Financial Transparency and Future Outlook

Your package says deeliver But delivered where exactly? The hallway, the lobby, your neighbor's apartment? Instead of playing detective with your deliveries, get a mailbox at the UPS store. We'll sign for your packages. Text you when they arrive. And keep your deliveries low key. Under locking key, get three months free mailbox services with a new annual agreement at the UPS store For full details and to get your coupon, visit the UpSstore d. com slash offer. This one's for all my TV lovers. My Entertainment from DirectTV gets you sixty plus channels and Disney pllus Vulu and HBO Max all in one pack. But here's the thing. With so much great TV and My enttertainment, you're gonna want to talk about everything you've been watching. Just remember that your friends might not be as well watched as you. Don't be a spoiler, and encourage them to get My Etertertainment for just thirty fourll ninety nineents month. Go to directtV dot com slash genre packs and sign up today comers only service news not unless cancel cardquire coitionions supplied apps,TM m basic A thats bes after directiv by day trial or direct dot restriction supply Eelly, welcome to the show. Thank you. We are so excited to have you. honored. I amm so excited to be here. Where do we start? We were actually before we just started talking, we were talking about didid not know you were a twin mom. Yes, I'm a twin mom. I mean, I've been a twin mom for ten years now she's get She's gonna turn ten. Yeah She's gonna turn ten. They're gonna to do at the same time. That's crazy. And then they're gonna want different birthday parties. Oh Yeah. It was so funny. Nally was telling me the story last week. you went to the grocery store? I don't know what story you're gonna to tell, so I don't know. said he' never met Oh yeah, It was kind it's always this funny because like ever since we found out now I was pregnant with twins, the amount of like twin parents we've met, right? And it just seems like, you know, it's one of those things, you know when you break up with someone and then you're like, I've always se their goddamn car everywhere. everything reminds you of them, but you're kind of like looking for it, but I don't know if it's like the universe but Now I went to the grocer st and you tell the story. I went to the grocery store and the sweet man bagging the groceries Yeah You know, wow, how far along are you look like you're close? And I'm like, yeah, I am, you know, And he said, is this your first? And I said it's my second and third. And he was like, I've never met anyone with twins. Never in my life have I met a twin? with twins. Yeah. And I thought that it just made me think. it felt so fascinating because you know how in life like we're just kind of like we have that tunnel vision. Yes you know, we're just kind of like And until something gets brought into our world because like I certainly have met twins. Yes. But like ever since we found out N I was pregnant with twins, I can't tell you how many like we went on vacation and we ran like and the lovely lady who was like concierge kind And she, you know, it was early in the pregnancy and it came up. She's like, I'm a mother of twins. And then we met a couple on their You and they were like, we have twins. And it was like it's so weird the universe. And it's so empowering First of all, you are absolutely Gorgeous. Like you are like blowing. and I'm seriously. And just to think like as a woman, like you just being able to carry Two children at a time fununny story, I would have never thought I would be pregnant with twins. You know, like I would have twins. Yeah. So the last person in my family That was pregnant with twins was my grandmother, who's Nana, who I named the restaurant after. we were gonna ask gu. And she lost her twins when she was, you know, So I mean, Nana' eighty eighty eight now And you know, just think about back in the day, they clearly they didn't have all of the resources that they, you know, that we have now And when I found out so she told me that I was pregnant with twins. so I had I found out I was pregnant and she said when you go to the doctor, I want her to check for twins because you're having twins. And I was like, Nana You are trippid. like you' taken up No way. No Okay, you know. And I get to the doctor and u I said, hey, you know, my grandmother said that I was pregnant with twins, can you just look and just make sure it's one baby So the nurse looks and she says, well, tell your grandmother she's wrong because you're only pregnant with one So the next literally the very next day, I go back This time I went back without my husband because he had to like go out of town or something, and he was like, you sure yall want me stay? I was like No, it's not my first rodeo. You know I can do this. You know, I'll call you and tell you, you know, when we're having a baby So I'm doing the ultrasound because at this point, you know, we're trying to figure out how far along I was because it wasn't planned clearly And the ultrasound tech is like taking before ever And I was like Everything okay. They really li it. like how is it taking so long? you know And she's like, I'm sorry, I'm going gonna have to go and get the doctor. Girl, the doctor came and she said 'cause you know, it was Ferreal at the time. And she's like, Mrs. Ferrell. I have some news to tell you. and I said, well, is it? And she's like You're pregnant with twins I went on, you just told me you was just one baby And she's like, well, that's the other part. And I said, Well, what is it? She said, you're pregnant with something called monochromatic twins. and it short for Momo twins So I'm like, so what does that mean? Because I was just here yesterday and you said that I was only pregnant with one And she said, so Momo twins are in the same se So when she looked yesterday, you know, the day before, she only looked for the sack. She didn't look for anything else. So she, you know, so When pregnant with Momo twins, it's the most high risk pregnancy that you can have. So what people don't know is Momo twins are twins right before you become conjoined. So I had a really high risk and it was like one out of two hundred thousand pregnancies, you get Momo twins and typically one twin doesn't make it. So I had to live in the hospital for about three months So I lived in a hospit I was on bedrest for twenty three hours a day. I only had one wheelchair ride a day for one hour And I would have my husband take me downstairs and McDonalds And I love a fish fillet toill this day. fet. Fish fillt and Big Macs were my theme. And I had one wheelchair ride today and I'll never forget the doctor wrote on this board in my hospital room Stay pregnant as long as possible. That was your goal. That night before I went in Labor Because we you had a planned labor because I knew I had to have a C section. you couldn't go the full term.. It's too high