How did the partnership with Seagram’s start?
I was a part of the Real Housewives of Atlanta for eleven years as a peach holder. So, when Seagram’s approached my team about a great opportunity to do a flavor together, of course we played off the Housewives and made my signature fruit the peach and came up with the Bellini.
The part that was exciting for me is the fact that they wanted to make me a part of the creative. The whole process took me out of my comfort zone, and we had FUN. I got to go to Chicago and go in the lab and wear the little hat and play around;
I felt like a little mad scientist, you know: more carbonation, less carbonation, too sweet, not sweet enough. Seagram’s allowed me to be really hands on to create a delicious and very successful peach bellini. I didn’t know how long it would last, but, by the grace of God, we just keep going.
You’ve also leveraged this partnership to help other entrepreneurs . . .
We’ve been able to connect on so many other things since the partnership started—like a lot of the women empowerment events. As an African American entrepreneur myself, I want to support not just Black-owned businesses but all small businesses, because we all struggle in the beginning. Seagram’s and I put together this marketplace to direct customers to Black-owned business and even gave out three or four grants.
You and so many other Housewives have been great role models to women looking to start their own businesses. Where does your motivation come from?
Despite all the drama, these shows can be so inspirational. As someone who is super ambitious, I’m always trying to leverage any platform that I have and opportunity to be a part of. There are a lot of boss women on the shows, and I’ve always been proud to be a Housewife. My rule was that I had to use it for more than the drama and had to have it make sense for me. Every year I launched a new business; my first year it was the Bailey Agency School of Fashion, then it was Cargo by CB, then Cynthia Bailey Eyewear, which we’re relaunching and bringing back this year. And that was it; I can be a part of this drama and go crazy, but I have to do something inspirational.
I would have always been an ambitious person, but I think I’m way more successful because of Housewives. When you’re around women doing incredible things all the time, you’re like “Ok let me step my game up!” It’s not just inspiring for the viewers; it inspires all of us, like my good girlfriend Kandi Burruss. I call her and say “Kandi, could you stop being so great for five minutes so I can take a rest!” She’s a mastermind.
Tell me about the newest Seagram’s flavor.
This is flavor number two, berry mimosa. I love a light little cocktail with my brunch and wanted something that could pair well. I got back into tasting samples and really tried to pick the flavor that I thought represented what we’re trying to do best. We shot the second campaign here in Atlanta; I’m super excited to share it. Kudos to my partners at Seagram’s. I’m so glad they didn’t see me as a one hit wonder!
Have you been playing around with it to make some new cocktails?
Yes, and this is the thing about all of the Seagram’s Escape flavors—they’re customizable. We’ve got some amazing recipes on seagramsescapes.com. The 7.5 ounce cans are perfect—you don’t have to measure; you can pour one right in then layer it with bourbon, vodka, or even tequila. Every time I do a Seagram’s drinks here at Lake Bailey for my girlfriends, it always looks like I’ve been doing this all my life! My go-to summer drink is the Bellini Ombre punch, one-hundred percent.
You have a great, eclectic style. Do you approach fashion the same way?
When it comes to fashion, my approach is … easy. Do what works for you and what feels good. For me, I like to mix it up—Fendi, Target, whatever I like. Fashion should be what works for you. It’s all about personality. If I’m in the mood to be wild, I’ll push myself with crazy colors or shoes or wigs! Sutton [Stracke] and I knew that we were going to wear white to the gala last weekend. I actually wore Jovani.
AHHH!
I know, my friend Countess Luann [de Lesseps] connected me with them [Jovani] and we’re actually talking about putting a capsule collection together. I wear their stuff all the time. A lot of people don’t realize they have a lot of short evening dresses. Now that I’m thinking of it–maybe I’ll focus on the cuter shorter dresses. Sometimes you don’t want to wear a whole gown. Going back to the gala, I knew I wanted big curly hair. For me it’s all about my mood.
Any secrets to share?
This is where your friends really go crazy—I would take my peach bellini and pour them in ice cube trays with berries, THEN do the recipe with the fancy ice cubes. This is all easy stuff—it’s affordable, it’s pretty, and so customizable. If the pandemic didn’t teach us anything else, it taught us that we need to celebrate everything.
From all the real-real housewives: We are so appreciative of all that you’ve given to us over the years; thank you for sharing and inspiring us.
