HEADLINE: SHE'S JUST PEACHY

ONE of the "Real Housewives of Atlanta" is having her dream come true. While Nene Leakes was booted from her home amid rumors of failing to pay her rent, and Kim Zolciak falsely cried "cancer" when asked why she wears a weave, Sheree Whitfield - ex- wife of former New York Giant Bob Whitfield -

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PEOPLE Sheree Whitfield, one of the stars of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, is flying high these days. Whitfield — along with Nene Leakes, Lisa Wu-Hartwell, Deshawn Snow and Kim Zolciak — Read More...

ESSENCE.com

After kicking off the Atlanta installment of the "Real Housewives" franchise with a lavish birthday bash, the south's Head Housewife in Charge, Sheree Whitfield, might have won more foes than friends. But don't let Whitfield's designer duds fool you. The budding fashion designer and fitness buff proclaims she is a lot more relatable and warm than her naysayers think. Half way through the season, ESSENCE.com caught up with the mother of three to discuss her thoughts as she watches the other housewives criticize her each week, rumors about bounced checks and family turmoil, and how her life should be a shining example for young mothers.

ESSENCE.COM: Hello again, Sheree. This show has truly been a hit, so congrats on the success. How has the response been and are you guys doing Atlanta justice?

SHEREE WHITFIELD: People notice me every day. I'm like, "Oh my gosh, does that mean I have to put a face on every day?" I don't like wearing makeup (laughs). It's something that's obviously long overdue because people have been waiting to see [a show] like this and are definitely tuning in. We're not here to represent all of Atlanta. There are people who relate to us and people who cannot. Unfortunately, on the show they show us going to a lot of parties. We do things for the community, too, but they aren't showing that.

ESSENCE.COM: There have been rumors in the blogosphere about the fragility of your relationship with your eldest daughter, Tierra. How is your relationship with your daughter and how is she enjoying the show?

WHITFIELD: She likes the show and we have a great relationship and you just have to take the good and the bad when it comes to rumors. I want to mentor young girls. A lot of times they become young mothers and think, I've made a mistake, I've gotten myself pregnant. They continue the cycle by having more kids. Yes you can continue to dream and you can still finish school and be who you want to be. Your life is not over.

ESSENCE.COM: You mentioned that you don't check the blogs, but they definitely have their eyes on you. Is it true that you gave one of your party planners a bounced check?

WHITFIELD: I've heard that one. And if I gave you a bounced check, sweetie, post the check. Don't talk about it. One lesson I have learned through this is you realize who your real friends are. I found out someone who [I thought] was close to me has been sending a lot of the negative stuff to different bloggers. I guess I cut her 15 minutes to 2. That was an eye opener.

ESSENCE.COM: (Laughs.) The bloggers will always talk, but are you surprised by cast mates Kim and NeNe's comments about you?

WHITFIELD: Yeah, I have been surprised with their comments, though I've never heard Kim sing. One woman can be a little cattier than others. After my party, Kim and NeNe got together and totally bashed me. I thought it was crazy because I'd met Kim a few years prior through NeNe and we only saw each other in passing. So for her to sit and say all those mean things about my character, it was way out of line and she had no merit. Since the show, I've gotten to know her and you guys will see that.

ESSENCE.COM: So what do you think is the biggest misconception about you?

WHITFIELD: People are focusing on one facet of my personality but I am multifaceted. I am like a diamond and have many sides. I am a sweet person and loyal. I'm real and down-to-earth. And I am drama-free. Anybody who knows me knows I do not do the drama. Again, it's crazy because on the show; it looks different but you can't control that. When you are [followed], taped for months, and that [content] is edited, you become a character. Even so, I get so many e-mails from young girls that say I inspire them or that they admire me. If I can inspire one person, then I've done a tremendous service. So regardless of negative comments, that one e-mail outweighs the others.

ESSENCE.com

Sheree Whitfield is an entrepreneur, socialite and recently divorced mother of three to Tierra, Kairo and Kaleigh. Whitfield is excited to show that, in her world, the good life is the rule, not the exception. In the midst of growing her own fashion label, "She by Sheree," Whitfield shares why she doesn’t mind being labeled the Queen B of Atlanta housewives.

ESSENCE.COM: Your life is now on display for the world to see. So what made you join the cast?


SHEREE WHITFIELD: Well, I was at the end of a divorce, so I thought this was a great way to get my mind off of it. And, I’m definitely not just sitting at home. We are redefining what it means to be a housewife, whether it means being a businesswoman, working mom, or socialite, and I was excited to let people inside our world. We bring something different than the “Flavor of Love” or “I Love New York” type of show.  



ESSENCE.COM: From the first episode, we know that you want to get at least seven figures from your divorce. Do you think the show portrays you accurately? 


WHITFIELD: Well, I’m “the bitch.” I hate to say that but that’s what I am on the show. It’s not something I set out to be, but I guess that’s what you’re called when you speak your mind. And that’s okay with me. Of course, you will be edited, and there’s stuff you’d wish they’d keep, like all the things I said before about the divorce.



ESSENCE.COM: So how’s your love life now? Are you dating?
WHITFIELD: I’m not dating anyone right now. Atlanta is so small and it really is six degrees of separation. My ex told me about the show [before I could tell him]. A guy for me would definitely have to be spiritual, family-oriented, and someone who’s happy and confident within themselves.



