iRH: Hola Cristy! How were you originally approached to join Bravo's “The Real Housewives of Miami”?
Cristy: I was approached by the producers when they first
started scouting in Miami .
iRH: Did you know any of the ladies prior of filming?
Cristy: Yes, I knew Lea, Marysol, Larsa, and had met Alexia
a few times because of mutual friends. I did not know Adriana.
iRH: How would you describe your experience being part of
“The Real Housewives of Miami”?
Cristy: I would say that it was a good experience. I am a
person who loves diversity and change (hence my gemini sign:) and doing that
show was something new and a change from my routine at the time.
iRH: Were you a fan of the “The Real Housewives” franchise
before joining the show?
Cristy: I do not watch much TV at all and I had actually
never seen a RH show until after I was chosen to be on it.
iRH: We all know editing plays a big factor on reality
shows. Were you satisfied how you were portrayed on the show?
Cristy: Editing is huge. My ex-husband and I decided not to
have our kids filmed on the show so for starters I went in without my full
package. With that being said I agreed to do the show so that I can showcase my
business and to my disappointment - they never really showed any of my business
and portrayed me as some single girl that just goes out and parties….
iRH: You stated this before that you were disappointed that
Bravo never aired footage of you working on your clothing store Bri Bri
Boutique. What inspired you to open up you're own clothing boutique?
Cristy: I have always worked in the fashion industry since I
was 16. I have been on both the retail and the wholesale side of the business
as well as manufacturing. Fashion is art and change- two things I love.
iRH: Is there a reason behind naming your boutique “Bri
Bri”?
Cristy: Yes, I opened my boutique when my daughter Brianna
aka Bri Bri was just 2 years old. It was a high end children's boutique and she
was the face of the logo etc. Today she is the face of my swimwear line, Cuban
Rice with me.
iRH: I want to commend you on the merchandise prices of the
boutique; the prices affordable, which is great, especially in this economy.
What this the intention from the beginning?
Cristy: I actually began the boutique as high end children's
clothing and catered to many of the NBA moms like myself but when the economy
took a really bad turn for the worst in 2007-2008 I decided to add women's and
create the concept of "get the look for less" with trendy clothes but
not major designer brands….
iRH: Are all the accessories and clothing on your boutique
designed by you or do you collaborate with other designers?
Cristy: NO, at Bri Bri boutique as I mention before we carry
all different designers but at very affordable prices.
iRH: Speaking of designing, you have a bikini line Cuban
Rice. What inspired you to create this line?
Cristy: My bikini line is called Cuban Rice and it is
becoming my full time baby. I started off with accessories, jewelry, coverups
and now bikinis and….. I was inspired by the fact that I am always at the beach
and I live in Miami .
I grew up close to the water and I really enjoy creating each and everyone of
my suits.
iRH: Would you say the style of “Miami ” has a major influence on Cuban Rice
swim ware?
Cristy: Totally, that and my Cuban heritage.
iRH: How many different styles of bikinis does the line
consist of?
Cristy: You can check them out at www.shopcubanrice.com
iRH: Is the bikini line for all shapes and sizes?
Cristy: I have different styles for all body types and every
season we grow a bit more and more.
iRH: During Season 1 of RHOM, there was friction between you
and Lea Black and Adriana. Are you in good terms with both of them now?
Cristy: Lea and I talk every once in a while and she has
apologized plenty of times for all the BS she created in Season 1. Adriana is
the type of person that I never care to be associated with and from the looks
of it neither do any of the girls. Time tells all :)
iRH: Do you have any regrets doing RHOM? Would you go back
if they asked you back?
Cristy: I do not regret much in life - I believe that every
day is a surprise and we must learn the lessons in order to grow in life. I did
not really care for the cattiness of the girls and all the gossip etc. If I
ever went back it would be only to share my fabulous bikinis and the making of
with the world. However, I would not change my way of reacting to all the
nonsense- which is mind over matter- you know the rest.
iRH: Everyone wants to know, why didn't you return back to
RHOM after Season 1?
Cristy: After I saw how shallow some of the girls could be
and the extents they would go to just for 5 seconds of fame at the reunion show
I decided I wanted no part of that. The way they edited also had a lot to do
with my decision.
iRH: Do you keep in touch with any of your former cast
members (Lea, Adriana, Marysol, Alexia or Larsa)?
Cristy: Lea.
iRH: What are your thoughts on the new season of RHOM? Are
you surprised to see Lea vs Adriana?
Cristy: I am not surprised at all. I do not watch much TV
but I have tried to keep up with the girls. All I can say is that "Karma
is a bigger b@tch than I can ever be"
iRH: How's your love life? Single? Dating?
Cristy: I am single.
iRH: Anything you would like to say to your fans?
Cristy: Thank you for the ongoing love and support that I
still receive from them daily… I try my best to read and respond or update my
life on my social media… xoxoxo
Stay Connected With Cristy Rice via:
Twitter: @CubanRice
Instagram: CristyRice12
Instagram: CubanRiceSwim
Facebook: Cristy Rice Facebook
Website: www.shopcubanrice.com
Shop Cuban Rice Swimwear Line at www.shopcubanrice.com
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