuting as a rapper in 2017.
Joy Strategist: A New Career Path
After years of working in high-pressure roles in the music industry, Grace shifted her focus to a more personal mission—helping people find joy. Today, she works as a “joy strategist,” a role she describes as guiding individuals to connect with their authentic happiness. This career change was born out of her own experiences and the belief that joy is not just a destination but a journey of self-discovery and emotional fulfillment.
Grace’s approach to joy focuses on feelings rather than external achievements. Her practice encourages clients to visualize how they want to feel in the future and make choices that align with these emotional goals. This philosophy has resonated with celebrities and individuals seeking a more meaningful life.
Grace operates her joy consultancy, Rapture & Grace, out of a studio in Lower Manhattan, where she helps clients navigate life with a renewed focus on emotional well-being.
Personal Life and Current Relationship
Following her divorce from Usher, Grace found love again with Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the drummer of The Roots and a well-known figure in the music world. The couple keeps their relationship relatively private, occasionally sharing moments on social media.
In addition to her professional achievements, Grace Harry is an active presence on social media, particularly on Instagram, where she shares insights into her life and work with over 35,000 followers. Her social media platforms are an extension of her mission to spread joy and inspire others.
Conclusion
Grace Harry is an inspiring example of resilience and transformation. From a challenging childhood to a successful career in entertainment and a new mission as a joy strategist, she has consistently reinvented herself. Her focus on helping others find happiness reflects her personal journey of overcoming adversity and discovering her own path to joy. As she continues her work in both personal development and the arts, Grace Harry remains a beacon of creativity, strength, and compassion.