ESSENCE.COM: Definitely! And this season is making headlines, as a majority of the ladies are Black. 


WHITFIELD: Yep, and it’s about time. Atlanta is labeled the “Black mecca” or “Black Hollywood.” I think people really need to see that African-American women have it going on too. They’re career-driven, good moms, and we do live like this. I went to a nail salon and a girl was telling me her grandmother watched the show and didn’t know Black people lived like that. She lived right here in Georgia. I know so many people who’ve said they couldn’t relate because the Cosby’s weren’t real. I loved “The Cosby Show” and I know it’s real.



ESSENCE.COM: Alright, Clair Huxtable. What was your favorite moment on the show?


WHITFIELD: That pole party! My friends and I have a private lesson on poll dancing and I had the best time! Everybody there had such a good time. I haven’t laughed that hard in a minute. I had, um, taken a few classes before and got the idea, plus it’s great exercise. Now everybody wants [a pole] and I encourage women to do it.

ESSENCE.com

If you thought the season finale of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” was a little bland for the South’s new drama queens, their fiery reunion more than makes up. The show’s resident Queen B and ESSENCE.com’s pick for best-dressed housewife, Sheree Whitfield, sets the record straight on what lead to the reunion drama, she and NeNe's relationship, the status of her fashion line, and that seven-figure divorce settlement.

ESSENCE.COM: The reunion comes on tonight, and from the clip, it looks like it’s going to be crazy with people getting into each other’s faces. Did you expect all that?


SHEREE WHITFIELD: Absolutely not. I figured, we’re all ladies and we’re all moms. I had no clue it was going to go down like that and it’s hotter than hot. Sooner or later everyone’s true colors come out. As four African-American women and a Caucasian girl, they brought us together and wanted us to be friends. That’s where a lot of the differences [are apparent] because we didn’t really know each other like that.

ESSENCE.COM: After the show wrapped, you continued your relationship with Kim. Were you ever nervous about getting close after she and NeNe's friendship ended, and how was your experience when you two worked on the set of the film “The Joneses”?


WHITFIELD: It was wonderful. Everybody always says this is my calling anyway. Demi Moore was so cool and down to earth, and she looked great. She knew the show and the whole crew watched it. With Kim, I’m always very cautious about people I bring in my circle, especially right now. I like to give people a clean slate in my life until you show and prove differently, and I don’t prejudge them on their relationship with someone else. Honestly, Kim and NeNe weren’t as close as it appears they were at all. NeNe and I, we're cordial; we’re cool.

ESSENCE.COM: The sketches for your fashion line were hot but they didn’t turn out like you envisioned, yet you still hosted your fashion event with no clothing. What did you learn from that experience?


WHITFIELD: I always fall for the BS with people. Obviously, I am not a good person to hire someone. I had like four or five seamstresses, and at the end of the day, they all failed to come through. So what I’ve learned is I have to be a lot more hands-on. I don’t sew nor do I sketch, which most designers don’t. It’s my vision. I know I have to be more cautious and that I’m too nice. When I got the fabric the day before and day of, I had already spent all this money, time and energy in planning this event, so there was no way I could back out. And it was a viewing and was never a fashion show. People get it mixed up and misconstrued. But things have come together and people can look for the line in stores in fall 2009. I am so excited.

ESSENCE.COM: Congrats on the upcoming launch. So were you surprised to see your ex show up to your event? And you know folks want to know the status of your divorce and that seven-figure settlement you are hoping for.


WHITFIELD:  I invited him to check it out, as I did it all myself with my contacts. A lot of times men want to be responsible for your success. We are finally at the tail end [of the divorce], and I cannot wait! It’s been long, long overdue. I may have a party when it’s done. As far as the settlement, I just threw something out there and it doesn’t hurt to ask. My kids have been accustomed to a certain lifestyle and I’m going to do everything I can to maintain that, and I don’t see why he shouldn’t be involved in the process also.

ESSENCE.COM: We also saw that you didn't come to DeShawn's barbecue she hosted for all the women. Knowing how much effort she put into it, do you regret being a no-show?


WHITFIELD: I wish I would have been there because she put so much time and effort into it. DeShawn's barbecue was the very next day after my viewing. My family decided we would all go but something urgent came up that day and we couldn't go. I told the producers several times and they said they would relay that message, but apparently they never did. The thing is, DeShawn and I never established a bond. They say she's the peacemaker, but to me, she's trying to egg it on and instigating. If anyone would have been a peacemaker it would have been Lisa. I definitely would have gone. It's horrible and unfortunate they didn't pass the message, and I am portrayed as this cold person that didn't show.

ESSENCE.COM: So after taping and watching the whole season, did people get to meet the real Sheree, and is there anything you would do differently?


WHITFIELD: Am I that way 24/7? No. I'm very much involved with my kids and my business. Even my oldest daughter came home for my viewing and they taped her and everything but they cut that out. Speaking of which, I'm still suffering the repercussions from when I sent in pictures of my family and here it comes on the Internet saying my daughter Tierra is my friend, and I never said that. My family is suffering and it's very emotional. Hopefully on season two they will show more of my compassionate side. But I still will always be me.