NEWSBethenny Frankel Built $120 Million Empire; Is Talk Show Next?
April 22 2011, Published 2:43 p.m. ET
She may have started out on The Real Housewives of New York City with reality TV experience (previously she competed on The Apprentice: Martha Stewart), but Bethenny Frankel has built a multi-million dollar empire! Creating it single-handedly courtesy of her TV exposure, the frank reality star dished about her initial hesitancy to sign on to Housewives, leveraging her show to promote her business and exploring new options: A possible talk show!
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When she lived in a 700-square foot apartment, Bethenny didn't exactly sign onto the dotted line when producers approached her to join Housewives. She told The Hollywood Reporter, "I was worried it would ruin what I had going." That said, Bethenny had one goal in mind. "I went on the show single-handedly and exclusively for business...When I went on the show, no one was going on for business, no one had done anything."
As other housewives were gallivanting to cocktail parties and shopping in upscale stores, Bethenny was on a mission. "I'm not running around buying diamonds and getting facials." She added, "I just decided to be totally honest and own it. You can't do something you don't stand for just to make money. It's a smart audience, people will realize it."
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Whether it's her workout DVDs, books, weight loss supplements or Skinnygirl Margaritas, she managed to create a booming business, a brand that is all things Bethenny. She inked a deal with Fortune Brands' Beam Global to the tune of $120 million to promote her beverage globally! The entrepreneur noted, "Now, every company I pitched this idea to has either tried to buy Skinnygirl or has copied it," Frankel says. "I created a sub-category that never existed. I wasn't an expert -- I was just another person bothered by a 700-calorie margarita."
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So, what's next for the reality star? Looks like perhaps a talk show is in the works so the vivacious personality can dish directly with fans. "Yes, like a talk show," she admitted. Although it appears her rep did not confirm or deny the report, a recent report indicated she's in discussions with a production company that also produced Ellen and The Tyra Banks Show.
As for her current show, Bethenny doesn't think Bethenny Ever After will last more than another season or two. "I like to leave a party when it's in full swing," she confessed. "I don't want to be there at 3 in the morning with the scary guy in the bad sweater with no teeth. I like to leave when everyone still has their teeth."
