'We Can Be Great Wives and Own a Business'

Stars of the Real Housewives on becoming entrepreneurs

- JENNI FINK

FOR SOME, THE REAL HOUSEWIVES FRANCHISE is a means to achieve their 15 minutes of fame, but for other cast members, it has been a vehicle to break free from traditional roles expected of women and take financial control of their lives.

“They're finding their independence through the show,” Frances Berwick, chairman of Bravo and Peacock unscripted, told Newsweek. “It’s given a lot of them the ability to fulfill a dream or to evolve into something and realize their full potential.”

When The Real Housewives started filming, host and executive producer Andy Cohen didn’t believe it had what it took to become a success. He didn’t even think it was worth putting “Orange County” in the title of the original series because he didn’t see it expanding to other areas.

Yet, nearly 20 years later, the franchise has reached 11 other U.S. cities, with more than 150 women cast on the show. Generally speaking, they have the kind of money that many people dream of, often fueled by their husbands' business ventures. The women are predominantly focused on raising their families and caring for their husbands—who are often blunt about calling the shots in the relationship.

But over the years, viewers have witnessed the evolution of these stars as they transitioned from traditional housewife to breadwinner.

Navigating Life as a Divorcee

As an original The Real Housewives of Orange County cast member, Tamra Judge was among those who launched the entire franchise—and, after a brief hiatus, she continues to appear on screens weekly.

At the start, Judge was married to Simon Barney. During the early seasons, viewers saw tensions in their marriage. By the end of season five, Judge hit breaking point, declaring in a limousine ride to a party that she wanted a divorce.