risk And that whole night, I mean, I was like a miserable. And the next day the doctor came in and did his rounds and he said, Mrs Ferrell You're having twins today. And I was like, what? And I remember crying and I was like birthdaysriday thirenth. So they were born on Friday and thirteenth. And then the other thing I thought about was Be at that time like I had people that would come into the hospital like do my nails, do my toes, do my hair, like my because I live there. L I literally had to be, you know contrapped to make sure that my babies would live and make it. And u yeah, I have them Friday the thirteenth and I'll never forget it. and they were my miracle babies. They're my m They're so special. So. To say twins and have, you know identical twin girls and just be a twin mom is so special. J enjoy every single moment because they go so fast. they It go so fast, but it is the I mean, it's fun. It's like, how many did you have before you had your twins? Two. Okay. So we have one and I felt like this pregnancy, it's what you were just asking me if I had a registry. I'm like I or a baby shower. I had no idea. it feels so foreign. It feels like this is my first pregnancy, like I have no idea what I'm doing Is that normal? Yes. Okay. Once you have them and you welcome them into this world you it's like a light. It's like it's something that's so empowering and so inspirational. likeike it's it's a beautiful thing. It's, I mean, it's You're strong. like you are amazing to carry Two babies, give birth, give life Breastfeed. I mean, all of the things,'re gonna, you're gonna figure it out. Something like clicks The only thing I would probably suggest is I'm sure my kids have been mixed up several times at this morning. Well they say Is there a possibility Yes It is the other No seriously. entire I took I have all the craziest like twin stories. We like made a mistake and took one baby to the hospital thinking it was the other baby and we got there and you're like this was sick. was like likes look fine.all I'm telling you. and you know, so we So they were in NICU for a very long time. So one twin came home before the other twin. That was probably one of the hardest things Once we got them both home, we had to do bracelets because I mean, they were literally identical. I mean, identical And baby once those bracelets came off, a few times, we They're not the right people. But they're fine. They're f. But they're doing great. great. Do they still look identical today? T people to me. I mean, I know, you know, I mean every now and then they have their days and I'm like, Who is that? Do they mess with you? They don't, but they mess with their teachers And they just got to this point. and I'm like, you can't be doing this because I won't take them out of the same class. I'm like, it's no way I'm putting you in separate classes. That mean I have to get double. I already get double everything, but then I gott to go to two different things. I'm like, you're gonna make my life as easy as I can until I can't. So But they have fun with it, you know, Other people get them mixed up, But their personalities are so different. Really? Yeah. And then they got to the age now where they don't want to dress alike. They're like, o, you were crying I dont realize how emotional I would be when I'm like You don't want to wear the same thing. and it's like No, mom, like I have one twin who loves one of Chastity loves skirts and Chelsea loves sweatpants. Like they just they are complete opposite. So I just I have to also realize that I have to let them be their own individual selves. So you know, they The twin life is very, very, very. How was it? we were talking about this morning because like we have River, a two and a half year old. and obviously like she's our first. Yes. The quality time that we both get to have with her is always special. Yes now that River's getting older, like it's I'm bonding with her more. Yeah. And I was honestly thinking about this last night where it's just like Not that I'm worried. I obviously will love them the same, but like there's just how do I love both of them at the same time and bom with them in a way that I was able to do with her with with just my daughter. Yeah. How did you figure that out or did that was like Is that something that you process or it just takes care of itself? becausecause it almost feels like Yeah, there was always these special moments and it was just River. I so many videos of like when they're both crying, how do you choose whichich one which Well, you want the crying to stop. So at this point it doesn't matter Who has the runniest tears at this point One thing I can say is First, I think it comes natural because I had two when I was pregnant with my twins and chance You know, and I was in the hospital. so it was really, really, really hard to like do that. What I've enjoyed now with my girls is that even with the twins, like we have separate dates. like we have separate moments now. So like we love getting cheeseburgers and Chastie was like, I don't want to go. I'm just gonna let you and Chelsea go And then sometimes you know, so it be me and Chelsea, and then Chelsea's like, let's go get ice cream Chelsea wants to stay home I'll take, you know, so we have our separate times I mean, it's pretty hard, you know,. But I've they actually enjoy it and they enjoy like having that one on one You see them kind of gravitate for that independence. Absolutely. They want that independence. They want their separate times, right? Because the twins They're known as twins and They say to me or they'll correct someone. They'll say, please don't call us twins call us, you know, call me by my name because you know, in the family we' be like twins C twin twins. Yeah, it's like twin. And now they're getting older and like U no, please don't call me twwin. I'm Ch I'm Chelsea or I'm Chassity and they speak You know, they and they say it in the way where it's like, well, that's what they said. You got to call them by their name. So they are learning how to you know, individualize and identify as, you know, separate now. How old was Chloe in Chance when you were pregnant in the hospital when you were made to be state stand? Chloe was probably Chance was like three So she was close to Rver's age. So she was like three at that time and it was really u I remember Chance like, can you please like shut them up? Like like Chance is like, These babies are crying. They won't stop crying, Mommy. I think I have a video of Chan saying like, Mommy, the babies just won't stop crying And, you know I must say that I'm forever grateful to My grandmother, Nana, who literally once You know, once she found out that I was pregnant with twins, she was living in Maryland at the time. And once I told her about this pregnancy and this high risk because my parents were also in Maryland Um, Nana sold her house and moved to Georgia to help me. And that's how that's