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Business Insider
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
'Real Housewives' star Erin Lichy and her husband Abe are building a mezcal empire between diaper changes
Erin and Abe Lichy launched Mezcalum, a mezcal brand inspired by their love of Tulum, Mexico. The Lichys say their mezcal is a smooth, versatile product that will convert tequila drinkers. Their mezcal brand emphasizes sustainability and female empowerment in the spirits industry. It's a sunny Tuesday afternoon, and Erin Lichy is multitasking in the New York office she shares with her husband, Abe, in true modern-mom fashion. While simultaneously fielding interview questions, she's feeding her newborn, the couple's fourth child. "I'm pumping as we speak," the 37-year-old told Business Insider with a laugh, a candid glimpse into the chaos and joy of life as a new family of six after the addition of her baby boy in March. Erin, a real-estate agent and interior designer, and Abe, a lawyer, aren't just a professional New York power couple. As of two years ago, when Erin joined the rebooted cast of Bravo's "The Real Housewives of New York City," they're also reality TV personalities. But being on TV hasn't stopped them from continuing to multitask. Shortly after joining "RHONY," the Lichys launched another venture: their mezcal brand, Mezcalum. That hangover-free feeling The genesis of Mezcalum is rooted in their love affair with Tulum, the beachy Mexican travel destination they describe as their "happy place." "We had mezcal for the first time there and fell in love," Erin said. Unlike the smoky mezcals that dominate the US market, what they tasted in Tulum was smooth, versatile, and surprisingly easy to mix or drink straight. Erin was so enamored by the spirit that she was determined to spread the word. "Somebody needs to bring this to America," Erin quipped of mezcal on a "Real Housewives of New York City" cast trip to Mexico. Though the moment drew social media backlash given mezcal's centuries-long presence and growing popularity in the U.S., the couple said they are genuinely invested in the culture and craft behind their brand. Pure mezcal, by Mexican law, must be 100% agave — unlike tequila, which can be just 51% agave, leaving room for additives that often lead to hangovers. It was a lightbulb moment for Erin, who realized that the spirit's pure-agave requirement was a major selling point. "There's an agave spirit that has to be natural, has to be organic," Erin said. For her, drinking mezcal has been a smoother experience than drinking wine or other liquors — especially the morning after. "We had a wild night drinking it with friends, and the next day I took a yoga class on the beach, had a green juice, and felt great," she said. "Especially as a mom waking up early, it's really hard for me to drink anything else," she added. A sustainable sip The Lichys saw an opportunity to disrupt a category they felt was "masculine-dominated" in both marketing and flavor profile. They reached out to their longtime friend, Chris Roth, as a partner; their partnership with their distiller, Carlos Mendez Blas, came through Abe's legal work in Mexico. "I'd been working with the largest tequila and mezcal law firm, Malacara Corporativo, in Mexico for years," Abe explained. That network helped them bypass the usual trial and error of finding a scalable, reliable partner. "When we were introduced to Carlos, it was really clear — this is our guy," Abe said. Carlos even became a part investor, a testament to his belief in the Lichys' vision. Their mezcal is crafted from a blend of agave species — espadín, the most commonly used agave variety for making mezcal, particularly in Oaxaca, Mexico. This diversity, Abe noted, is what sets mezcal apart from tequila, which can only be made from blue weber agave. "With mezcal, you can create ensembles — these blends that are impossible with tequila." Erin's platform as a real estate mogul and Real Housewife with a strong female following inspired a brand that was "beachy, light, and smooth" — a mezcal that could replace high-quality tequila in any cocktail. "We're on a mission to convert all tequila drinkers," Erin said. For Erin, it's also about creating space for women in an industry where they're often sidelined. "I'm actually in this brand," she said, adding that she's proud of the example she's setting for her children and for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Erin's commitment to sustainability runs deep — she studied sustainable development at NYU, and it shows in every aspect of the business. "I won't even send out plastic cups to our vendors," she said. Mezcalum's partner distillery in Oaxaca re-plants two agave plants for every one harvested, and employs a workforce that is more than 50% women. "There are very few women in the spirits industry who are actually in the brand, not just putting their name on it," Erin said. Running a business across borders can present unique challenges, especially with the recent landscape of tariffs and trade policy. Even before the threat of U.S. tariffs on Mexican spirits loomed, Abe used his legal acumen to plan ahead. "We entered into forward purchasing contracts and worked with our importer to capture FPT relief," he explained. Their proactive approach meant that even if tariffs had been imposed, their margins would have been protected. Ultimately, mezcal was exempted from the tariffs, but the possibility underscored the importance of planning and adaptability. It's a lot to manage, especially when Mezcalum isn't the Lichys' only baby — they have multiple other businesses, not to mention four children, one being an actual baby. So how do they do it? "We've become very good at compartmentalizing," Abe said. Both he and Erin have worked for themselves for years, and they "live and die by the calendar." They've also learned the hard way that they can't be hands-on with absolutely everything. "We made that mistake with our first business, a handbag line, where we never learned how to delegate," Abe admitted. Now, they're quick to ask for help and trust their teams. As the interview winds down, Erin and Abe reflect on their new chapter. "It hasn't really set in yet," Erin admitted of life as a family of six. But with a supportive partnership and businesses that reflect their values, the Lichys are enjoying every moment. Their mezcal isn't just a drink — it's a celebration of culture, sustainability, and the power of partnership.
