There are some extremely smart cookies within the Real Housewives franchise, as not all are just pretty faces. For a network that started with one show, Real Housewives of Orange County, the franchise has grown to 11 cities produced in the United States, not to mention the 21 international series. What started off as a fun behind-the-scenes show from the camera’s point of view turned into a worldwide sensation, and most of it is due to the savvy women who call themselves housewives.
At first, most of the women cast were stay at homes moms who happened to marry extremely well. Their daily jobs consisted of getting their children off to school, playing their tennis match at the club, and staying physically fit for their work-alcoholic husbands. However, as the years went on, more and more of the Bravo personalities started to market themselves, earning them millions. These are the most successful Real Housewives.
Bethenny Frankel
This Real Housewives of New York star needs no introduction, as Bethenny Frankel has hustled her brand, Skinny Girl, since Season 1. Bethenny always had aspirations of becoming her own boss, even while she attended Boston University and New York University, where she majored in communications and psychology. During Seasons 1 through 3, Bethenny got her hands dirty as she first pushed her Skinny Girl line at Whole Foods in Greenwich, CT.
Who would have known she would end up building an empire estimated at $100,000 million, via Women’s Health? With nine books under her name, food and alcohol items, and even her own brand of clothes, Bethenny is by far one of the most successful Real Housewives. The best thing about Bethenny is she has no plans of slowing down.
Carole Radziwil
Carole Radziwill was a staple on Real Housewives of New York City after she entered the show during Season 5. Carole was a journalist who had worked with ABC for years and knew a thing or two about business. It didn’t hurt that she married a real-life prince, Anthony Radziwill, nephew to Jackie Kennedy Onassis. During her time at ABC, Carole produced stories and wrote numerous books.
Carole was a hard worker who had a passion for politics. The princess was educated at CUNY Hunter College and went to New York University for her MBA. The 59-year-old has earned three Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and a GLAAD Media Award for her reporting.
Kim Zolciak
Even though Kim Zolciak of Real Housewives of Atlanta is currently in the news for her divorce from Kroy Biermann, she has built herself a little empire of her own. She first made her money by appearing on the Bravo reality show and agreeing to her own spin-off, Don’t Be Tardy. Kim also capitalized on her short-lived singing career by going on tour with tunes like “Tardy for the Party,” “Google Me,” and “Ring Didn’t Mean a Thing.”
After years of bragging about her wigs and beauty regime, in 2016, Kim released her beauty and lifestyle company, Kashmere Kollections. The mother of six also founded a swimsuit company, Salty K, which her two older daughters model for.
Shannon Beador
Even though Shannon Beador may be a little high-strung on Real Housewives of Orange County, she is one hungry woman when it comes to business. After her husband, David Beador, divorced her, the mother of three needed some way of making her own income.
Shannon, who loves being healthy, founded Real for Real, a company dedicated to wellness. Not only does Shannon have her own website, but she also has appeared on QVC to push her daily lemonade drink and is now laughing all the way to the bank as one of the most successful Real Housewives.
Phaedra Parks
The Jack of all trades and star of Real Housewives of Atlanta, Phaedra Parks, has her hand in literally everything. The mother of two has worked as a television personality, attorney, businesswoman, author, actress, and mortician. While it seems like a heavy load, Phaedra loves to keep busy, all the while earning those coins.
Phaedra has also tried to launch her own brand of feminine wipes called The Healthy Peach. To keep her empire strong, Phaedra returned to Bravo to appear on Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, with some fans hoping she makes a permanent return.
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