Much like sitting on an XXL couch to spill your truth at the end of the season, or holding a wedding vow renewal one calendar year before getting divorced, launching a specialty business is a rite of passage for the Bravo elite. The network has become the prime launching pad for personal branding long before influencing became an actual thing (which really comes in handy every time the ink on those divorce papers finally dries). But a lot of the business ventures started by our reality legends, like the prophet Drake once said, were here for a good time not a long one. They’ve even caused some serious shit-talking. After decades of on-screen spon slinging, it feels like the perfect time to call out the cash grabs from the legit Bravo empires. That way we can applaud the unexpected moguls who low-key have Jeff Bezos shaking while remembering the ridiculous products that once made us think “Please say sike.” Let’s check in on the most memorable Bravo-related businesses to see which are still alive, and which have kicked the bucket (RIP).
Zarin Fabrics
Started: 1936
Ended: Still kickin
While this business began long before Bravo existed, RHONY wouldn’t have been the same without Jill Zarin dragging the girls around Bobby’s (read: Bawwby’s) fabric empire. Zarin Fabrics is still going strong since its opening almost 100 years ago. Jill has remained involved with the business since Bobby’s death in 2018.
Coto Insurance
Started: 1994
Ended: Still kickin
Vicki’s insurance company, founded in the 90s, was basically its own character on RHOC. Since Vicki was eventually fired from the show after an admirable 15 season run, it’s a good thing Coto kept pumping out life insurance policies. Which is pretty impressive considering all of the sheet-over-the-head antics from Ms. Gunvalson over the years, including a cancer scam she was totally NOT in on.
All of Lisa Vanderpump’s Restaurants
Started: 2005
Ended: Still kickin’ across state lines
Lisa Vanderpump joined RHOBH with two major West Hollywood staples under her belt: Lisa and Ken came aboard SUR as owners in 2005 (which was originally started by Guillermo in 1998) and later launched Villa Blanca in 2009. After that came Pump in 2014, TomTom in 2018, and Vegas’ Vanderpump Cocktail Garden and Vanderpump à Paris in 2019 and 2022 respectively. Her most recent venture, Wolf, opened in Tahoe in 2024. All of these restaurants serve an endless supply of her personal label of Provence rosé started in 2017. Following the pandemic and rising LA rent prices, Villa Blanca and Pump have sadly closed, but LVP’s hospitality empire still stretches across continents and television networks.
Vida Tequila
Started: 2007
Ended: Still kickin’
Vida is the premier tequila of Salt Lake and Sundance Film Festival for that matter, at least if you ask Lisa Barlow. The glam addict and her Bravo Househusband extraordinaire John Barlow originally conceived the idea of producing a tequila brand in 2003 which hadn’t yet been done in Utah. Vida has since expanded to a line of hard seltzers.
Cuff Love (Lynne Curtin’s Bangles)
Started: 2008
Ended: Still kickin
Are you even a Bravo fan if you don’t remember OC’s custom gaudy jewelry designed by Lynne Curtin? Lynn’s company, perhaps to much surprise, is alive and well, operating as the very chic Lynne Curtin Collection. The original blingy bangles have been replaced by an array of modern spiky gold enamel and bejeweled pieces.
She by Shereé
Started: 2008 (technically, but actually 2022)
Ended: Still kickin’…ish
Whatever happened to… customer service? We’ll never know, but it didn’t end up on Shereé Witfield’s platform for her athleisure brand of spring-summer joggers. She by Shereé was 14 years (!!!) in the making before it finally launched after a second fashion show (this time with fashions) in 2022. Unfortunately, though everyone was rooting for Shereé, feedback from cast members and consumers alike says that the items are cheap Shein knock-offs sold at designer prices which take forever to arrive (even when the website is working).
Yummie Tummie
Started: 2008
Ended: Still kickin’ (but no longer belongs to Heather)
I will have the sound of Heather Thompson yelling “holla” ringing in my ears until the day I die. Heather was also known for her Spanx competitor brand Yummie Tummie (later rebranded as Yummie) which she created after working for her close friend P.Diddy (yikes guess he we won’t hear her bragging about that one anymore). While Yummie still exists, Heather shared in 2020 that she sold the brand for other “entrepreneurial endeavors.”