New York Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Jenna Lyons Knows How to Find Quality Clothing. Here's Her Staple Wardrobe.
'I wear the same goddamn thing every day,' Jenna Lyons recently told me over Zoom. And whether you're familiar with her from her stint on The Real Housewives of New York City or as the former president and executive creative director of you know that she's not being hyperbolic. Lyons is known for her consistently polished — yet delightfully playful — personal style. But if you dissect many of her outfits, you'll see that her wardrobe is built on a foundation of well-fitting basics. Her advice is to invest in the items you wear the most, rather than in outfits you'll wear only a handful of times. A helpful way to do this is to consider an item's cost per wear, she said. And this is how she reflects on the price of her most-worn pieces: 'If I went through the cost per wear of the things I wear all the time, you'd be shocked.' Following that advice, her closet is full of elevated versions of everyday essentials, like a basic white T-shirt or a trusty pair of jeans. But Lyons is also anything but a gatekeeper, and she told us what she likes, why it works for her, and where to get it yourself. Lyons knows exactly what she likes in a plain T-shirt, and the Boxier Trash Tee nails it. 'My entire drawer is stacked with them,' she said. And she has them in white, black, and cream (called 'scour' by the brand). This T-shirt is heavier than most, with longer sleeves, a boxy shape, and a slightly shorter but not quite cropped length. Lyons said she also likes the close-fitting neckline, which allows her necklace to sit just outside of the shirt. Falling somewhere between standard and cropped with a boxy cut, this tee is anything but trash (though it is made of 100% reclaimed-waste cotton, according to the website). 'I'm a bit religious about jeans,' Lyons told me, specifying that she doesn't like stretch jeans at all. And she said she 'really struggled during the skinny jean phase,' because she never liked the look or feel of that style. 'I really only wear rigid jeans,' she said. Lyons likes the raw selvedge denim from A.P.C., specifically the Standard Jeans style, but she warns if you're getting them new, they take some effort to break in. She does have a trick, however: 'If you put them in warm water, like get into the bathtub with hot water, and then you can put a little bit of softener or salt in there, it does help. Then you let them dry, and that really does kickstart them from being so hard.' These high-rise, straight-leg jeans are made with raw Japanese selvedge denim. They're chic and have a forever-in cut, but breaking them in requires some work. A.P.C. recommends going up one or two sizes for a more-comfortable fit. Lyons also loves vintage, non-stretch jeans from Levi's. She found some of her favorites through an online shop called Jean Genie Vintage Company. Noble Panacea / Photographer: Mei Tao From our conversation, I gathered that Lyons is no stranger to shopping in the men's section — or from menswear brands altogether. Another wear-anytime basic is a classic crewneck sweatshirt from Todd Snyder. It's made from a blend of 85% organic cotton with 15% mulberry silk, and it has a hint-of-interest small waffle pattern. Crewneck sweaters can be a bit boring, but this one has an eye-catching, tiny waffle pattern, and it's blended with mulberry silk. When it comes to sweaters, Lyons is also fond of cashmere, though she is particular about the yarn. In her opinion, Suzie Kondi makes 'the most amazing cashmere sweaters,' and she especially loves those made with open yarn (which means the sweater hasn't been twisted in the manufacturing process). This is a double-edged sword because open cashmere yarn gives the sweater a softer feel, but it also lends to more pilling, Lyons explained. 'I love them, I just have to de-pill them a lot,' she said, and she uses the Nori x La Ligne Fabric Shaver to do so. (Our experts, however, recommend that you go low and slow with a cashmere comb, like this one from Naadam, if you need to de-pill a sweater.) Lyons loves the cashmere from Suzie Kondi, including this versatile vest. You can layer it over T-shirts and button-ups or under a blazer — the list goes on. Another staple for Lyons is a blazer. Yet there's not just one single style she likes; instead she looks for details, including a proper shoulder, chest piece, and roping, to name a few. She prefers to shop in the men's section, which is something she recommends to others, too, especially when they're looking for affordable options. 'If you want something that is under $300, I would go to the men's section because they put more build in the jackets in general, so a less expensive men's blazer is probably going to be better made than a women's blazer,' Lyons said, adding, 'I wish it wasn't that way, but it's true.' Lyons said the boys' section of Brooks Brothers has nicely made, budget-conscious options, should they accommodate your desired fit and style. If you want something oversize, she recommends the blazers from The Frankie Shop. Among her very favorite blazers are those from Husbands Paris, a French menswear label known for its expert tailoring. She also prefers natural to synthetic fabrics (with the exception of blazers from Khaite, she specified, since its synthetic fabrics have a good body that she appreciates). This wool suit has classic Roman shoulders, a breathable, silk-like lining, and lovely gold shank buttons. It's expensive, but for something you plan to wear often, it may be worth it when you're considering the price per wear. Another easy way to dress up an outfit is adding a good pair of shoes, and Lyons loves a loafer. 