Share

By Teia Burroughs | Sheen Magazine

Reality TV has long been known for the drama, the glitz, and the over-the-top antics. But what happens when four powerhouse women step into the spotlight to show what real hustle looks like, while nurturing the next generation?

Enter The Childcare Cartel—a groundbreaking new reality series that flips the script on what we expect from unscripted TV. Centered around a group of bold, brilliant women dominating the childcare industry, this show is not about gossip or glam—it’s about grit, growth, and generational wealth.

As Children’s Awareness Month highlights the importance of youth well-being and development, The Childcare Cartel couldn’t be more timely. Creator and executive producer Sherri J. White—alongside castmates Keisha “Starr” Archer and Sydney Jordan—are using this platform to change the narrative around childcare, entrepreneurship, and the role of women in both.

SHEEN Magazine sat down with the cast for a real, raw, and refreshing conversation about the business behind the baby wipes, the beauty of legacy-building, and why their upcoming event, The Cartel Code, is the industry moment you won’t want to miss.

Let’s kick it off with the name—The Childcare Cartel is a title that demands attention. Sherri, what’s the story behind it?

Sherri J. White: I needed something that hit hard—something that said we mean business. The word “cartel” usually makes people raise an eyebrow, but at its core, it means a powerful alliance. That’s what we are. A collective of women who are dominating this space. We’re not playing house—we’re running multimillion-dollar childcare operations. It had to be bold. This is not your average daycare story.

And your own story is powerful. You became a mother at 14 and now run a childcare empire. How did that early start shape who you are today?

Sherri: It taught me survival. At 14, I didn’t have the luxury of growing up slowly. I had to figure things out fast. I was changing diapers while my classmates were picking out prom dresses. That pressure built my drive. It pushed me to create something not just for myself, but for my daughter, and now, for other women who want more out of life. That moment made me a fighter.

Sydney, as someone living the day-to-day grind, what makes The Childcare Cartel different from everything else on TV?

Sydney Jordan: This show is the real deal. It’s not sugar-coated. We’re not filming on yachts and pretending everything’s perfect. I’m clocking 14-hour days, juggling licensing, staff training, curriculum planning, and more. We show the challenges and the triumphs. It’s the reality of running a childcare center, and for once, the women doing the real work are getting the spotlight.

Starr, how does the show challenge public perception about the childcare industry, especially among people who see it as glorified babysitting?

Keisha “Starr” Archer: That’s exactly the narrative we’re breaking. Childcare is leadership. It’s systems. It’s business. We have to know regulations, HR, education theory—you name it. This show gives the full picture of what it takes. It also gives visibility to women who are often overlooked in both business and media. We’re showing that child care isn’t a backup plan—it’s a boss move.

June was Children’s Awareness Month. Sherri, how do you see this show contributing to that national conversation?

Sherri: I’m using this platform to advocate for quality care across all communities. My centers are in underserved areas, and I get tired of people assuming those neighborhoods only serve one race or one kind of family. That’s not true. We’re diverse, inclusive, and focused on excellence. I even wrote a book, Mommy, I Thought You Said Black Was Beautiful, to talk about those misconceptions. This show is an extension of that mission—to uplift all children and the providers who serve them.

You are also hosting The Cartel Code watch party and networking event on July 23. Sydney, tell us what to expect.

Sydney: It’s going to be major. We’re bringing together top providers, aspiring owners, and legacy-builders under one roof to share knowledge, network, and preview the show. But more than that, it’s about building a community. In this industry, we don’t have to compete to win. The Cartel Code is a celebration of collaboration, leadership, and next-level growth.

 

That sounds powerful. Starr, what do you each hope the legacy of The Childcare Cartel will be?

Starr: For me, it’s about creating something my children can step into. I’m building a legacy—brick by brick—so that when I step back, they can step up.

Sherri: Absolutely. My daughter Janiyah is already in the business. She’s part of the show, and I’m mentoring her to take the reins one day. I always say: if I’m coming back to this life through this bloodline, I want to come back comfortable. That’s why I do what I do.

Sydney: Same here. I want viewers to walk away with a new level of respect for this work. If this show inspires one woman to open her center or one parent to better appreciate their provider, we’ve done something great.

Final thoughts for women reading this—whether they’re in childcare or chasing a completely different dream?

Sherri: You don’t have to wait for a seat at the table—build your own. Childcare isn’t easy, but it’s rewarding. It’s not passive income; it’s passion income.

Sydney: Find your tribe. With the right support, you can do anything. The Childcare Cartel is proof of that.

Watch The Childcare Cartel and witness a new kind of reality TV—where women lead, legacies are built, and the business of raising the next generation takes center stage.

Follow @ChildcareCartelTV and don’t miss The Cartel Code Networking & Watch Party on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 7–10 PM at ModEx Studio, 3005 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA.

Photos by Sterling Pics