SPILLING THE THE FAMILY TEA

THE FORMER HOUSEWIFE OF ATLANTA, HER NEXT GEN DAUGHTER AND ‘MAMA JOYCE’ GOSSIP ABOUT FOOD, FAMILY AND WHO’S THE FUNNIEST

- GILLIAN TELLING,TORY RUST

As you watch former Real Housewife of Atlanta Kandi Burruss, her mom, “Mama Joyce” Jones, and her daughter Next Gen NYC star Riley Burruss yapping together on the set of their People shoot in Manhattan, it’s no surprise Kandi credits “good communication” for Riley’s relatively drama-free teenage years and her tight bond with her own mother. “I’m one of those moms where Riley could tell me anything,” Kandi, 49, says. “I was a safe space.” She says she got that from her mama, who was supportive of Kandi’s goals but also had no problem telling her when something was amiss. “I’m a straight shooter,” says Joyce of her blunt talk. “I don’t sugarcoat anything! If you don’t want the truth, don’t ask me.” Riley, 23, laughs and agrees: “I have powerhouses in my mom and my grandma. I just know nothing can steer me wrong when I have them in my corner.” She’s quick to add, “But my grandma is a bit of a shade assassin.” Read on as the three generations reflect on how to follow your dreams while staying grounded and the importance of laughter and forgiveness.

Education Has to Come First