Gift Library
Started: 2008
Ended: 2015
The Lady of London turned Real Housewife of Dubai, Caroline Stanbury, was a gifting guru back in her London days. The concept of the service was simple: Caroline and her staff would select and arrange the perfect present for your loved ones, which she was inspired to start since her friends were always asking her for gifting advice. The company succumbed to financial demands in 2015.
SkinnyGirl
Started: 2009
Ended: Still kickin’
Bethenny Frankel’s calorie-efficient cocktail label forever changed the reality TV product placement game (and boy does she love reminding us). SkinnyGirl started before our very eyes in 2009 when then home-chef B decided to bottle her perfect low-cal marg recipe (with no help from Lu). The brand has since evolved to wine, liquor, salad dressing, snacks, and even multiple clothing lines, with a big helping hand from her constant promotion on RHONY.
Meredith Marks Store
Started: 2009
Ended: Still kickin’
Long before Mary got stuck behind the rickety door or Monica hid behind vintage clothing racks in a bad wig, Meredith opened her namesake store to further promote her many lines as a jewelry designer (which are also sold at Neiman Marcus). The mom of three, podcast host, and caviar expert does it all.
Ramona Pinot Grigio
Started: 2011
Ended: Late 2010s
Whenever I hear the phrase “turtle time” it makes me want to grab an ice-cold glass of pinot and locate a yacht on the nearest dock. Ramona’s 2011 Italian white wine label outlived her marriage to Mario, with bottles still floating around the ether as recently as last year. It seems fair to say that production stopped a long time ago, however, probably around when Bethenny roasted Ramona for her multiple “fake” businesses in 2018 (including TrueFaith jewelry and TruRenewal Skincare which turned into Ageless By Ramona).
Bedroom Kandi
Started: 2011
Ended: Still kickin
Kandi Burruss always had a reputation for having the highest freak number on RHOA. So it made a lot of sense when she created her sex toy line Bedroom Kandi which expanded to a second Kandi Koated label and a tangential Kandi Koated Beauty line that you probably next heard of. While we give kudos to Kandi for getting her girl boss on, Bedroom Kandi has yet to beat the MLM allegations. Woof.
BLK Water
Started: 2011
Ended: Still kickin’
Inspired by Big Al’s entrepreneurial expertise at the Brownstone, Caroline Manzo’s sons Albie and Christopher, along with her brother Chris (the best OG Jersey Househusband, if you ask me), became founding investors in Canadian brand BLK water. Did anyone ask for water that was the color of dirt? No, but the alternative water brand took off since its introduction under the Manzos’ wing in 2011. BLK also offers canned flavored options and fulvic mineral BLK drops as of 2024.
Phaedra’s Mortuary
Started: 2012
Ended: Still kickin’
A Housewife who already had a job as a lawyer wanting to pick up a side hustle as a mortician was definitely a Bravo first. Phaedra’s apprenticeship at Willie’s Funeral Home back in season 4 of RHOA was the storyline we never knew we needed. When Page Six asked in 2020 if Phaedra’s business was still afloat, she responded “Oh my gosh, it’s going great, didn’t you hear about that pandemic, girl? We are booming. Unfortunately. We have been jam-packed since the pandemic started.” If you didn’t read that in Phaedra’s voice are you even a RHOA fan?
Kyle By Alene Too
Started: 2012
Ended: 2018
Who could forget Kyle’s business with the most confusing name ever? Kyle By Alene Too was a Kyle-curated boutique spinoff launched in 2012 from an existing clothing store called Alene Too. This is not to be confused with Kyle x Shahida which is the vast desert loungewear collection Kyle “designed” (using the word loosely) with Shahida Clayton. While the Kyle x Shahida caftans can still be bought on their website and in Palm Springs, Kyle By Alene Too closed 6 years after opening.
