When The Real Housewives of Vancouver graced British television screens in 2012 and 2013, it offered audiences a captivating glimpse into the glamorous yet turbulent lives of its cast. Despite its popularity, the series was ultimately cancelled after just two series, largely attributed to its darker storylines and intense drama. In the years since the cameras stopped rolling, many viewers have been curious about how these women have navigated life beyond the show. Their journeys have been marked by personal struggles, career transitions, and newfound passions, proving that the end of reality television fame can be a catalyst for profound transformation and unexpected new chapters.
From Reality Telly to Real-World Impact: Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Charitable endeavours and local fundraising initiatives
Life after the spotlight has allowed several former Real Housewives of Vancouver cast members to direct their energy towards charitable causes and community support. Mary Zilba, who endured considerable negativity during her time on the programme, has since channelled her experiences into positive community outreach. Though LadyPants Productions, the television production company she founded, has been inactive since 2017, Zilba has broadened her influence by launching a liquor brand named Love by Mary Zilba. Her efforts extend beyond business ventures, as she actively engages with her community and shares her reflections on the show through her podcast and YouTube channel, A Very MARY Commentary. By using her platform to shed light on her past experiences, she contributes to broader conversations about personal resilience and the challenges of navigating public scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Jody Claman, often portrayed as a controversial figure during the series, has redirected her focus towards running a cafe and catering company in West Vancouver called Jody's Maison. After enduring a series of personal tragedies, including the injury of her daughter Mia Deakin in a shooting incident in 2014, the loss of her daughter's boyfriend to an overdose, and a difficult divorce that resulted in her losing custody of her youngest daughter and paying substantial alimony, Claman has sought stability and purpose through her business. Her cafe offers not only delicious fare but also a sense of community connection, embodying her determination to rebuild her life and contribute meaningfully to her local area.
Community Outreach and Making a Difference Beyond the Screen
Ronnie Stevenson Negus has faced unimaginable personal challenges, including the near-fatal choking incident of her daughter Remington, which left her with cognitive difficulties, and the heartbreaking suicide of her 27-year-old son Houston Stevenson in 2022. Despite these family tragedies, Ronnie has embarked on a sobriety journey and even attended an ayahuasca ceremony as part of her healing process. She briefly appeared in a television cameo and has been candid about her struggles, using her story to raise awareness around mental health and substance abuse issues. Her willingness to share her pain and path to recovery serves as an inspiration to others grappling with similar hardships, demonstrating the profound impact of vulnerability and authenticity.
Similarly, Ioulia Reynolds has embraced sobriety with the support of fellow cast member Amanda Hansen. After her divorce, Reynolds returned to school to study graphic design and obtained a fitness training certificate. Her ambitions now include opening a fitness centre in Vancouver, where she hopes to create a supportive environment for others pursuing health and wellness. Her journey reflects a commitment not only to personal growth but also to fostering community wellness and empowerment. The transformation of these women from reality television personalities into advocates for mental health, sobriety, and local enterprise illustrates the enduring value of resilience and community engagement.
Building digital empires: social media influencing and lifestyle content creation
Cultivating an Online Following and Sharing Daily Inspirations
In the age of social media, several former Real Housewives of Vancouver stars have successfully transitioned into influencing and lifestyle content creation. Mary Zilba continues to share updates with her followers, reflecting a drama-free life since a lawsuit and maintaining a presence that resonates with fans who followed her journey on the programme. Her podcast and YouTube channel offer a platform for her to discuss her experiences candidly, providing insights into the realities of life during and after reality television. By engaging with her audience through these digital channels, Zilba has cultivated a loyal following that appreciates her authenticity and openness.
Reiko MacKenzie, who appeared only in the first series, has also carved out a niche for herself online. Following her divorce and a brief public relationship with DJ Kasha Kennedy, she launched a gluten-free beer line that enjoyed short-lived attention but has since faded from the spotlight. MacKenzie now thrives as a successful real estate agent in Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast, regularly sharing glimpses of her professional achievements and personal interests, such as playing tennis. As an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, she uses her platform to promote inclusivity and support, demonstrating how social media can be a force for positive change and personal branding beyond the confines of reality television.
