Milledgeville native and ‘The Queenables’ to be featured on Atlanta-based reality show

Published 7:00 am Monday, September 16, 2024

Never in her wildest imagination did Wytishia Bly think she would be where she is today. 

And neither did five other women who at one time were complete strangers but now have a bond as lifelong friends.

Each of the women served serious time in prison and spent time going through the legal system.

The 43-year-old Bly, a single mother of three, grew up in a Milledgeville neighborhood, served her sentence and during that time became a changed person. 

She vowed never to find herself on the wrong side of the law again.

After prison, Bly sought to establish a new life for herself and moved from Milledgeville to Atlanta, where she started a successful business. 

Bly easily made new friends with her bubbly personality. 

Since then, a whole new world has opened up for her and five of her friends. They have become actresses and stars of a new reality TV show called “The Queenables.”

The show, which has been in the production stages for several months, is expected to air later this year.

“The show is based out of Atlanta, and we’re all so thrilled to be part of it,” Bly told The Union-Recorder in a recent interview as ‘The Queenables’ visited Milledgeville. “It’s a very exciting time for all of us.”

Bly, along with the other co-stars of the show, recently gathered at Legends Seafood Restaurant near Lake Sinclair and talked about their rising fame.

They also honored three families from Milledgeville.

Eighty-two-year-old Christine Canty is raising a 2-year-old girl but is not related to the child by blood.

“Mrs. Canty took the child’s mother in when she was pregnant, and now the mother is in prison,” Bly said.

She and members of two other local families were honored. 

The other two families included Javian Franklin, a 46-year-old single father who is raising his 17-year-old daughter Jasmine, now a high school senior.

Single mother Titania Watkins was also honored. She is raising her 17-year-old twin daughters, Miracle and Destiny, while caring for her older daughter Rakeri Watkins, who is wheelchair-bound.

Bly also honored her father, Ricky Gordon, who is a recovering addict, and celebrated his 62nd birthday during the visit.

Two local government leaders greeted The Queenables when they arrived at the restaurant. They included Milledgeville Mayor Mary Parham-Copelan and Baldwin County Commission vice chairman Kendrick Butts.

“I think it’s a real honor to have The Queenables here in Milledgeville and Baldwin County,” Parham-Copelan said. “They are certainly welcomed here anytime. And we wish them much success in their upcoming reality TV series.”

Butts said he appreciated The Queenables taking time out of their busy schedule to come to Baldwin County to honor residents who are doing extraordinary things.

“It makes you feel good when you see others making a difference in their lives and the lives of others,” Butts said.

Aside from Bly, The Queenables consists of five other talented stars — April Paulk, Yolanda Diamond, Enika Lashone, Jypsi LaFkor and Purpose Tirado.

“We wanted to do something very special to show how much we appreciate and love these particular families,”

Bly said. “It made it even more special for me because I grew up in Milledgeville and I know these people.”

The Queenables plan to honor other people in other communities across the state, too.

“We just want to show common, everyday people who work hard and struggle that they are special and that they are loved,” said Bly, noting someone has to help make the world a better place.

She said one of the things that separates The Queenables from other stars of reality TV shows is that they are all real people who have worked hard to get where they have gotten.

“We want to continue to be ourselves, no matter how successful the show becomes,” Bly said.

‘The Queenables’ sheds light on the struggles, triumphs and resilience that drives the actresses to redefine their lives.

“Each cast member is tasked with completing two significant community service projects,” Bly said. “They include a personal initiative and a collaborative team event that showcases their growth and commitment to giving back.”

The reality TV show epitomizes the power of second chances and the ability to transform lives, she said. 

“The show’s slogan, ‘From Bars to Stars,’ perfectly encapsulates the journey all of us are on,” Bly said. “We have risen from adversity to become successful businesswomen, as well as role models.”

She said she looks forward to what the future holds because right now it’s as bright as it has  ever looked in her life.