what many people don't know. That's how I nam the restaurant after her is because she literally You know, she wasn't working, she was retired and my grandfather had, you know, been passed away for some time and she said, I'm gonna help you raise these babies. So technically, I'm just a surrogate at this point. You know, we always say Nana's like their real mother. What was her intuition that made her know that you were gonna to have twins? I mean, let her tell it, she's, you know, she knows everything. And she did She knew that. That's like, you know Yeah, I'm not the most spiritual person, but you hear stories. It was very spiritual. Yeah throughroughout that whole period, I'm sure was very overwhelming. How did you push through that and find strength and find like makeake yourself not be in that rut. like, no, I'm actually doing what's best for my babies right now. That was hard. Yeah I mean, it was really hard being away from the girls Um You know, it was like during I remember it was like Halloween time and I couldn't take them trick or treating. I'm a really big holiday person as well Um, so, you know, trigg or treating and like first days of school, like it was really really hard, but I knew that also, you know, my goal was to try and deliver very healthy babies as much as I could And on top of that, you know Um Not only were they Momo twins, monochromatic twins, but like I spoke about on the show last season, my twins also had OI. They had osteogenis imperfecta, which was brittle bones disease, which I raised money for. last season. and so that was really, really hard. So it wasn't just even delivering them and getting them here safely. It was also being able to handle any challenge that they might have faced because at that point, they said it was a fifty percent chance And we didn't know until One of the babies were had a broken bone Um like from the nurse feeding her. And I mean, that was the part for me that That was the hardest That was that was one of the hardest, hardest challenges, but is that something they still deal with today or is that something that Yeah, so they out they outgrow it basically. It never leaves them, but then they get so strong now that they it no longer affects them. So what I realized about them is they had a They have like a stage one where it's like, you know They only deal with it up until like one or two years old. And then after that, I mean, they flip dip Dive. Yeah. I mean, they are so healthy and thriving and doing absolutely amazing. You know, I would just recommend and encourage to just Give that time, give yourself grace too, because I That's a lot. Give yourself grace and u Take time for yourself you know, really, honestly, like after having the babies time for yourself and step as that, even if it's for an hour a day, you know what I mean? Just sit in your space and just get your everything back together, you know, for you so you can show up. as mom, his wife is everything else. Yeah I feel like I could pick your brain about this. we' talk about it all day. I'll tell it Well, obviously, we are entering a period of saving as much money as possible because we've got twins coming and we're adding two more mouths to feed to this family. But my love for designer bags and jewelry has just like not left magically. It's still here. But thank God I found Vivrel long, long, long time ago because they have saved me so much time and money. Vivrel is a membership that gives you access to designer bags and jewelry without having to commit to a single piece Once you're accepted into the club, you choose the piece you want and it gets delivered right to your door. You can keep a piece for as long as you want, swap it out when you're ready for something new, or you can buy it at a price that is so much lower than what it would be if you bought it from the store. So they have brands like Chanel, Louisuitton, Gucci Dior, and more. They're constantly adding new inventories. so the website is so much fun to browse currently borrowing the Row bucket bag, which is the bag ying for so long, it was so expensive and I thought, you know what? I'm just going to borrow it from Vivrel. and I'm so glad that I did. Go to wWW. Vivrel dot com and apply for a membership today using referral code ViLL for your first month of membership free. That's VI V R E LL E dot com use code ViLL for your first month free, valid for US residents only must be eighteen and up Acceptance into the club is not guaranteed, code is only valid for first time members Tunel you've heard us talk about tunnels many times, Be because we love it. It's truly the at home gym that does it all. and I don't care who you are. If you are an absolute big time gym person, you like you know, you're a bodybuilder, you like building up big strong muscles The tonal is perfect for you. if you're like my parents in your seventies. And obviously being physical and working out is super important. It has really helped my dad's flexibility and mobility. No matter what your preferences are, whether you like yoga classes, pilate classes, bar, fitness, cross training, they have trainers for everything Tona provides the convenience of a full gyem and the guidance of a personal trainer all at home with one sleek system Tonal gives you real time coaching throughout your workouts to help you improve your form and ensure you're training safely and effectively. It's also super intuitive and smart. It keeps track of your weights and increases your weight. So that way you're actually getting stronger and stronger. That's something I always struggle with before I use a Tonal. I would just keep doing the same exercises, lifting the same weights. and when you do that, you actually aren't getting any real progress. withonal Every time you do your workout, you're actually getting something out of it. Right now, Tonal's offering our listeners two hundred dollars off your Tonal purchase with promo code Vi ALL. that is tonal d. com usese promo code ViLL for two hundred dollars off your purchase. That's toonal d. com promo code Vi ALL for two hundred dollars off Don For forget, Vial Files plus now offers ad free episodes for all Vial files episodes including As Nick, reality Recap and going deeper plus. If you love As Nick, you will absolutely love our As Nick updates where you get updates of your favorite calls, our deep dive on all your favorite reality recap TV shows And our pop culture roundups. where we talk about all your favorite pop culture topics that we didn't get to in this week's episode. Plus deep dives on our going deeper guest and so much more. All you have to do is go to Valf's plus and you will be lucky you did I do want to know how you got onto the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Were you a fan of the show? What was going on during that period of your life I wasn't a fan of the show. So I hadn't watched the show in years. L I'm not if anyone knows me, I'm not a huge