LOS ANGELES: Soul singer Joss Stone fired her mother as her manager because she knew she could do the job better herself. The 23-year-old is taking charge of her career after releasing her fourth album, Colour Me Free!, last month (October 9) following a dispute with her record label EMI which caused a year-long delay.

Now she’s handling her business affairs on her own after dismissing mum Wendy from her camp. She explains, “I’ve had a few managers before but I’m doing it for myself now. I just thought it wasn’t right. I am better at managing myself.” But the star insists the move has actually helped to heal the relationship she has with her mum, adding, “I wanted my mum to be my mum... not be talking about business and money with me. I wanted to have her back to talk to me about love, boys and be her daughter and she is fine with it. I missed our old relationship.”