Patrice “Sway” McKinney is the woman who has officially captured Porsha Williams’ heart and become the newest name everyone in “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” universe is talking about. After months of speculation, Williams went public with her new girlfriend on Instagram — and fans have a lot of questions about Sway’s career, success, and how the couple met. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Porsha Williams Went Instagram Official With Patrice ‘Sway’ McKinney
Williams confirmed her new relationship on November 28, sharing a photo with McKinney and a sweet birthday shoutout.
“Happiest Birthday @sway_thepro,” Williams wrote. “Hope this year continues to bring you everything you want and more! Can’t wait to act up Saturday!”
The post arrived just two months after Williams shared that she had been dating both a man and a woman. Judging from her latest update, things appear official with McKinney.
Fans instantly reacted to the news. Some questioned how fast Williams dives into relationships, while others loved the match. As one fan commented, “Happy looks amazing on you. There’s a special kind of freedom that comes from living life on your own terms.”
McKinney also replied under the post, writing, “Damn babe. Sweet af. Thank you again!”
2. Patrice ‘Sway’ McKinney Built a Multi-Million-Dollar Salon Business From Scratch
McKinney is more than a reality TV romance — she’s a licensed master barber and entrepreneur who built a successful salon empire in Atlanta.
According to Recession Money on Instagram, McKinney has earned about $1.7 million from her business ventures. She first worked behind the chair before launching her own salon and barbershop in 2014.
“I had good clientele, but I was tired of standing on my feet all day,” McKinney said in an interview with EPYC. “My dream was to be able to take care of my family, buy my dream car and home and travel.”
By 2017, McKinney began teaching others how to build their own salon-suites. Her company has helped hundreds of stylists launch their own locations.
3. McKinney Has a Franchise Brand and Online Training Platform
McKinney founded Encore Salon Suites, a franchise-style salon suite model that expanded into multiple locations in the Atlanta area. She runs an online training platform that teaches salon owners business systems and growth strategies.
Her focus, she says, is helping others avoid costly business mistakes: “I want to save people the hassle of making mistakes that could cost thousands.”
4. Porsha Williams Introduced Her New Girlfriend to the Cast at a Bravo Event
Williams publicly confirmed their relationship at BravoCon 2025. She told the audience the cast met her “female friend” at Drew Sidora’s premiere of her film Fair Love.
A video already circulating online showed Williams introducing McKinney to her co-stars before she confirmed the news.
5. Patrice ‘Sway’ McKinney’s Net Worth Is Still Growing
While McKinney’s exact net worth is unknown — rumored to be $1.7 million — her business ventures, franchises, coaching platform, and influencer work suggest she was already financially thriving before her relationship with Williams.