TV person. I don't watch television. I barely know where the remote is in my house, especially in my room. I did watch the show like back in the day. I mean, I think everybody did, right? One of those first seasons when it first came out I hadn't watched this show in years. However, I was approached three times about the show. The first time I was actually married to my ex husband at the time, and you know, he basically said absolutely not. The second time I was u J newly going through my divorce. and I knew that I was not in the right space to navigate being on reality TV. And the third time, I mean, shit is two years later still going through a divorce might as well might as well document and share my journey. So yeah, I mean, it just, you know, it all worked out. And prior to that, you were just having a successful career Being a restaurant is it restaurantur? Restaurantur. Restaurant Restaurantour? Yes. Is that always a passion of yours? I've been in the restaurant business for ten years, and a lot of people don't know. I just talked about this on another show I did a TV prior to being on reality TV. So I did a ton of cooking shows.. I was on one of Oprah's first cooking seriesood food fantasies I had done about three shows on Food Network. You know, I've done cooking things on like Hallmark Good morning America, Axcess Hollywood. So I was in my own right already doing amazing things pertaining to food not just showing my other life, you know, other part of my life. And it is something that I've always enjoyed, although you would have never told me I would be a restaurantur. My degree was in fashion merchandising and design. It had nothing to do with food. And I did this little thing for the first time in my life where I did a vision board And on the vision board, I put everything that I wanted And u We had, you know, a restaurant on there and Um cars and vacations and houses and all the things that I just, you know, wanted to manifest in my life. Um that year, we opened up Nana Chicken and waffles The day after Christmas, the twins were one and I was a nut case. And I'm like, what am I doing opening up a restaurant the day after Christmas And we had been working on it so long. I was like, well, we're just gonna turn open light the open sign on and see if people come happens. And from there scary. Literally. It was crazy. And from there, that's how Nana's manifested. So do you like to cook? I enjoy cooking.. What's your favor thing to cook? like to cook I cook a little bit of everything. I'm not like a one thing girl. What I can say is like I like to cook stuff that's fast. I don't want to be in the kitchen all day. Now Sundays I will. like I have to be in the mood and my family knows that, but I'll cook like bigig Sunday dinner for my family. My dad It's probably so bad. My dad recently had just got out in the hospital. He had to have open heart surgery And he requested that I cook some oxttails. And o I was like, Dad, I'm not gonna be responsible. He's a guy. Every time I go to the grocery store, you know, you get like a steak and they have like some kind of like oxtails or like like aull octopus I am the person that's getting the oxtails, all of the oxtails. Wow. So I cooked a beautiful dinner in oxtails. What does oxtail taste like Amazing. You gott to try my oggails, you know, would do it with the gravy and onions and U beans and bell pepper. Who taught you how to cook? My mother and my grandmother, really? Yeah, My mother and my grandmother. Are you kind of doing that with your girls too or are they? Yes they. Yeah. so Ch the twins really enjoy cooking. The twins are like little old ladies. I probably shouldn't say the twins, but Chastis and Chelsea are like little old ladies. They love to cook, they love to they knit, they crochet U They love horseback riding. They're like just the ultimate like dynamic duo. You said, I think was Your first season that coming on Atlanta Housewivise felt like divine timing. What was it about that that felt like it was you mentioning that was your third time being asked, but what was it about that that felt divine and it felt like this was the moment you were supposed to say yes to this opportunity? It was empowering for me. I just felt like I was in a space of my life where a chapter Really a story had ended and this new space in my life is starting. and it's What better way than to document that? Right and to like journal For me, I feel like being on the show is like me just journaling Everything, the good, the bad and the ugly, but it was also that I wanted to be in a space where I would motivate and inspire the next man or woman after divorce not to give up, right? Be U, yeah, you know, some people go through divorces and It's easy, you know, or they might You know, they figure it out. I didn't get that. I wasn't fortunate enough to get that opportunity to have it so easy And I knew that u It would be difficult But for me, it was just empowering and motivating to to share what that looks like and to know that, hey, I'm gonna fucking get through this, you know? I'm going to evolve. I'm going make these restaurants work. I'm going to still be an amazing mom. I'm still going to be a great friend. I'm still going to be a great daughter and sister. And you know, I'm gonna keep going just because that part of my life ended It didn't mean that just everything else around me had to fail. And I just wanted to make sure that Most importantly, I show my daughters, you know, with that strength and resilient. I mean, obviously, divorce is so difficult and traumatizing for everyone involved especially the couples, but like so many people with children who go through divorce. The co parenting aspect, obviously is is it difficult and every situation is different What have you what was been what was the most difficult part about figuring out how co parenting worked for you too And what was something that you learned or maybe advice for you that you have for anyone going through divorce? barking on this early stage is worried about how am I going to figure out how to take care of the thing I love the most, my children with someone that I I'm not Like I'm at such odds with. L how did you navigate that? Well, one is I haven't navigated that. Okay. All. We are not in a space where we co parent just yet I do know that having to co parent with someone that you are trying to heal from can be very difficult. And I think That's the space that I am right now. you know, we still have some Core issues, we still have some issues that are we're trying to get resolved. you know, the main priority for me is Always my girls. That has always been the most important place in my life is to make sure that my girls are not affected by our decision, you know, as much as possible, right? So whether that be just having a parent present and showing up for them or You know, our lifestyle changing. People don't realize that. like I my my kids wouldn't