Porsha Williams, widely recognized for her near-decade stint on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” has found a new passion that surpasses her television fame: motherhood. Since the birth of her daughter, Pilar Jhena McKinley, on March 22, 2019, Williams has prioritized being a mom above all else.

Williams welcomed Pilar with her ex-fiancé, Dennis McKinley. Although their relationship experienced ups and downs, ultimately ending in 2020, the pair has maintained a positive co-parenting dynamic. “It’s going great, it really is,” Williams shared on “Watch What Happens Live” in June 2023. “We live near each other. Our relationship is good.”

Williams, who married Nigerian businessman Simon Guobadia in November 2022 before filing for divorce in February 2024, consistently emphasizes that Pilar is the center of her world. “Having a daughter, having a child, period, for most moms, she’s just the light of my life,” she told PEOPLE in October 2023. “She is the reason why I do everything.”

Pilar, affectionately nicknamed PJ, was born weighing 6 lbs., 15 oz., and measuring 20 inches long. Williams and McKinley joyfully announced her arrival, expressing their happiness and gratitude. “What a time to be alive! Porsha and I are so happy and blessed to announce the arrival of our daughter, Baby PJ,” they told PEOPLE.

Adjusting to motherhood came with its challenges for Williams, especially following a difficult cesarean section. “A lot of people think that C-sections are easy — an easier way to give birth. But I assure you, it is full, serious surgery,” she said. Williams also faced the challenge of not producing enough milk to breastfeed, finding it hard to accept that she had to supplement with formula. “It was really difficult for me to come to the realization that I couldn’t pump enough milk for her,” she shared.

Despite these challenges, Pilar has thrived and developed a strong sense of identity and fashion. Even at just five years old, she knows exactly what she wants to wear. “Oh my gosh, I have no control anymore,” Williams said. “She wants to wear pants, and if I don’t hurry up and put some pants on her, then she’s like, ‘I want black pants.’”

Pilar’s vibrant personality is a source of joy for Williams. Describing her daughter as “strong-minded” and “silly,” Williams embraces Pilar’s sassiness and love for pranks. “Sometimes I have to just pause when we’re walking upstairs, and she’s bossing me. I’m like, ‘Really? Wow, you just going to raise hell all over again. Dang,’” she joked. Often referring to Pilar as “little P” or “PP,” Williams sees a mini-version of herself in her daughter, delighting in the strong personality Pilar exhibits.

Through all her endeavors, Porsha Williams’ focus remains on being the best mom she can be for Pilar, who continues to be her main motivator and source of immense love and happiness.