Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams landed her first major magazine cover with Upscale for their April beauty and style issue. The reality star dishes on everything from being bullied as a kid, wanting to bring attention to real issues and so much more. We have a few snippets from her interview below. For the entire interview (and all of the photos from her shoot), you can pick up the new issue on newsstands soon!
On her childhood and being inspired by her mom: “I grew up living a good life. I was raised by my mom and spent weekends with my dad because they were separated. My mom has always been my biggest inspiration. She taught me that beauty comes from the inside out; but I also know that the outside does matter.”
On being bullied: “My outside beauty wasn’t always so pretty, though. I went to school in DeKalb County, (Chapel Hill Elementary and Junior High) [and] was bullied all through elementary and junior high for being super skinny with big teeth, and, believe it or not, other black girls would tease me and pull my hair because it was long.”
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On her persona on RHOA: “It’s funny, but not, that I can feel so confident in my own skin, even with my flaws. But my looks have warranted a general consensus that I’m ditzy or an airhead, thanks to the show. It’s meant for entertainment, so I get it. But off camera, behind the doors of my office, it’s a different story.”
On her grandfather, Hosea Williams and wanting to bring attention to important issues: “With all the menial stuff that we argue about and give attention to, there are so many things going on in the world today that need our attention desperately. We’re celebrating a historic march (the fiftieth anniversary of Selma), but we’re also marching for present-day injustices and prejudices.” She adds, “I remember being 6 or 7 years old and marching on the front line with my grandfather. We were pelted not only by rocks and bottles, but also with fervent use of the word ‘n****r.’ I’ve stood for something, so no matter what people think, I won’t fall for just anything.”
On being proud of herself: “When I look in the mirror, I see a survivor. I’ve been in abusive relationships, been shamed because of my looks and been damned because of my confidence. I see a woman who owns who she is. I’m proud of myself, who I am and who I represent. I can be put to the test, and I always emerge more resilient each time. I speak a lot of positivity daily, because I do believe in the power of the tongue. So, even if I do see a blemish or a pudge, I’m okay with it. Really.”
Pick up a copy of Upscale to read the rest of the interview!
TELL US – THOUGHTS ON HER COVER? DO YOU THINK THERE’S A DEEP SIDE TO PORSHA?
Photo Credit: Upscale Magazine