'If you're going to buy a pair of loafers, buy a pair of really good ones and break them in,' she suggested. She pointed to 'old-school' brands like G.H. Bass (established in 1876), specifically the Women's Whitney Weejuns Loafers. Or consider vintage loafers from brands like Gucci and Ferragamo (though her adoration for Ferragamo loafers excludes old styles with the loud Ferragamo logo on it, she said). Both new and pre-loved designer loafers can be pricey, but Lyons considers a great pair worth it. Well-made loafers can be resoled, she said, which means they can have a long life in your wardrobe. Finally, no matter the day, Lyons is always sporting a pair of glasses, though she doesn't stick to a single pair of frames. She gets her glasses from many places and likes to frequently check eBay for vintage frames from brands like Christian Dior and Dunhill. Her preferred rotation (one she recommends to others) is a delicate wire frame, a colorful frame, and a solid acrylic frame 'that has some guts to it.' Different days and outfits can call for different frames, so for her, variety is nearly essential when it comes to this accessory. Jenna Lyons These are the wardrobe staples that work for Lyons, and she said she's built her collection over decades of trial and error. And that means not every item here will be exactly right for everyone. But as you look for your ideal white tee or pair of blue jeans, one thing to keep in mind is that you should always buy what you love, even if you have to wait for the right item to come along. The times Lyons has settled for something she didn't quite love, she wound up buying more items as she hunted for something good enough — and often spent more than the cost of the original item. The result: regretting her almost-perfect purchase. 'If I just waited or saved up money, I could have gotten what I really wanted and worn it much more frequently,' she explained. Wise words. This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder. Timeless and versatile, jeans are a key player in any wardrobe. We found ten pairs that fit a range of body types, tastes, and budgets. We tested 25 cashmere sweaters—ranging in price from $50 to $500—and came away with six favorites that suit a range of styles and budgets. After carefully scrutinizing fit, feel, quality, and style, we found four white tees that are the best suited for a variety of occasions and body types.
Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Bethenny Frankel's appearance in latest video leaves fans concerned: ‘She looks scary'
New York influencer and entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel has left fans concerned with her appearance in her latest video. Frankel, 54, shared an Instagram video that shows her lip syncing to a popular audio from Love Island. However, fans noticed that her face looked wan and drawn, giving her a tired appearance. Bethenny Frankel's appearance in her latest video leaves fans worried. (Instagram/@bethennyfrankel) Take a look at the video below: Who is Bethenny Frankel? Bethenny Frankel is an American entrepreneur, television personality, author and philanthropist who rose to fame on The Real Housewives of New York City and later became a business powerhouse with her Skinnygirl brand. Frankel has appeared on numerous reality shows, including The Apprentice: Martha Stewart, and authored several books. She holds a BA in Psychology and Communications from New York University. In 2011, she sold Skinnygirl Cocktails to Beam Global for an estimated $100 million dollars, according to a CNBC report. Bethenny Frankel's appearance raises eyebrows While she is a regular on television and has appeared on several shows, and also maintains an active social media presence, Bethenny Frankel's appearance in her latest video has raised eyebrows. 'I'm a mommy,' Frankel says in the video, lip syncing to a popular audio clip from Love Island. She holds a beverage in one hand and sits next to two friends. In the comments section of the video, many fans expressed concern about her appearance. 'Bethenny, I love you so much you're an icon but I'm worried for you. I can't lose you, you're such an inspiration to me please,' read one comment on TikTok. 'This scared me, I won't lie,' another person wrote on TikTok, to which Frankel replied: 'I am sorry you are such a miserable person.' 'Mamacita are you doing alright?' a user asked. To this, the New York influencer replied, 'I think so'. On Reddit, some people wondered whether her appearance was a result of surgery gone wrong. 'She's so scary,' read one Reddit comment. 'Christ on a bike. Eat good and wear sunscreen y'all,' another said.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Andy Cohen Addresses ‘Real Housewives Of New York City' Cancellation Rumors: 'We Are Between Seasons'
