How To Create A Personal Brand, According To Reality TV Stars Like Kristin Cavallari

Sophie Meharenna
Jul 11, 2023
reality tv stars brands and small businesses

It may seem like a distant memory, but there was once a time beforereality TV took over our TV screens. Nowadays, feels as if it's always been around — and judging from its sustained staying power, it will likely continue to be. Beyond its entertainment value, the genre creates pathways for everyday people to use the exposure and popularity as a jumping off point for entrepreneurship.

In recognition of these talented individuals who continue to parlay reality TV into big business, Chase Ink Business Premier brought together a panel of notable entrepreneurs who have boosted their personal brands through the platform.

Image via Chase Ink

Hosted at NeueHouse in New York, the gathering featured an impressive roster, including:

From stories of success to pitfalls they had to navigate, the panelists discussed how their transition from the silver screen catalyzed their entrepreneurial journeys. They also provided tangible advice for aspiring creators looking to follow in their footsteps. Read on for the most salient tips we took away from the discussion:

Image via Chase Ink

1. Start small and build momentum.

All of the panelists agreed that when starting out, it's important to focus on one thing at a time and work your way up from there. Cezar recalled his humble roots starting BLK & Bold in his garage, and ultimately establishing his product line as the first Black-owned nationally distributed coffee brand.

"It was validating that from the garage, independent shops reached out on social media," said Cezar. "From there, we had to get a commercial license and actually have a cash flow model. Then, we had to build a thesis on our product. We had corporate clients that we knew we wanted to build our brand towards, so can we finance our way to do that? It was all of these baby steps along the way, including looking at how to sell, finance and use credit cards from a cash flow standpoint."

Image via Chase Ink

2. Know your customers' needs.

Grede reiterated the importance of customer insight when building a business, and that one must understand their target audience before rolling out any product or service. "I think of it like I am the customer, like I am the girl. I know what kind of knickers I want to wear. I know that I don't want to alter my jeans. I feel like I am constantly creating for myself and I know what I want to pay for it and I know how I want it to feel. I think about myself as still the 17-year-old girl from East London, with no money, who wants real value for a thing. I want to wear those jeans like 1,700 times before I have to wash them because I don't want them to bag out. Having that at the forefront of my mind – all the time I'm solving for myself every day – I think keeps things very clear in what I'm doing and how I add value."

Image via Chase Ink

3. Capitalize on the moments that fuel your growth.

When asked about how he prepared for life after his stint on Shark Tank, Rose enthusiastically reflected on how it propelled his journey. "Building a business is always that pendulum between having too much demand and being able to satisfy it. I'm looking for demand, and I've got too much capacity," said Rose. "I think Shark Tank, in that sense, was just a really giant pendulum swing in that direction and fun and a little bit challenging to figure out, yeah, but it's a learning curve, right? I guess you just learn it straight out the gate. It's pretty amazing."

Image via Chase Ink

4. Leverage your platform to maximize your reach.

Through all of their TV appearances, each of the panelists had access to an engaged fanbase full of potential customers — an advantage they were not shy about allocating resources toward capitalizing on. Cavallari highlighted the power of social media for amplifying visibility and driving sales, and how she unapologetically leveraged her personal brand to feed her professional pursuits.

"I think the lines can be blurred. I think there's no reason why you specifically can't be the face of your brand in the beginning and the voice behind it. I mean, I actually think you should be, because people are buying into that lifestyle. You're selling them an idea, a feeling. If they have someone to connect to like you, that's what you need. You need that connection with your audience," said Cavallari.

The bottom line? When it comes to rocket launching your brand, you don't have to be a reality TV veteran — but these entrepreneurs have provided us with valuable lessons in how to leverage our platforms and channel creative energy into business ventures. With that, Chase Ink Business Premier is proud to salute the success of all those who continue to turn their visions into reality.

Sign up for our email newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things entrepreneurship!

Header image via Chase Ink

Collaboration Hacks Every Small Business Owner Should Know

Verizon
verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Therise Edwards, founder/CEO of Teshley Solutions, an education consultancy firm that helps students and families navigate the complexities of the education system K through 12.

What is an unexpected business challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?

I wouldn't call myself a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) expert, but I ended up having to know a lot more about it than I ever anticipated. FAFSA is what administers Pell Grants, which is what a lot of colleges base their financial aid on. I knew about the application changes, and some were excellent, but they made a series of critical errors and a lot of parents were scrambling. It was not my intent to have this as my area of focus; it just became a necessity.

What's a recent small win for your business?

Recent small wins are my collaborations. I formed partnerships with one organization that focuses on students with special needs. I hosted a webinar with the executive director of that organization. I formed a partnership with members from an insurance company on planning and paying for college. That was my first corporate sponsorship. And I've got a series of events coming out because others actually reached out to me. One of them I met through another networking platform, but I got to that platform from one of the sessions that I did with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program.

