Essence Atkins has nothing but love and respect for the Wayans.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE about her newly released BET+ original holiday film Queens of Christmas, the actress, 52, also discussed her longstanding working relationship with the comedians.

Atkins currently stars as "Ivy" alongside Damon Wayans, Sr. (Poppa) and his son Damon Wayans, Jr. (Damon) in the CBS sitcom Poppa's House, but she has also worked with other members of the famous family throughout the decades.

"I think what makes it work for us is the love, respect and trust that we have with one another," Atkins told PEOPLE. "It's like we all show up with a very similar mindset."

"We all show up to do the work, to tell the best stories, to find ways to augment the laughter and surprise one another," she continued.

"So, we've watched each other grow and become even better as artists. And we've always shown up in support of one another. And I love that we listen and we hear each other," she told PEOPLE.

According to Akins, the Wayans family creates "such a collaborative environment on their projects."

"They really do invite true collaboration. They don't need credit. They don't require a kind of hierarchy. They just want to know, 'Well, what do you think is funny?'" the Smart Guy alum continued. "And if you think it's funny, then try it. And if it works, we'll use it. And if it doesn't, we'll keep trying until we find the absolute best moment. And that is such an incredibly liberating feeling."

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Atkins added that when trying new things out with the Wayans, "failure isn't a death sentence, failure completely isn't condemning, you tried it, it didn't work, try again. Let's try something different. Let's find it together."

"It's such an 'us' place. It's a 'we' place. And that's a rare thing in this business," the actress said.