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- I’m Bethenny Frankel. My workdays in Florida involve beach walks, supermodel snacks, and running my dating community from my phone. (businessinsider.com)
Bethenny Frankel on Life After ‘Housewives’: Beach Walks, Business, and Battling “Filler” Content
SOUTH FLORIDA – Bethenny Frankel, the sharp-witted entrepreneur and former star of The Real Housewives of New York City, has traded the hustle of Manhattan for the sunny shores of South Florida, and she’s not slowing down. At 55, Frankel, now leading her private dating community, The Core, along with a thriving empire of influencing and investing, says her current ventures dwarf her Skinnygirl days.
“I got a big one-time check when I sold the liquor arm of Skinnygirl,” Frankel explained, “but what I’m doing now… is bigger than ever.”
While she’s a powerhouse in business, Frankel’s workday is far from a traditional desk job. “My brain works well, I have a phone, and that’s really all I need,” she quipped, even crediting her BlackBerry for penning most of her New York Times bestselling books.
Here’s a glimpse into a typical day for the self-proclaimed “lounger” and “pyjama-wearer”:
Mornings: Ocean Breezes and Business Deals
Frankel’s day kicks off early. After letting out her beloved dogs and attempting a quick morning hug with her teenage daughter (a mission she admits often involves “trolling” her non-morning person child), she brews a strong iced coffee.
Between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m., she’s often found “wandering around like a weirdo on the beach” near her new South Florida home, frequently ending her strolls with a refreshing dip in the ocean. These beach walks aren’t just for leisure; they’re prime time for business calls with her brand partnerships team and COO, discussing everything from contract negotiations to investments.
The Core: Building Connections on the Fly
Since its December launch, The Core, Frankel’s private dating membership community, has become a significant focus. “It brings together the trust I’ve built as an entrepreneur with my crazy Rolodex of incredibly powerful and successful people,” she said, emphasizing her passion for the project. Much like her disaster-relief initiative, BStrong, Frankel describes her approach as “building the plane while flying it,” often managing tasks through texts and voice notes.
Podcasting: “Therapy Monologues” and No Guests Required
Frankel’s days are intentionally unstructured, a stark contrast to many high-powered executives. This flexibility allows her to record her podcast, “Just B with Bethenny Frankel,” from home, often with little advanced planning. She’s famously unconcerned with A-list guests, finding that her candid “therapy monologues” about everything from pillowcases to bacterial infections resonate just as strongly with her audience.
Lunch and Social Media: “Supermodel Snacks” and Spontaneous Content
Lunch, when it happens, is flexible, typically between 1 and 3 p.m. It might involve meeting people for meals, a new habit since moving to Florida, or what she calls “supermodel snacks” – think seaweed wraps, rice cakes with avocado, or cottage cheese.
Her social media presence is similarly spontaneous. Frankel aims for “excellent content, not filler,” often turning everyday occurrences into viral moments that lead to brand deals.
She dedicates a few hours a week to filming these product endorsements, often sharing the influx of gifted items with those who’ve done her a kindness. “I feel like the universe gave the ‘get stuff’ crown to the right person: I like to share the wealth,” she shared.
Evenings: Protecting Peace and Embracing “Nightgown Era”
Evenings are dedicated to “protecting her peace.” Frankel enjoys unwinding with lengthy TV series, currently deep into The Walking Dead in her “nightgown era,” and taking a relaxing bath. She prioritizes listening to her body, whether it’s for hunger cues or simply when to relax.
Dinner is often a flexible affair. “I couldn’t care less about traditional meal times,” she stated.
Her move to Florida has also sparked a more sociable side, with recent home-cooked dinners for her daughter, boyfriend, and friends. She takes pride in showing her daughter that despite a busy career, she still carves out time for “this really normal thing.”
In essence, Bethenny Frankel proves that success doesn’t always come in a suit and tie. For her, it’s about passion, flexibility, and a healthy dose of beach-side living.