Cardi B has always been open about her love for her parents, clara almánzar. She often shares how they shaped her life, career, and values. From her childhood in the Bronx to her rise as a global superstar, Cardi B credits her parents for being her biggest support system.
Clara and Carlos come from different cultural backgrounds, with Carlos hailing from the Dominican Republic and Clara being from Trinidad. Together, they raised Cardi B and her younger sister, Hennessy Carolina, in a hardworking and disciplined household.
Here’s everything to know about Cardi B’s parents, their lives, and how they influenced her journey to success.
Who Are Cardi B’s Parents?
Cardi B’s parents, Carlos and Clara Almánzar, are immigrants who worked tirelessly to provide for their family. Their story reflects the struggles and triumphs of many immigrant families in the United States.
Carlos Almánzar: A Hardworking Father
Carlos Almánzar immigrated from the Dominican Republic in the early 1990s, seeking better opportunities for his family. He worked as a cab driver in New York City for many years, navigating the busy streets to make a living. Cardi B has often spoken about her father’s hard work and how he provided for their family despite the challenges of his job.
Carlos Advocates for Cab Drivers
Cardi B has defended taxi drivers on social media, referencing her father’s experiences. She once reacted to a documentary highlighting unfair conditions for cab drivers in New York, saying, “My dad till this day still campaigns for cab drivers because this is some of the bulls— they deal with.”
She has urged people to be kinder to cab drivers, knowing firsthand how demanding the job can be.
Clara Almánzar: A Strong and Strict Mother
Clara Almánzar, Cardi B’s mother, is of Trinidadian descent. She worked as a cashier for most of her life, ensuring her daughters had everything they needed. Cardi has often described her mother as a strict but loving parent who instilled discipline in her children.
Clara Was Protective of Cardi B
Growing up in the Bronx, Cardi B experienced a tough environment. Her mother’s strictness was a way of keeping her safe. In a 2023 interview with Mariah Carey, Cardi admitted, “I think my mom didn’t want me to grow up so fast because the kids around my neighborhood grew up fast.”
Clara was particularly concerned about teenage pregnancy and bad influences, which led her to enforce strict rules on Cardi and her sister, Hennessy.
They Got Divorced When Cardi B Was 13
Carlos and Clara’s marriage did not last. They divorced when Cardi B was 13 years old. However, despite their separation, both parents remained actively involved in their daughters’ lives.
Here’s a bio table for Cardi B’s parents:
| Name | Carlos Almánzar | Clara Almánzar |
|---|---|---|
| Birthplace | Dominican Republic | Trinidad |
| Occupation | Former cab driver | Former cashier |
| Ethnicity | Dominican | Trinidadian |
| Marriage | Divorced (when Cardi B was 13) | – |
| Children | Cardi B, Hennessy Carolina | Cardi B, Hennessy Carolina |
| Known For | Hard work, advocacy for cab drivers | Strict but loving parenting, promoting healthy living |
| Influence on Cardi B | Taught perseverance and work ethic | Encouraged discipline, healthy lifestyle, and love for music |
| Role as Grandparents | Active in Cardi B’s children’s lives | Called “the greatest grandma” by Cardi B |
Would you like any modifications or additional details
How Cardi B Felt About Their Divorce
Unlike many children who struggle with their parent’s divorce, Cardi B once admitted that she saw it as an opportunity for more freedom. She explained, “Both my parents were not on my a– at the same time, I could go outside without one parent noticing.”
Cardi B’s Sister: Hennessy Carolina
Carlos and Clara have two daughters, Cardi B and her younger sister, Hennessy Carolina. Hennessy, born in 1995, is an influencer, reality TV personality, and fashion designer.
Despite their age gap, Cardi and Hennessy share a close bond. Cardi often credits her sister for being one of her biggest supporters.
Clara and Carlos as Grandparents
Cardi B has two children with rapper Offset, and her parents play an active role in their lives. She has called her mother the “greatest grandma in the world” and often shares how helpful her parents are when it comes to taking care of her kids.
In a heartfelt post, Cardi B shared how her mom stayed by her side after she gave birth to her first child, Kulture. “My mom has not left my side not one time,” she said. “This is her first grandkid, so this is all new to her again just as it is new to me.”
Clara Encouraged Cardi to Quit Stripping
Before Cardi B became famous, she worked as a stripper to support herself. While she has spoken positively about the experience, she revealed that her mother was not happy about it. Cardi initially lied to her parents about her job, telling them she was babysitting.
When Clara eventually found out, she was disappointed, which pushed Cardi B to pursue other opportunities. She later credited her mother for inspiring her to leave stripping and chase her dreams.
Carlos and His Love for Food
Cardi B inherited her love for food from her father. She has shared multiple times on social media about the dishes her dad introduced her to, including traditional Dominican foods like mondongo (tripe stew) and snacks like tomatoes with salt.
Clara’s Passion for Healthy Living
While Carlos passed down a love for food, Clara instilled a passion for healthy eating in Cardi B. Cardi has shared that her mom is a health enthusiast who juices vegetables daily and encourages her grandchildren to eat organic foods.
Cardi B’s Musical Taste Comes from Her Mom
Cardi B grew up in a household filled with music, thanks to her mother. She has credited her mom for introducing her to artists like Madonna and the Pet Shop Boys. Cardi once posted a video singing along to Madonna’s “Into the Groove,” saying, “My mom is a big Madonna fan and she passed it down to me.”
Final Thoughts
Carlos and Clara Almánzar played a huge role in shaping Cardi B into the woman she is today. Their hard work, discipline, and love helped her navigate the challenges of growing up in the Bronx and ultimately achieving success.
Despite their divorce, both parents continue to support Cardi and her family. Whether it’s through advocating for taxi drivers, promoting healthy eating, or being loving grandparents, Clara and Carlos remain an important part of Cardi B’s life.
Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the article:
- Who are Cardi B’s parents?
Cardi B’s parents are Carlos and Clara Almánzar. Carlos is from the Dominican Republic, and Clara is from Trinidad. - What did Cardi B’s parents do for a living?
Carlos Almánzar worked as a cab driver, while Clara Almánzar worked as a cashier. - Are Cardi B’s parents still together?
No, Carlos and Clara divorced when Cardi B was 13 years old. - How did Cardi B’s parents influence her career?
Her parents instilled a strong work ethic, discipline, and resilience, which helped shape her journey to success. - Do Cardi B’s parents have other children?
Yes, Cardi B has a younger sister, Hennessy Carolina, who is an influencer and fashion designer.