Cut Fitness
Started: 2013
Ended: 2022
Tamra and Eddie opening CUT Fitness was definitely one of the evil mastermind’s more wholesome moments since it was nice to see Tamra reclaim her girlboss spirit after her rough breakup with her ex-husband Simon. We also have to thank CUT Fitness for serving as the scene of multiple crimes, like that dinner where Tamra destroyed Alexis (“I had to go on Xanax for it Lydia!”) or where Jen Pedranti fell in love with the most unserious man in the world, Ryan.
Sonja By Sonja Morgan
Started: 2014
Ended: Still kickin’
Woman of the world Sonja Morgan half-started many businesses (the infamous toaster oven, her party planning venture Sonja in the City, investing in the Moroccan soccer team, and of course the “copycat” brand Tipsy Girl). Yet her clothing label Sonja by Sonja Morgan actually saw the light of day — thanks, Guarav! Though the website may be incredibly wonky, it’s still up. Plus, you can get Sonja by Sonja Morgan items from other retailers like Walmart and French sole. Soooo, we’re counting it.
James Mae
Started: 2014
Ended: Still kickin’
Kristen Doute started James Mae, her t-shirt company named after her niece and nephew, in 2014. It was a good thing she started the brand during her heyday on Vanderpump Rules since it hopefully kept her busy after she was fired in 2020. If you thought James Mae faded into the abyss, think again. Kristen launched a new t-shirt collection on season one of The Valley.
Kenya Moore Hair Care
Started: 2014
Ended: Still kickin’
Everybody chant it together now: Kenya. Moore. HAIR. Care! The RHOA villain (or perhaps former villain) created the hair care brand to bring handcrafted products to the market back when natural hair care seemed to be a hidden secret. While she’s never beating the wig allegations, the success of her line making it to Walmart, CVS, and Sally Beauty speaks for itself.
Asa Kaftans
Started: 2014
Ended: Still kickin’
The luxury leisure queen of Shahs of Sunset has been selling her caftans for over a decade now. Unlike Reza’s short-lived shampoo situation, Asa Soltan’s colorful apparel has done so well that it expanded to accessories.
Envy by Melissa Gorga
Started: 2015
Ended: Still kickin’ (sorry Tre)
Melissa started putting clothing “On Display” in the boutique that kept her from staying at Joe’s side 100% of the time in 2015 (yes he’s been annoying about her career, but he is the best longstanding Househusband on that show by a landslide). Envy is doing so well that Missy G opened a Long Island location in 2024.
Oz
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Started: 2015
Ended: 2019
RIP Ashley and Michael’s “kangaroo restaurant.” RIP Ashley and Michael’s marriage for that matter. Something tells me the DC foodie scene was never the same after the three years of Darby cuisine.
ALL IN by Teddi
Started: ~2015
Ended: Still kickin’
John Mellencamp’s daughter didn’t last long on RHOBH (though it may have felt like an eternity), but Teddi’s strict dieting program ALL IN definitely left lasting impressions on many of the women who have completed the program. Inspired by the weight she gained after the birth of her son, Teddi created the system centered around “self-accountability through personal one-on-one support, guidance and tools that inspire a complete—and lasting—lifestyle shift.”
All Of Kandi Burruss’ Restaurants
Started: 2016
Ended: Still kickin’
It started with the soul food pit stop Old Lady Gang created in honor of Mama Joyce and her sisters. Thanks to Todd’s ambition and Kandi’s coins, it’s grown into a mini-empire with Blaze Seafood and (according to Todd) much more to come, when they’re not busy with Broadway.
Hubb House Public Relations
Started: 2016
Ended: ~2022
When young Lindsay Hubbard joined Summer House in 2017 she was the PR boss bitch who had her career together. Then the pandemic brought restaurants and hospitality to a standstill. As Lindsay shared on The Bitch Bible podcast, by the time her clients eventually came back, their new lowered budgets were less than she was making influencing full-time. She’s now just the boss of her Nashville rental property Hubb House (and not Carl).