know I asked I actually asked Chance. I said, well You know, do you see anything different? you know, besides dad not being with us and she said No, because it didn't. And that was the most important part for me, right? It was like I want to make sure they still go on vacations. I want to still make sure they can do all their extracurricular activities. I want to make sure that they still feel supported, you know, like I People don't realize that part about it when you don't have another parent that is present because For whatever reasons. Do you feel really proud of yourself for being able to maintain that for them? Absolute fuckingutely Yes. I I really do, you know? like That was the one thing for me where it's like I got to figure I got to figure this out, you know, and I think as a mom, you know, just just being a strong woman and saying, I'm not going to allow This to take me down Wh, if maybe more than one, has been like your support system, you know We are so we talk about we're so grateful to have each other.. know, when you're when a relationship's feeling good, it's if nothing else, just, you know, the word partner means so much more. Y It's like when you're nervous or scared about what's going on, you turn to that person. Obviously, when you go to the divorce, that person that that person who is no longer? Yeah. Do you have people in your life that you have replaced that, not necessarily romantically, but have shown up for you in a way where like you're feeling scared, you're worried. Who are those people for you these days? My village. I mean, I have a village when I say You know, my amazing mom, my grandmother, my dad My sisters, I mean, my friends, you know? Um team, you know, like my My publlic is my like all these people like really showed up for me at the time where I truly did need them the most, you know And I am forever grateful for that. My village, my family, my friends, they They all pitched in and they still do, you know? And even, you know, my my guy now. I mean, he has vet Jarvis, yeah. Oh my God. Hes are great Jarvis has not missed one of Chance's cheer competition. W. I mean, he is Like he like a cheer dad around here. Like I mean, he has really showed up in some of the most important phases of our lives and I'm forever grateful. Did you expect that from him or was that just where you like Total surprise. he's just filling shoes that he didn't even need to fill. Totally surprised. Yeah, I don't have it I would never wantan to hold that expectation from anyone you know, is it appreciated? Absolutely., But, you know, he He came in and u She's just been a really great guy to me and the girls. and I really appreciate that. has a different relationship with each of them. And I think it's super cool. We always say Chance is his favorite. He's gonna to be mad. I said that, but How did he go about like he had to have a conversation with you first or was did he just kind of start showing up in ways and kind of getting to know them or was it more like, hey, is it cool? He always ask. He is he always ask. He's always like I mean, he is so respectable like when it comes to like the girls and like E like standover. like it's like a whole thing. like it's not You know, it took a very long time before he would even like come over and do things and but But always and sometimes the girls would ask him and then he would say, is it okay? You know, he would always he always getivs my permission. like, is it okay to come Is it okay? and He hasn't missed that one. Does it feel like almost like because it must be so challenging for any person to come in a relationship and they already have kids But it must be like such a green flag for you just as like, who am I dating because it like Nots say forces them, but it gives it sounds like it's given him an opportunity to show you just like how considerate he is Be like, you know, he's always like checking in in ways that like sometimes you have to date someone a period of time for they have an opportunity to know that they're really being consideredate because it's always easy to show up early on and do the thorings and whatever course. Yeah. But has that been like in a way that's giving you ability to trust who he is as a partner, how he's shown up for your children? Yes. I mean, that's super important It's it's one thing to show up for me, but to show up for the extensions of me is is huge, you know?, And consistency. That was one of the things too, because it's like, okay, well, you'll go to the first one he went and This's the second one You know, and no matter what always shows up. hates your competition this weekend. I mean, who knows it more than I do. I love mean He's been pretty good to me and I'll never forget we were actually on the trip in Dallas and Chance had something. And I said, you know, I'm not going to make it back in time And he was there, he was early. He sent me all the videos and the pictures and all of the things. and I was like, Dan, that's a good man, Savannah man good man, Savannah. I ask, does he have kids as well or? He does. He has two older kids and they're men, you know, their sons. So he didn't he's never had girls either. so got a pretty They giveave him a runnt for his money. Oh, I'm sure they did. Was it his decision to be secretive or was that kind of y'all coming together, you being in the public? It was both of our decisions. I mean You know, I'm dating I'm trying to navigate the space and um Still take my time and not give people so much Um, about that I mean, I was also, you know, going through a very nasty chapter of my life. so I wanted to protect him from that as well, you know Um, for so many reasons. and u You know, this is this is my life not his But he's so supportive and people don't realize that, right? So it's like Even though you might not see him on the camera, he's probably beside me. You know what I mean?. You know, he's been I mean, we go a lot of places. so it's not that he's a secret. I think he's just just trying to protect what, you know, I love and I want to make sure that It's the right thing. and when it's the right time, I mean, he'll come, you know, you'll see him on camera a little bit.. One thing I honestly love your advice on And I'm just curious. like as a public figure, you know, we're in the public eye a little bit. River's too young to be have any idea what that means Yeah. But like it's weird to think that at some point we're going to have to like explain Yes the bizarrenness of our lives. Yeah. I don't know if you had this conversation before housewives because you know, you were certainly like very successful known, but obviously being on TV and housewives is a whole different element. How did you explain to your kids as you were about to become a housewive, like what that was going to look like. And like what advice would you have for us at the right time when you know, River gets to be a certain age of how to like normalize