Interview with Mother Funders Reality TV Stars Carla Stephens and LaShon Thompson

Last week I had the pleasure of chatting with two cast members of the new reality TV show, Mother Funders. Now, I will be completely honest with you: when I first saw the preview for it, I may have done some head tilts and side eyes. I was a little nervous about what was going to transpire in this reality show featuring moms.  But after speaking to Carla and LaShon, I was all in and immediately caught up on the first two episodes. If you need to catch up, you can watch the full episodes here.

Here’s the scoop on the show from BravoTV.com and my interview below with Carla and LaShon:

Following a passionate Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) in the small town of Locust Grove, Georgia, this group holds benefits to raise and donate money to their kids’ local elementary school. Run like a corporation, President Carla Stephens keeps a watchful eye on her fellow board members Shayzon Prince, Robin Dyke, Amber Bryant, LaShon Thompson, Amber Coulter, and former member Shana Koorse. Despite their personalities, tantrums, and outbursts, these ladies have their sights set high to raise and donate $100,000. Through lavish fundraising events from a Black Tie Gala to a Pink Pajama Party, these mothers must work together and adhere to the strict rules and high expectations of their demanding commander-in-chief.

How did the show first come about? Was everyone already a part of the PTO prior to the show being casted?

Carla: You definitely don’t think PTO right away when it comes to reality TV, but I’m glad to be a part of something new and groundbreaking. It’s really a great group of moms. With our PTO, all of the moms on the show have been in the school and the classrooms. They’ve been in the school as PTO moms and serving on the PTO board. It’s really amazing, giving us a chance to do what we love so much. So yes we are active in the school, and performing mommy duties.

What makes this show different from all of the other reality TV shows out there? What can viewers expect to see this season?

LaShon: What makes it different to me is that we’re seven different women from seven different walks of life, but we all have one common goal: that is fundraising and donating to our school for our children. Just the fact that we all live in the same community, and our kids really go to the same school makes it different. We’re really passionate about what we do.

It seems like there’s a lot of arguing and fighting. Is that just how it’s edited? Will we see more of that, or will we see more of you all working together as a team?

Carla: You’ll definitely see us working together. There’s a lot of personality, so it’s going to be a mixture. That’s one thing I do love, is there are different dynamics. You’re going to laugh at all of us. We all bring a passion to the table…it’s what I like to call our passion battles. [laughter] The difference is you get to see it with our families and children as well.

What would you say to people who may look at this and say, why are they so serious about this? What is the big deal about the PTO?

Carla: If you can see the connection to the children and the education and how serious we are about our children, that’s where the passion comes from. I know there are people that won’t see the connection but that’s why this show is great. We want people to see that there’s an opportunity to change the culture in our schools. Parents have a part in that, and all of us realize we play a part

LaShon: We really want to create awareness. Getting on the PTO board, I honestly did not understand or see what the big deal was being that my mom didn’t go to PTO meetings. But knowing these ladies and being around them, and seeing everyone’s passions and wanting the same thing, to me, I’ve grown and learned a lot by being around these ladies and being on the board. So I didn’t see what the big deal was, but I see it now. I can see the different when my daughter sees me at school and involved. Her teachers and I have a better connection now. There’s a different connection between myself and the kids and myself and their teachers.

I talk a lot about the importance of self-care and the importance of learning to FLY (First Love Yourself). How do you ladies find time as busy wives, moms and reality stars to take time out for yourself?

Carla: For me it’s been a gift to constantly challenge myself to be the best person that I can be by taking care of myself. I learned a long time ago if I’m going to give out, I have to make sure that I’m taking care of myself. For me, I was getting my hair permed and playing in makeup since I was five, so it’s just part of my routine [laughter]. It makes me feel good and when I feel good, I can give good.

LaShon: I don’t know how I get things done. I make a lot of phone calls and texts to these ladies. I have kids in entertainment and running my husband’s company, and finding time for PTO meetings and events. I don’t have a lot of self-time so I’m still trying to juggle and manage everything as far as self-care. It’s a learning process and I definitely look to these ladies for advice on different things.

I’m passionate about making sure moms are empowered to go after their goals and dreams in addition to being a great mom. What advice can you share with moms who have dreams and goals but are feeling stuck?

Carla: For me, I would love for moms to know that it’s never too late to start being the best you that you can be. You have the power and opportunity to give yourself permission to achieve what you want. We have to give ourselves the permission to do that. It’s never too late. I encourage moms to go after those dreams and to seek after them with everything that they have. Whatever they’ve done for anyone else, take the time now and use the same energy for your own personal goals. You have the power to do that.

LaShon: All of those encouraging words right there, I will call her for that because I am still trying to get myself together [laughter]. I’m just now stepping out and doing things for myself. I’m highly involved with my children and husband. I’m now getting into what LaShon wants and needs. So my advice would be to not give up, keep going, don’t be discouraged and be the best mom, woman, wife, girlfriend, sister that you can be.

Anything else you want to share about the show or moms in general?

Carla: I just want to thank you so much we appreciate those who understand and can see that this show is about moms doing what we do all the time: seeing a need and stepping up to fulfill it. I definitely want to encourage everyone to watch because it is fun. It’s dramedy all bottled up in one show. [laughter]

LaShon: I just want to encourage parents to volunteer more in school whether it’s an hour or whatever you can do. I didn’t understand how important volunteering was until I got on the [PTO] board. Take some time and go to your kids’ schools.

And there you have it! Now you see how I became an instant fan? These ladies are the real deal and I’m so glad I got to have some real talk time with them. I’m looking forward to watching Mother Funders’ even more now. If you missed the first three episodes, catch them here.

Will you be watching Mother Funders? If you’re a mom looking to go after your dreams and goals, what is stopping you? Comment below and let us know.

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