Give Them Lala Beauty
Started: 2016
Ended: 2o23
Lala joined Vanderpump Rules in 2014, and two years later turned her catchphrase into a beauty brand. Who could forget the Bambi Eyed Bitch palette? On season 11 of VPR she announced the brand would be “dissolved” and reworked entirely so I guess Lala fans (whoever you are) will have to wait to see what that means.
Beverly Beach
Started: 2017
Ended: 2024?
When you travel the world you can have any accent you want, but when you launch a business in the United States you do have to pay your taxes. It looks like fashion fiend Dorit Kemsley pulled Beverly Beach’s website in 2024, since it was last accessed in December of 2023. The brand had not been actively selling new swimwear for some years before that. The shutdown may be related to reports of Beverly Beach owing back taxes in both California and Delaware.
EveryHue Beauty
Started: 2017
Ended: ~2020
Gizelle’s fits may be questionable but her beauty is undeniable. Her makeup brand EveryHue was off to a great start, even making it to Target. Gizelle shared on subsequent seasons of RHOP that Covid ultimately took the brand out.
Sparkle Dog Food
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Started: 2017
Ended: Still kickin’
What’s wrong with pinky glittery dog food? Nothing if you can stomach the possibility of pink puppy diarrhea, I guess? Never the practical-minded Housewife, Kameron with a K from Dallas decided to burn some Westcott cash on pink dog food. TBH, it’s not all that sparkly.
Boujie Kidz
Started: 2017
Ended: Still kickin’
RHONJ newbie Danielle Cabral’s online children’s clothing boutique has grown exponentially over the past few years, hence making an appearance at New York Fashion Week. If you want your three-year-old to rock knock-off Dior sunglasses, Danielle’s got you covered. The fashion curator hopes to have a “boujie” physical store in Jersey soon.
Beauty Lab + Laser
Started: 2017
Ended: Still kickin’
Heather Gay gathered the receipts, proof, timeline, everything to launch her med spa Beauty Lab with her business partner Andrea Robinson in Salt Lake City. Beauty Lab is famous for providing a number of injectibles, body sculpting, and hair sculpting in the sleekest champagne-filled setting Utah has to offer.
La’ Dame by Karen Huger
Started: 2018
Ended: Still kickin’
Karen isn’t the only Real Housewife of Potomac to start a candle line, but she is the first. La Dame started off with a perfume that you can buy in Macy’s (thank you very much) and has grown to candles, sprays, and… wigs? Sure, why not.
Real for Real
Started: 2018
Ended: Still kickin’
Bravo’s strongest soldier, Shannon Beador, launched her health supplement line (with the help of Dr. Moon) in tandem with her QVC meal kits back on season 10 of RHOC. While it seems QVC has put a pause on the pre-made meals, her tinctures and vitamins are still available online.
Loverboy
Started: 2018
Ended: Still kickin’
At this point, Summer House is synonymous with Kyle Cooke’s hard tea brand. Kyle never starts talking about it, everyone on the cast including his wife/mandatory employee Amanda is drinking it, and Carl is helping usher in a new non-alc tea. It’s an impressively successful achievement, even if it’s now convinced Kyle he somehow has a copyright on the concept of canned cocktails.
Sewing Down South
Started: 2018
Ended: Still kickin’
Craig turned his sewing hobby into a lifestyle with the pillow company that basically put his relationship with Naomi to eternal rest. The company opened a brick-and-mortar Charleston storefront in 2021.
Witches of WeHo Wine
Started: 2019
Ended: Still kickin’
Right before Queen Stassi Schroeder was dethroned for the damaging claims against Faith Stowers, the once GOATED VPR girl group went public with the Witches of WeHo Wine. The original Basic Bitch Potion No. 1 (Pinot Grigio) in early 2019 was followed by Basic Bitch Potion No. 2 (a rose) later that summer. While the brand fell off due to the controversy and covid, Katie and Kristen relaunched Potion No. 1 in 2023 following Scandoval.
THE SUTTON CONCEPT
Started: 2019
Ended: Still kickin’
Alene who, again? Sutton’s namesake store THE SUTTON CONCEPT is thriving in West Hollywood, as celebrated on season 13 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Though dressing like Sutton may cost a pretty penny, Los Angeles residents do have the option. Everyone can enjoy this bonkers picture of our girl rocking TF out of a bayang for free, though.