Andy Cohen sets the record straight on The Real Housewives of New York City after rumors that Bravo had cancelled the reality series. The Watch What Happens Live host, also an executive producer on the Real Housewives franchise, took to his SiriusXM show to address the status of RHONY. More from Deadline BravoCon 2025 Ticket Sales Date Revealed; Andy Cohen To Host & Film 5 'BravoCon Live' Shows From Las Vegas Bravo's 'The Real Housewives': Every Single Cast Photo In Franchise History Lateasha 'Sweet Tea' Lunceford Leaving Bravo's 'Married To Medicine' After 2 Seasons 'We are between seasons,' Cohen said on Andy Cohen Live. 'Last week, when I was here, the Bravo execs met with 10 potential new Real Housewives of New York. This is called the casting process between seasons and it's heavily underway.' The rumors about RHONY not moving forward came after Bravo announced their new programming slate which included new seasons of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (Season 15), The Real Housewives of Orange County (Season 19), The Real Housewives of Potomac (Season 10), and The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (Season 6), among other shows. Notably missing from the list was a renewal for RHONY Season 16. The announcement that Bravo had ordered The Real Housewives of Rhode Island fueled the rumors that RHONY was dead. Despite the cable network confirming that the show was not canceled, the rumors have continued, given the extended pause since it last aired. RHONY underwent a complete cast shakeup for Season 14, introducing a whole new set of Housewives, including Sai de Silva, Ubah Hassan, Erin Lichy, Jenna Lyons, Jessel Taank, and Brynn Whitfield. Racquel Chevremont joined the series in Season 15, which last aired on February 4. New RHONY embraced diversity and showed a different side of the Big Apple. The change divided fans, with some viewers feeling nostalgic about the legacy personalities, including Luann de Lesseps, Sonja Morgan, and Ramona Singer. Best of Deadline Everything We Know About The 'Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping' Movie So Far TV Show Book Adaptations Arriving In 2025 So Far Book-To-Movie Adaptations Coming Out In 2025
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brynn Whitfield Not Returning To ‘Real Housewives Of New York City' After 2 Seasons As She Opts To 'Walk Away From Reality TV'
The future of The Real Housewives of New York City has been questioned, but one thing is sure: Brynn Whitfield will not be returning. As the future of the Bravo reality series remains uncertain, Whitfield took to social media to announce she is moving on. More from Deadline Lexi Wood Exits Bravo's 'Summer House' After 1 Season Paige DeSorbo Leaving Bravo's 'Summer House' After 7 Seasons 'Love Island: Beyond The Villa' Trailer & Premiere Date Set At Peacock 'After a lot of thought, I've made the decision to walk away from reality TV. For now,' the entrepreneur and TV personality shared on Instagram. 'The Real Housewives of New York City will always be one of the most fun, chaotic, and magical chapters of my life. It was an honor of a lifetime to help reboot such an iconic franchise. From day one, I've believed RHONY is a fan's show — we're just temporary custodians of something that truly belongs to the viewers.' Whitfield noted that she is currently working as a Chief Marketing Officer on a dating app that recently reached a milestone that has her wanting to 'pour every ounce of energy' into making it a bigger success. On her time on RHONY, she said, 'I hope I made you laugh (a lot), cry (a little), and more than anything — I hope there's a TV in heaven so that Mimi (who LIVED for her shows) could watch me and be proud.' RELATED: Whitfield joined RHONY in 2023 as part of a reboot for Season 14 that included Jenna Lyons, Sai De Silva, Ubah Hassan, Jessel Taank, and Erin Lichy. She was deemed a 'fan-favorite' during her first season for her light-heartedness and cheeky personality. Things took a severe turn during her second season, not only with viewers at home, but among the cast. Whitfield's co-stars perceived she twisted the truth to cause drama among them, and by the end of Season 15, none of them trusted her. Whitfield ended up distancing herself from her co-stars and cutting communication with them instead of confronting the situation and admitting wrongdoings to find common ground. RELATED: RHONY ended its season in February 2025 and has been subject to rumors about its cancellation. Executive producer Andy Cohen has denied rumors that the show has been axed and says they are 'between seasons' casting for new Housewives. If RHONY goes back into production this year, Whitfield seems unlikely to have returned either way. In addition to the dating app, Whitfield also hosts a podcast on Spotify called Please See Below. Read Whitfield's full statement below. Best of Deadline Sean 'Diddy' Combs Sex-Trafficking Trial Updates: Cassie Ventura's Testimony, $10M Hotel Settlement, Drugs, Violence, & The Feds A Full Timeline Of Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's 'It Ends With Us' Feud In Court, Online & In The Media Where To Watch All The 'John Wick' Movies: Streamers That Have All Four Films
