Getting Real with Gretchen Rossi
From OC to reality, this California girl conquers it all
You can recognize her laugh from a mile away. Her upbeat attitude is contagious. And while she’s known for her gorgeous hair and bubbly personality, there is definitely more to this California girl than a killer body and perfect tan (although they help).
Gretchen Rossi is back in a big way, conquering the business world (you go girl!) with her lines of cosmetics and handbags. And with the seventh season of The Real Housewives of Orange County finally here (we die!), we chatted with Gretchen about everything from her favorite beauty products to her celebrity crush to her fashion secrets.
We are obsessed with your hair! What is your number one tip for gorgeous hair?
Thank you for the compliment! Best tip is to not wash it every day. It helps build up your natural oils which add shine and bounce. Buy dry shampoo if you can’t go two to three days. Also, my best kept secret is HBL products! They are paraben-free which is very healthy for your hair, yet the performance is amazing! They are affordable as well!
Last season, you ended on somewhat of a sour note with Vicki and Tamra. What is your current relationship with them?
Well I can’t give away any secrets of this season, however, the dynamics of the group really change in season seven. I think this is going to be a very exciting and different season for the audience! So many relationships change including the one between Tamra and me. Vicki and I go through a lot this season as well. Honestly, I think it’s going to be our best season yet!
What can we expect to see in the next season of RHOOC?
Well for my story, you will see me continuing to build my fashion and beauty empires! I just love these spaces and my lines continue to grow. You’ll see a little bit more of my music career including working with the Pussycat Dolls. Slade produces and performs in a comedy show and I am asked to host. You will also see a lot of the struggles and issues Slade and I continue to work through as a couple while still keeping the undying and loyal love we have for one another.
Obviously, you have an amazing body. What is your typical workout regimen?
Well again thank you for such a sweet compliment. I travel so much with my companies that I barely get time to work out anymore so I have to improvise. I use my own bodyweight to do floor exercises, I travel with workout rubber bands and use hotel furniture to do my routines. I sometimes use a lamp to do bicep curls! It sounds funny, but it works. I eat pretty well too, which is about 60% of staying in shape if you ask me. I eat everything I want, just little bits of everything and I eat every few hours…literally every two to three hours I will eat a little something. It really has changed my metabolism for the better!
You are known for your “California chic” style. Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
For more everyday, fun, and affordable outfits, I love Bebe! I know it’s trendy but it always has cute and hip clothes! I love boutiques as well, little gems where you can find one-of-a-kinds so not everyone will have them. I love Chagoury Couture for my red carpet and more elegant pieces. I am a simple girl who doesn’t believe you have to be wearing something designer to look like a million bucks. I have paired my Valentino shoes with a dress from Target and everyone still compliments me! It’s all about how confident you are and how you wear it. Make everything you wear your own personal style and add a touch of flair with fun accessories or a great purse (like one from my Gretchen Christine collection hehe) and everyone will look to you as a fashionista!
We’ve gotta ask: What is your and Slade’s status? Will we see a wedding soon?
Slade and I are great! I have found the love of my life and know we are meant to be together forever. I look forward to all the chapters of our lives that will continue to unfold. However, if that involves marriage, well…you will just have to watch and see what happens.
Speaking of Slade, we know that his son, Grayson, has a rare form of brain cancer. How is he doing?
Thank you for asking. Grayson’s battle is an ongoing daily fight that is not getting any easier, but he is a fighter like no one I have seen before. He is OK but not great, as can be expected. Slade is so proud of him and all he has had to endure. Grayson teaches us the significance of life and love every day and we feel so blessed to have that.
You also have your own beauty and handbag line. How do you juggle your career with your personal life?
Sometimes it can be challenging because I have so much going on, but I always find time for what is important at the end of the day. I am lucky because I am following my passion within the beauty and fashion spaces and am happy to get up and go to work every day!
Do you foresee other business ventures in your future? Have you considered doing a clothing line?
I am always open to new business ventures! Actually, the whole idea behind my Gretchen Christine collection was for it to eventually be a collection of all things one could find in a closet. I wanted to start with accessories, like handbags and hats, to shoes and belts, then expand into a full clothing line of everyday wear, dresses, jeans, coats, workout clothes, etc. I have been offered an opportunity with a renowned designer to do a line of everyday Gretchen Christine dresses to complement his couture line, and we are currently talking through the details. So I am looking forward to opportunities such as these in the future.
Any advice for women who want to start their own business?
Yes! Go for it! Life is too short to have any regrets. There are loans and many free business seminars to help you get educated and started. You have to first create a sound business plan with a clear direction of your goals and plans. Remember to always have good people around you who you can trust when involving them in your business dealings.
What’s your go-to healthy snack?
Celery and peanut butter.
What is one food you wish had zero calories?
Doughnuts.
What’s the one beauty product you can’t live without?
My Gretchen Christine tanning solution! A tan always makes me feel pretty (even if I don’t have makeup on).
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Buying purses and shoes! Or Oreos and ice cream!
Who is your celebrity crush (we won’t tell…OK we will…but tell us anyway)?
Slade Smiley! Heh heh, OK, Johnny Depp too!
What’s your favorite way to relieve stress?
Taking baths and drinking wine.
Who do you most look up to and why? How has this person inspired you?
My parents because they have always shown me what the true meaning of unconditional love is. They built and created an amazing empire together as young entrepreneurs from nothing. They raised us three kids to be ethical, good, and society-contributing individuals, with meaning and purpose to our lives. I admire and love them for their tenacity, loyalty, and support in all I do. I feel beyond blessed to have them as my parents and now as my best friends!
xx, The FabFitFun Team