Trop Hop
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Started: 2019
Ended: Still kickin’
For those of you too blessed to be aware, Trop Hop is the first beer from Austen Kroll’s brewing company, King’s Calling Brewing Co. (No comment on Austen referring to himself as a king.) In fact, Trop Hop is the only label the brand has, though naturally there is a plethora of merch available.
Lisa Rinna Beauty
Started: 2020
Ended: Still kickin’
The only thing bigger than Rinna’s lips were the accusations that came out of them on a seasonal basis during her lengthy tenure on RHOBH. After she was done with her memorable Dipends campaign and less memorable QVC dusters, Lisa launched a beauty brand with lip-plumping products galore, eye makeup, and body oil.
Embellished
Started: 2020
Ended: Still kickin’
Robyn Dixon’s silk-lined beanies and baseball caps are the perfect gift for the auntie on the go in your life who needs to keep that blond bob right.
Aroma-sthesia
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Started: 2020
Ended: Still kickin’
The biggest tragedy of RHOD getting abruptly canceled in 2021, was not getting more Tiffany Moon on our screens. The blossoming reality star however had more than enough to keep her busy, with her full-time job as an anesthesiologist which she combined with her love of candles to create the company Aroma-sthesia. The project started with candles for fellow healthcare workers working countless hours during the Covid crisis. Tiffany also created a wine label, Three Moon Wines.
CaraGala
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Started: 2021
Ended: Still kickin’
When you think of Gina Kirschenheiter, skincare expert probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But the Orange County transplant created the skincare line because she “was fed up with being uncomfortable and self-conscious after my skin was impacted by my move from New York to California and life’s stress the past few years.” Gotta pay the Casita 2.0 mortgage somehow.
Schwartz & Sandy’s
Started: 2022
Ended: Still kickin’ (in spite of Scandoval)
Lisa Vanderpump has given us so much, but unfortunately, that includes empowering the two worst Toms to open another restaurant. As a multi-time patron of this establishment for anthropological purposes, it feels fair to say that while it did not merit the years-long delay that nearly gave Greg a heart attack, at least it’s certainly… different!
Le’Archive
Started: 2022
Ended: Still kickin’
You can say a lot about Marlo Hampton, but you can’t question her fashions. Even Vogue applauded her design showroom service, despite the egregious not French approved “e” in the middle.
Wild Rose Beauty
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Started: 2023
Ended: Still kickin’
Originally named Iris + Beau, Whitney Rose re-launched her Wild Rose Beauty (which is actually mostly a skincare line) in 2023. It seems like the product rollout is starting out slow, but it looks like the site currently offers a bath bomb, a serum, and a “stem cell” cream. To be fair, Whit’s been busy hosting sound baths, right?
Donne
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Started: 2023
Ended: Still kickin’
Everyone finally knows what Danielle Olivera of Summer House fame is the CEO and founder of!!! Donne is a clothing styling app that helps lazy millennials live their Clueless closet fantasy (from their phone). The question remains is Danielle using Donne yet? Just curious.
Jax’s Studio City
Started: 2023
Ended: Still kickin’
Another Pump Rules alum, another bar. Sports pub, Jax’s Studio City, is both Jax’s and Brittany’s labor of love (I mean, look at that succulent wall, y’all). That doesn’t mean they’re allowed to change Cruz’s diapers on the bartop, though.
GnA Apparel
Started: 2023
Ended: Still kickin’
Gizelle and Ashley’s fitness fashion company pretty much came out of left field on season 8 of RHOP but that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t buy it to support our favorite shady ladies from Potomac. Even it ends up on the clearance rack at Marshall’s.
Something About Her
Started: 2024
Ended: Still kickin’
Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney’s long-awaited Nancy Meyers-inspired sandwich shop finally opened up in 2024 and the sammies, thank God, do not disappoint. Diane Keaton even stopped by, so not sure what anyone else could be waiting for.
