Bethenny Frankel on how to become a self-made millionaire
SHE’S a sharp-witted, self-effacing and outspoken reality TV star. But that’s not how she became a self-made millionaire.
LAST month in a trendy mid-town Manhattan venue, Bethenny Frankel wowed the crowd dressed in a red jumpsuit, sipping on her newest Skinnygirl creation.
With her spicy lime margarita in hand, Bethenny laughed and danced (standing on chairs, to Empire State of Mind) with her Real Housewives of New York City cast mates — Sonja, Heather, Ramona, LuAnn and Kristen. They were not the only reality stars enjoying the party. I shared a giggle with Jax Taylor of Vanderpump Rules and received an air kiss (what else?) from Frederick Eklund of Million Dollar Listing.
Bethenny’s party was upbeat and chic, just like the woman herself. Slender, charismatic and self-possessed, it seems that where Bethenny goes, energy flows.
If you’ve seen an episode of The Real Housewives of New York City chances are you’re familiar with Bethenny Frankel. The sharp witted, self-effacing and outspoken reality star, who returns to RHONY this year, is as famous for her unique, no-nonsense style as she is for her business savvy and Forbes cover. (She sold Skinnygirl in 2011 to Beam Global for a rumoured $US100 million)
But life was not always so easy for Bethenny, 44, the only child of the late highly acclaimed horse trainer Bobby Frankel and wife Bernadette. “I never had a true childhood,” Frankel once stated to People. “There was a lot of destruction: alcohol abuse, eating disorders and violent fights.”
Bethenny became a proud, doting mother herself in 2010 to daughter Bryn, telling People, “I live for this baby … Everything that’s happened is exciting, but it’s nothing like having her in your arms. I just want to give her the life I didn’t have.” She is currently undergoing divorce proceedings with Bryn’s father, Jason Hoppy, 44.
Despite her early circumstances, Bethenny’s ambition flourished. Graduating from the Gourmet Institute of Health and Culinary Arts in 2001, she created Bethenny Bakes, a health-conscious cookie company that gained her enough traction to land a spot on the reality TV series, The Apprentice: Martha Stewart.
This exposure led to her being cast in RHONY — the decision that made her a household name and changed her life forever. “While the other Housewives were worrying about wardrobe, makeup, hair and shopping, I was building my business,” she shares in her best-selling book, A Place of Yes. “I was on a mission.”
A straight-shooter, she became just as known for her famous feuds as her business ventures. She had a messy falling out with friend and Real Housewives co-star Jill Zarin and rumours swirled that she became enemies with Ellen DeGeneres, who co-created and co-produced her short-lived talkshow.
Returning to RHONY this year, Bethenny has achieved business success almost unheard of for a reality TV personality. She was named one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Celebrities by Forbes magazine, is a four-times New York Times Best-selling Author and more than 2 million people follow her across Facebook and Twitter.
Bethenny is a true force to be reckoned with — a resilient, bright and ambitious New Yorker who tells it like it is. Her story is a true example of tenacity and courage and never giving up.
Bethenny sat down with news.com.au to dish the top secrets to her success.
Don’t be afraid to fail
“Unless you have all the money in the world and all the right people set up to make your business successful, you’re going to make mistakes. But, that is where I have learned the most … from my mistakes. This is really, truly when you’re going to understand parts of your business and your life that you may not have before. Don’t get down when you fail, because failures are blessings in disguise.”
Know your vision
“It is essential to do your research, and to be knowledgeable about the space you are entering. You should know all there is to know about your competition and any foreseeable challenges. You should also have a plan in place to execute on that vision. Just remember, the only thing that can stand in the way of your success is you. No one else can stop you from achieving your dreams.”
Jump in feet first
“We spend a lot of time thinking about an idea, but the only way to know if you have a profitable idea on your hands is to test it out in the marketplace. Jump in with passion and persistence and you’ll have to figure it out along the way.”
Connect with your audience
“Know your audience and enjoy the journey with them. I’ve been so fortunate to be able to connect with my audience and inspire them. I think it’s important to remember those loyal supporters who have been with you since the beginning — they are a large part of the reason why I’m going back to Real Housewives of New York City.”
Turn your negatives into positives
“Don’t let things or other people get you down. There are a lot of people who want me to fail, but I don’t deal with them. We all hit roadblocks in life and the way we handle those situations are what define us. There is a positive side to every situation, so find that positivity and let it guide you in the right direction.”
Slip in ‘me’ time and break out the good stuff
“Whether it’s a camomile neck pillow, regular yoga sessions, or a great outfit that you feel like amazing in, find what makes and keeps you calm and happy. It’s important to make time for yourself in your busy, fast-paced life.”
Don’t forget the girls
“Make the most of your downtime and while you’re waiting in a cab or an airport, call, text and email your BFFs to stay connected. And host a girls’ night where you can hang out with a bunch of friends at once (and of course enjoy some Skinnygirl Cocktails while you’re at it!).”
Like millions of other viewers I can’t wait to tune in and see what Bethenny is up to next. Whatever she has in store for us, it seems pretty certain that nothing will keep the original Skinnygirl down.
Susie Moore is a writer and health coach. Follow her on Twitter @susiemoore or visit her website.
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