something in a way that's not normal, but not have it like change their perspective about who her parents are. So I didn't know That it was going to be as big as it was. I had no clue it was going be as big as it was. So, you know, I talked to them about being on the show. I'm like, we're gonna to be on TV and, you know, little something. They might, you know, people might know us every now and then. because I mean people would know me but not like know me like that, not like go in publics know me, right And first season, the twins were like My teacher asked about you, mom, and I'm like, o likeike So A the conversations with them, the great thing about my kids is I'm just their mom. They could care less about any of this Chance will humble me so bad She will humble me so bad. like Nobody cares about you You're not that famous. But then she just told me Yeah, M, I want to go to Miami for my birthday Nepple Baby Sell. I was like N How is that? What the hell is that? Nepple Baby Sle I'd almost be impressed. Anybody seen this trend of Nepple Babyell? Okay, it's a thing. It's something like when your parent is a celebrity and it's like, you know, it's like you're a trust fund baby. It's like a big I don't know She sent me some crazy. She's thirteen. Yeah, funn. I'm like fun. You're going to Chucky cheese. How about that? You're gonna have all, you know, unlimited pizza. I can just imagine you're going to like a parent teacher conference you're like, yourour kids are great, but can we talk about episodes talk about five. I mean, it's so funny. So I mean, you know, the fans The fans are fans the kids don't watch the show. you know, they couldn't really film with me this season, but the They still don't really watch the show Chloe watches this show every now and then and u just, you know, we don't take it so serious. I think the only time Chloe probably got upset Oh, Chloe is like These fans are so silly I think you bought me eighteen bags, but didn't buy me a car you know, we don't have to explain everything everything them. you know, Chloe got a car before She even had a driver's license. She got her car and took her driving test in her brand new car And it's like, you know, we don't have to explain everything to them, but I mean, we just have fun with it. You know, the girls do I appreciate people and fans for not like sometimes approaching me when I'm out with the girls or You know, I look homeless half of the time that I am like running my errands Um, but Im you know, I have fun with the fans I speak. I try and take as many pictures I'm at my restaurant all the time, so I'm really working and people are very respectful of that. appreciated, but it is a different life to navigate, you know, I'm not Just say any more. I have to be a little bit more conscious of you know, who I'm with and what I'm doing and places and just for safety reasons too, you know, I mean, just for the girls I'll never forget. and that's what I realized. I was like, o, damn, this is really happening. The girls were the nanny was getting the girls off the bus And the person wrote past and said, You're the girls from Houselaws of Atlanta. And the Nanny was like, no more bus for them. I was like, Um, and that was probably one of the only things, you know, but they Listen, they enjoy the perks. Nepabyyle. Neepo Baby style. You opened up this season about not being able to film with younger three. Did they struggle with that in seeing Chloe film or were they totally understanding No, they were not understanding. No, no, no That was so hard just because I am a single mom. is That is my life. Like not being able to share my life. was the hardest thing because it's like I it was like a piece of my a huge piece of my life that was missing You know U, of course You know, they enjoy watching Chloe and They actually went with me when I took Chloe to Filman, people just didn't see that. Me, my mom, Nana, the twins, chance, we all did, you know, a whole generational celebration for her to be there. so all of us could experience it. But no, they were really hurt by that. and that was a really uncomfortable conversation that I had to have with them because they, you know They and they enjoyed you know, those Mommy and me moments with the camera, you know, they enjoyed and, you know, just having fun like we normally do we would do on an ongoing basis. So They were really disappointed about that and I had to, you know, just I had to tell them the truth. And that's one thing that was a little uncomfortable for me, you know, but I had to. I didn't want them to find out from anywhere else. and that was a whole thing at that time. and So yeah, but, you know, they They understood and u But it was difficult for them. It really was. It was difficult because Like last season, you know, we I had a huge like watch party running out the movie theater and they invited their friends and their, you know,, you know, they invited people to like, we're going to be on TV, you know? And they were super excited about that. and Even still, you know, but they I love that my girls are understanding and they give Mommy a lot of grace And you know They always know as well that Mommy is fighting reallyally, really hard for them. And That's the part that was most important you know? and, um Yeah, I'll just leave it at that You recently did go back to Potter What was your reasoning for that? Oh my Godd. That's who I am. You know, that was That was the old chapter of my life. I didn't want to be the woman that needed to keep the last name I don't need that last name. How was that process? Paperwork sucks. A lot of paperork paperwork sucks. Yeah, but the judge had awarded me back my last name in my divorce do. That was okay. Yeah Crazy how it has to judge. Is that crazy? Yeah, Sure you can have. Please Most people assume they're taking supplements every day. they're getting all the benefits. But the reality is a supplement can only work at the level your body absorbs it. That's what makes the absorption company so effective. Did you know that most supplements absorb less than sixteen percent meaning The majority never actually is used by your body, which seems like such a wayte It's not only your time but also your money. The absorption company uses advanced technologies to improve bioavailability and help nutrients absorb more effectively. Magnesium supports over three hundred functions in your body, including sleep, stress, regulation, mood, and muscle recovery. I've been introducing more magnesium into my diet and body and I feel that much better for it. If nothing else, it really has improved my sleep. The absorption companyies's magnesium absorbs up to eight times Better than standard magnesium supplements. No matter how beneficial a nutrient may be, it can only support your wellness goals if your body can actually absorb and use it. Start taking supplements your body can actually absorb. Go to absorbmore d. com and enter VI