Monetising influence: brand collaborations and sponsored partnerships
The ability to monetise an online presence has opened new revenue streams for former cast members keen to leverage their fame. Amanda Hansen, who joined the series in its second run and was known for her lack of filter, has since embarked on a healing journey that she shares openly with her followers. Believing she is on the autism spectrum, Hansen feels her behaviour on the show was misunderstood and that she received a villain edit. Today, she explores pottery and spirituality, offering a window into her evolving interests and personal growth. Her candid approach to discussing her mental health and self-discovery resonates with many who appreciate her honesty and vulnerability, qualities that can attract brand partnerships aligned with wellness and holistic living.
Christina Kiesel, who was known during the show for joking about her funding from divorces, has led a quieter life in recent years with largely inactive social media. However, her arrest in 2016 for third-degree domestic violence in South Carolina marked a difficult period that contrasts sharply with the glamorous image she once projected. The limited public information about her current activities suggests a deliberate step back from the limelight, highlighting the varied paths former reality stars take in managing their post-show identities. Meanwhile, Robin Reichman has embraced her role as an entrepreneur and inmate counsellor, splitting her time between Texas and Vancouver. She shares her support for MAGA and her love of tennis online, demonstrating how personal beliefs and hobbies can form the foundation of a digital persona and attract like-minded followers.
Diverse career paths: business ventures, entertainment pursuits, and family focus
Entrepreneurial endeavours and new business opportunities
Beyond philanthropy and digital influence, many former Real Housewives of Vancouver cast members have pursued entrepreneurial ventures that reflect their passions and skills. Mary Zilba's liquor brand and Jody Claman's cafe and catering company are prime examples of how these women have translated their public profiles into tangible business success. Zilba's Love by Mary Zilba brand speaks to her creative vision and ability to connect with consumers, while Claman's Jody's Maison offers a warm, community-focused dining experience that contrasts with her tumultuous past. Both ventures underscore the entrepreneurial spirit that can flourish when individuals harness their experiences and public recognition to build something meaningful and enduring.
Ioulia Reynolds' plans to open a fitness centre in Vancouver represent another ambitious step towards entrepreneurship. Her journey from reality television to academic pursuits in graphic design and fitness training demonstrates a commitment to reinvention and professional development. By combining her newfound qualifications with her personal experience of overcoming adversity and embracing sobriety, Reynolds aims to create a space where others can pursue their health and wellness goals in a supportive environment. Her story is a testament to the power of education and self-improvement in forging a new career path after the glare of the cameras has dimmed.
Balancing Fame with Family Life and Personal Growth
For many of the former cast members, the most significant post-show achievements have been in their personal lives and family dynamics. Ronnie Stevenson Negus, despite enduring profound loss and hardship, reunited with her husband and celebrated their 23rd anniversary, illustrating the enduring strength of their relationship. Her openness about her sobriety journey and the tragic death of her son Houston has not only provided a source of healing for herself but also offered hope and solidarity to others facing similar struggles. The balance between public vulnerability and private resilience is a delicate one, yet Ronnie has managed it with grace and authenticity.
Amanda Hansen's exploration of her identity, including her belief that she is on the autism spectrum, highlights the importance of self-awareness and personal growth. Her healing journey, marked by an interest in pottery and spirituality, represents a conscious effort to move beyond the persona crafted for television and embrace a more holistic sense of self. Similarly, Reiko MacKenzie's transition from a high-profile marriage and relationship with a woman to a successful career in real estate demonstrates the fluidity of personal identity and the capacity for reinvention. Her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and her enjoyment of simple pleasures like tennis reflect a life lived with intention and authenticity, far removed from the drama that once defined her public image. These diverse career paths and personal journeys underscore the resilience and adaptability of the Real Housewives of Vancouver cast, proving that life after reality television can be rich, varied, and deeply fulfilling.