Fans of the “Real Housewives” franchise tune in to get a glimpse of the ladies’ glamorous lifestyles, over-the-top behavior, and of course, the catfights and the drama. But there are some viewers who watch the Bravo shows to keep tabs on their favorite Housewives, as some of the ladies have become business role models for many women.
Here are the top five “Real Housewives” stars with successful businesses in real life.
Bethenny Frankel
The “Real Housewives of New York City” star is a fan-favorite, as the 46-year-old has authored three books, released an audiobook, and even created an exercise DVD back in 2010. But the mother-of-one is best known for creating the margarita brand, Skinnygirl. Frankel sold the brand to Beam Global for an estimated $100 million, and since then, she has expanded the brand to include snack foods, lunch meats, non-alcoholic beverages, kitchen appliances, shapewear, mints, and salad dressings.
According to Forbes, Frankel is one of the highest paid Housewives as she reportedly made $8.5 million from June 1, 2015, to June 1, 2016.
Lisa Vanderpump
The queen of the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and her husband, Ken Todd, have owned over 20 restaurants and bars in London and Los Angeles, including A-List favorites Pump Restaurant and SUR Restaurant & Lounge. She also has a line of luxury pet accessories called Vanderpump Pets, a jewelry line, and even her own emojis.
NeNe Leakes
The “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star has done it all—she has appeared in a Broadway play, competed on “Dancing With the Stars” and “Celebrity Apprentice,” and is a panelist on the game show “To Tell The Truth.” Leakes also has several successful businesses, including a clothing line with the Home Shopping Network and a NeNe Leakes Store, which sells t-shirts printed with her favorite sayings on the show, such as “Girl Bye!” “Bloop,” and “So Nasty, So Rude.”
Teresa Giudice
The “Real Housewives of New Jersey” diva may have had a setback as she served an 11-month prison sentence in 2015, but the mother-of-four made a comeback by releasing her prison memoir, which became a New York Times bestseller. Prior to that, she released three cookbooks, which all made it into the New York Times list. Giudice also created a line of cocktails called Fabellini and a hair care line.
Ramona Singer
The “RHONY” star has a few business ventures under her belt, including a fashion line, a hair extension line, and even her own Pinot Grigio.
For more, check out Jobs & Hire's report on the 5 female celebrities with successful businesses.