LL at checkout for up to thirty five percent off your first order Let's absorb more d. com and enter VIA LL at checkout for thirty five percent off your first order. Being a dad, I've really got into blankets dle with kids. it's always great to cuddle with something soft and I have discovered one of the softest blankets ever discovered The Miny Coutur Miki Kutur has built a reputation for making the best blanket ever. and boy do they ever? It's right here if you're watching this soft, cuddlely thing I'm not ashamed to acknowledge that I just like to get cozy in a soft cudy blanket. And if you're like me You know, maybe those rainy days, those nights with your kids, maybe movving night with the family It's always great to have a Mky coutur blanket by your side. They offer one of the largest selections of color patterns and sizes. Also for the ladies other Mky coutur is female owned and started when a mother wanted to provide comfort her daughter during a difficult time. That mission of comfort still drives the brand today. Listen, you just want a soft blanket. You want it cudd, want it warm, it' cozy. It makes a great I don't know the lingo for it, ladies, but you put on top of a bed, like comforter? I don't know. You should have at least three Mkey Couture blankets in your house. One in the living room, one in your bedroom, and one just in case That's a minimum, but you should probably have more. Visit Mke Coutur dot com and use code v at checkout for fifty percent off all full price blankets That's Minkey Couture. com usese code VIA LL for fifty percent off all full price blankets. Follow them on Instagram for additional deals and updates at Minkey Couture. That's Minkey Couture, the original blanket company, best a blanket ever U Everything that's going on right now with Shamia and Angela. I can't believe you guys only gave me water What do you want? You have everything. You? What do you want? I feel like we're about to get into some other stuff. I feel like I need a littlelock Well, you know They were tearing me up about yes the other night's episode. I'm like, guys, I wasn't saucy because I just had a glass of wine. I was saucy because I had pain medication and wine. Well that it. That'll do it.. That'll do it pretty quick. I mean, I was Boom, D quick. Yeah, the drama between Shimy and Angela. Like what is your perspective of it I don't like it. What I don't like about that whole thing is the accusing of I think sometimes we just go a little too low and You know, people have families and businesses and children you know, who see these things and You know, we already have enough real drama as it is you know, so to create these n narratives and Allegations, you know, that I know are false I just think it's hurtful. you know what I mean? And I just I remember talking to Angela last season and I hate that we didn't You didn't really get to see the full full conversation that her and I had And we talked about, you know, The conversation of the allegations and rumors about you know, her marriage and her husband and we had such a great conversation and, you know, I apologize to her and I clea, you know, she cleared some things up to me because I didn't just make those things up. it was things that were already said online. and she just cleared in. and I don't remember her saying, she didn't get to clear it because Wendy Williams had went off air. Right, right, right. Right? So she didn't get to clear it. and her and I talked about that. Now I remember you know, honestly, like how much it bothered her. So I think I was more shocked than anything to hear about the things that she had said U about Chama and kindind of like you know how it feels to be on this things. Yeah, you know how it feels to be on this end of things. so why would you Why would you say that You know, whyy do you think, and it seems like even more so this season There's so many of these types of allegations with this cast. In a weird way, it's almost like in the best way, assuming they're not true, it doesn't seem like you all let it get to you. but on some level, because I'm watching it, you have these allegations and you guys kind of just move through it. But sometimes like it does wear you down and then you have people online speculating It only takes just a grant just a small little rumor to turn into something big and you have people just discussing it. Does it ever get to you or get to get to other women on the cast? And is it ever like, is there ever like a hey, why are we why are we going likeike you said, like so low when there's so many other great things. Yeah and it never really feels like These are rumors are ever resolved in a way and it kind of just lingers over. And it feels like I guess unnecessary, but like, ye, why do you think that happens know why they should just throw out these random accusations just to see if they stick. I mean It is hurtful clearly, you know what I mean? And anything that I've said, I've pretty much backed up with a receipt You know? So I don't just say crazy things just to try and say things. Now, you know, I can't speak for other Well, but um I don't like when we go that low. I don't like when we go to the depths of hell and then it's hard you know, I think, um I think it's very hard too to peopleople say those things about you and then It's hard to come back from that. You know what I mean? Like it's hard to like move forward and The friend group when you're saying things that are like So low down, you know what I mean? I don't know. I don't I don't know why they contining to lie. I just I don't know what's happening. that Is that like coming into this group of women? was that onene of the bigger surprises. Was that a big surprise? If not, what has been the biggest surprise or something that you weren't prepared for? I would probably say that. Like that was probably I was like Well, y' really just be over in line like that. L this is just throwing you just be throwing shit to say have a stick on a wall. I mean, this is getting crazier by a today. Speaking of throwing shit out, we had Porsa be like, pastor, kids fly. I mean, like ye, what What even is any of that? I wouldn't be able to tell you. I mean, I just know that I didn't want to be banned from church I wanted to be welcomed on Sundays and not have any issues, you know? Yeah, it's just like it just it's who's believing this stuff? you know? I think that's the only reason why I just sometimes at this point you just have to laugh at it because it's like Just make that up. L you're making that up as you go along. How are you it today Um, I wish her well. Okay. Yeah Do you feel like she kind of came for you because of your friendship with Shamia or do you think it was something else Well, she said it in that scene. She said it when we were at Phed's soundbath. She said I got my lick back. I wanted to get you back. And she's been saying that all along. I just don't know if it's been as much, but