How did you start to collaborate with external partners?

Just changing my strategies and my approach, and just being more secure and more emphatic in making connections. It ends up being this continual cycle.

Is there a woman in business that you admire or that you look up to?

I have two. Leontyne Anglin, who runs a nonprofit called Beyond Expectations. She works with a small pool of students, but she just gives them enormous exposure and opportunity. She's brilliant with collaborating with individuals and businesses and really bringing the students what they need. And then the other on a bigger scale is Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, who taught her Business Plan Bootcamp through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. She is just a dynamo. She is just so supportive of women entrepreneurs. She's awesome.

How did the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program help propel your business forward?

All of the collaborations and partnerships with the exception of one all came from joining the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. I’ve taken all of the free classes and the one on projections and pricing, something every entrepreneur struggles with, was very helpful. There have been so many of them. Sometimes you're completely ignorant in a category so you take the class and it's like, okay, that's good to have. But then sometimes you sign up for it and it's like, oh, yeah, I did know 90 percent of that, but this other 10 percent is going to be very, very helpful.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Teshley Solutions.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces


business advicebusiness coursebusiness programbusiness tipscareercollaborationsdigital ready programsmall businesssmall business tipsunexpected challengesverizon sponsorshipwomen in businesssponsoredentrepreneurship

Not Close With Your Family? Here's How To Have a Joyous And Connected Holiday Season

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

relationship advicewellnessfriendshiprelationshipsholidays

Despite Being The "Best Boyfriend," Kristin Cavallari Shares Shocking Reason Behind Mark Estes Breakup

Women like Kristin Cavallariare giving a middle finger to outdated rules like who's allowed to have an age gap relationship or not, and it's refreshing to see. As much as we remember her for her time on The Hills, she's branched out as an author, entrepreneur, and host of the podcast Let's Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari. Speaking of her podcast, Kristin Cavallari didn't hold back in her when she dished about her ex-boyfriend Mark Estes.

At first listen, her giddy tone is evident and immediately captivated listeners for the 45 minutes she gushed about the key details that led her to a new relationship. Since then, the two had quite a public relationship even if was short-lived!

How did Kristin Cavallari meet her ex-boyfriend Mark Estes?

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

We're truly living in a digital age because TikTok is the reason Kristin Cavallari was introduced to her ex-boyfriend Mark Estes. She told her best friend Justin Anderson that she was scrolling down her timeline when she came across what she called a "boy group" called The Montana Boyz and they both agreed one of them specifically is her type. She said, "He's gorgeous. Like, everything about him is perfect. But, he's also outdoorsy and manly."

Three weeks later, she got a DM from The Montana Boyz that said "I love you" and she immediately let them know she wanted to have them on her podcast. Although the podcast didn't happen, Kristin Cavallari appeared in one of their TikTok videos. Once Kristin Cavallari learned from her assistant that they were planning to move to Nashville, she arranged for a line dancing meet-up with The Montana Boyz and her staff. After they met, Kristin decided to call the guy who would become her ex-boyfriend "Montana." (Cavallari used Montana as a stand in for her boyfriend's real name during the podcast recording as she never names anyone explicitly on her show.)

Shortly after that, Kristin Cavallari hard launched her new relationship with ex-boyfriend Mark Estes on Instagram in February, and the rest is history!

How did she feel about their age gap?

Presley Ann/Getty Images for MTV

Kristin Cavallari didn't know how young The Montana Boyz were, but she wasn't interested in pursuing a relationship with Mark Estes at first. She did admit she had a brief issue with their age gap, but decided that Mark being 24 while she's 37 didn’t really bother her. Justin pointed out that she actually used to say she wouldn't date guys who were only 30 because she thought they were too young. However, she was more interested in who Mark was as a person and notes that life experiences and how you were raised is more indicative of one's maturity level than age alone.

Did Kristin Cavallari's kids like Mark Estes?

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Kristin Cavallari said her boys were so excited to meet Mark for the first time and she felt like they really wanted her to be happy. "I've been really good about separating my dating life from their [life]," she said. Her oldest son especially approved of Mark and it was shocking to Kristin because he's usually the toughest judge of whoever she's dating.

How did her career prepare her for public opinions about their relationship?

Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

Kristin Cavallari didn’t care what anyone thought about her ex-boyfriend. She's lived life in the public eye and is comfortable enough with herself to make decisions that make her happy. Kristin said, "...when this news came out, it's the first time in my entire life I 100% haven't given a sh-t what anyone thinks... My own mother is noticing a difference in me."

Did she mention anything about her divorce from Jay Cutler?

Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images

Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler were married for seven years before announcing their divorce in 2020. She didn't go into detail about it during the podcast episode, but she did talk about the magnitude of her former relationship with her ex-boyfriend. "It's the first time I've gone public since my divorce," she said.

How did Mark Estes adjust to being in the public eye with Kristin Cavallari?

www.youtube.com

Montana Boyz's Mark Estes Says He's a "TRUE ROMANTIC" With Girlfriend Kristin Cavallari | E! News

Mark Estes may be in the spotlight because he dated Kristin Cavallari, but that didn’t mean he was enthusiastic about it. E! News caught up with him at the CMT Awards and he said, "It comes with the territory, I guess...It is what it is." One thing his friend Kade Wilcox — another one of The Montana Boyz — mentioned is that Mark was quite the romanticist when it came to Kristin Cavallari. He told the outlet, "He's pretty good at date nights."

How did Kristin Cavallari feel about dating a younger man?

Uncommon James

Kristin Cavallari and Mark Estes may have been in bliss for a short while, but the former knows having an age gap in a relationship isn't always applauded by others. " I understand what it looks like from the outside world of, like, yeah, I’m dating a 24-year-old, but no one in my life has been like, ‘This is weird.’ Everyone’s like, ’I get it. It makes sense,'" she said (via Bustle).

She also said, "...Emotionally, he’s able to step up to the plate, and he’s shown up for me more than anyone else I’ve ever dated," (via Bustle). And according to her, Mark's all in when it comes to her kids and they love him for it. "He loves my kids. He actually took my kids to school, and it's just—he fits in very well. And I'm really thankful for that," (via E! News).

It's not easy balancing being an attentive mom who has a full-fledged career and relationship, but Kristin seemed grateful for the way Mark stepped up to the plate. She said he made things feel "so easy" which is something all moms crave!

Watch The Full Campaign Video For Hard Feelings Eau De Parfum 

www.youtube.com

Hard Feelings The Debut Eau De Parfum From Uncommon James

Since talking about everything from her time on Laguna Beach to her relationship, Kristin Cavallari and Mark Estes appeared together in an ad campaign for her brand's new fragrance, Hard Feelings. It's described as an "alluring" scent that's meant to invigorate one's senses. With notes like pink pepper, hibiscus, and sandalwood, we don't doubt it's sensuality!

What's the steamy thing  Kristin revealed about her former relationship?

Uncommon James

During the "Truth or Drink with Mark Estes" episode on Let's Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari, Kristin and Mark delved into steamy secrets about their relationship. The latter even dropped a bombshell when he admitted he enjoyed being intimate with Kristin. He said, "Yeah, you’re the best sex I've ever had for sure," which shocked her.

Though she liked his confession, she said she "didn't know that" before letting him know she felt the same. But, she attributed their hot sex to things like being "more present physically during sex" and being "wildly attracted" to Mark.

But, their relationship isn't all about their amazing romps in bed. Mark was “obviously so in love" with Kristin so that added to the spiciness factor!

Why did Kristin Cavallari And Mark Estes break up?

Mindy Small/Getty Images

Sadly, all of the passion Kristin Cavallari and Mark Estes had fizzled out because they broke up after 7 months of being in a relationship (via Us Weekly). She initially told Alex Cooper, host of the Call Her Daddy podcast, the breakup was “fresh,” (via PEOPLE ).

Opening up on her Let's Be Honest podcast, Kristin talked about why she and Mark broke up. "It's hard because I broke up with Mark because I just know long-term it's not right, and it's not because of love lost or something bad happened," she said. Insisting their relationship didn't end on a sour note, she swore "he's been the best boyfriend."

But, the issue seems to boil down to their age gap. She'd prefer for him not to jump into a serious long-term relationship in his mid-twenties because she thinks they're "formative years" and "when you find yourself." She also said she doesn't "regret anything" because they had a "good, happy relationship."

We're sad to see this couple go their separate ways, but it's for the best!

What do you think about Kristin Cavallari and Mark Estes breaking up?

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

celebrity couplesdatingkristin cavallarirelationshipsthe hillsnsfwlifestyle

Zach Bryan & Brianna Chickenfry's Break Up Is COMPLICATED — Here's What To Know

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

Looking to stay up-to-date on all your fave celebs? Follow us on Facebook for more!

celebritiescelebrity newscelebrity breakupscelebrity couples

83 Budget-Friendly Finds Under $30 That'll Have You Gifting Ready This Season

Discover 83 Amazon products under $30 that are nothing short of pure gold. From stylish fashion finds to the latest beauty trends, these steals offer exceptional value without compromising on quality. We always ask, what's better than the perfect gift? Well, it's the gift that also doesn't break the bank! We're confident you'll find something in here to at least appease a few loved ones this holiday season.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.