I mean, she basically hurt people want to hurt people. She I mean, that's just what it was. She was She was still mad at me about last season and what I said. and difference between her And I to some extent, it's like When I say things, I back it up and justify, you know, justify it. I ask you about ask you a question that the whole world wanted to know. I ask you a question that I wanted to know. I ask you a question that nine times out of ten, ten times out of ten. Somebody in this group was going going to ask you that question Um And maybe you were just bothered that it came from me, you know? And even in that scene, it wasn't that I wanted to ask her that question and be disrespectful Shamia had told me, askk her when you see her, you know, and that's what I did. And when she came over there, she said, what are you guys talking about I told her exactly what we were talking about. and you know I mean, that's just what it is. So In regards to that, I just I just wish that we would be a little bit more considerate when it comes to certain things and you know, just, I mean, if you're going to say something, you have every right to say it, but just have some facts or some proof to it. So do you have any idea like what she's a? I mean, Phedra was like, yeah, I know. I've heard about this too. Yeah, You know, I don't know what she's talking about. I never slept with a pastor. never slept with anyone at BT. and that's just what that is. in regards to Phaedra What's hurtful about the whole Phaedra of it all I had talked to Phedra several times and not once did she ask me? or even allude to any of those things. So people don't realize I heard what Phedra said when you guys heard it. I didn't hear it in the midst of everything that was going on because You think good godam wn I wouldn't have asked her when I bought two hundred dollars worth of food, wine, and flowers over to her house to talk to her and apologize. I wouldn't have asked her about that. So I didn't know that that had happened until I'm watching with everyone else Is that something that you would like pick up the phone, call Phadrw and be like, hey, the fuck, or is this like Yeahah, absolutely. because I mean When you think about that and u You know, first of all, I've been I love Paedra. like I asked her to represent me. you know, I hired her firm u to represent me in everything that I had going on I would I would have never done that if I would have known that she was Not not even in pertaining to what was said But the fact that you're even alluding to client attorney privileges in regards. You know what I mean? Like I would have never done that Yeah I mean, you know, but it was hurtful because I've spoken so highly a favorite and I still will, you know what I mean? I've supported Phedra. I talk highly of her on and off camera and You know, I've came to support her in her endeavors and things like that. So I mean, it was really hurtful for me and I'm just sadden that she didn't Ask me. Well when they go low, Kelly goes high. Yeah well, I'm gonna. I don't know how high. Medium ish. I'm gonna take it down to hell. I'm take it down to hell. You know, one thing I really admire is like just the willingness to talk about like sensitive topics. And obviously talking about finances. That's something you've opened up about. We recently saw Pinky talking about her struggles as well. How did you grapple with that in terms of your willingness to open that up? Because again, fans can be nosy and pry and, you know, you can open up about your vulnerability and sometimes it feels like fans will take that vulnerability and then like use it against you. U it against you or make the accusations. And yeah, I would just love to know how you came to the decision. and is that something you're glad you did or do you have any regrets about some of the vulnerable things you've shared I don't regret anything that I share one twoo, I have always been an open book. So like I always say the good, the bad, the ugly are indifferent I think it does disappoint me though when it comes to the fans because it's like you know I'm giving my real reality. I went through a very nasty divorce. I went through a divorce For three years. That's three years worth of attorneys' bills that in fees that you had to pay and that is I don't know how much more expensive it can get, You know what I mean? I mean, that would hurt even a multimillionaire, a billionaire. That would hurt you, You know what I mean? I've been very open and honest and again, remember, I went on the show too. be that real raw motivation and inspiration. and I'm never going to allow the fans or anyone else to deter me from that Um, I think I speak on my truth in regards to, you know, the financial hardships that you do go through. I am a single mother raaising four daughters. I told you it was very important for me not to allow them to feel the effects of divorce You know what I mean And that was very important. U I'm running a restaurant This is the hardest time to open up any business, let alone Arest. Okay U I was able to survive everything, even COVID This was a really difficult time for me. It was a difficult time of year in that in hospitality I think over a hundred restaurants had closed in Georgia in twenty twenty five. You just heard about mine because I'm on TV, right being real and raw with people is what gives that next person not to give up. love that me and Pinky could have the conversation about bankruptcy, right? You how many people and your favorite celebrities have filed bankruptcy including our president Including Abraham Lincoln. Okay. Did Abraham Lincoln run? Yes, he did. I did not know that. The more you know. U the president, he didn't do personal, but he did some of his businesses I think you know, people speak on bankruptcy and I have not filed bankruptcy. As of yet, let's be very clear I'm still figuring out, but I'm at a space where I just want to be raw, be real and talk about financial literacy, you know, that's something that I have to share with my daughters, with Chloe, you know, with my family, like it's very important. So I think for people to try and use that like, oh, she's broke. Oh no, you filed bankruptcy so you don't go broke. rightight? You filed bankruptcy so you can kind of save the little bit that you have and whether it's whatever chapter, you have some time to pay things back and for them not, you know, to help you with your finances. So I think, you know, for people to use that and say You know, even with my restaurant, even with that second location. ople didn't realize that I didn't open that location for the show That wasn't a show business Okay. That was a business that the lease was signed prior to me being even signing my Bravo contract. That was something I had already worked on That was something I had already actually poured money into I mean, it was a shell, that space. had not even had a tenant Since COVID Okay.