Exclusive: RHOA’s Cynthia Bailey Talks ‘Carry-On Baggage’, Bar One’s Foreclosure & Why You Must “Do Your Research” Before Starting A Business

As a one of the stars of Bravo’s hit reality show “Real Housewives of Atlanta”, Cynthia Bailey is no stranger to the spotlight. She became one of the most sought after African-American supermodels, gracing runways and editorial spreads worldwide. With her caliber of beauty and poise, many would be surprised to know that she’s a small-town country girl from Alabama. Cynthia’s escape from the backwoods to the bright lights is a testament to her tenacity and desire to use her talents to help other women entering the industry.

From New York to Atlanta, Cynthia is now a household name that manages to jungle her role as wife, mother, television star, and businesswoman. When she’s not taping for RHOA, she oversees the daily operations of The Bailey School of Fashion. In addition, she continues her entrepreneurial efforts with the opening of Industry Studios along with hubby, Peter Thomas.

Speaking of the two, Cynthia and Peter also penned their first book. ‘Carry-On Baggage: Our Non-StopFlight’, is a relationship book that reveals the “real” about their union.  Most viewers of the show have seen them hit a few rocky spots. Whether it was Cynthia’s family not approving their marriage to their ongoing financial disagreements, the couple has spared none. They’ve also had to rebuke several allegations made in the media regarding a pregnancy and the pending foreclosure of their Atlanta-based tapas lounge, Bar One.

Throughout it all, Cynthia has been a soldier.  At a point in her life where she’s not afraid to speak her mind, she remains a class act while throwing “shade” with style and subtlety. Her overall presence is impeccable. Thus, she was selected as the first celebrity to have her own signature doll in conjunction with the The One World Doll Project (www.cynthiabaileydoll.com).

Recently, she hosted a fashion and beauty show at Walmart on the southwest side of Atlanta. At the event, I had the pleasure to meet Cynthia and find out about her new book, her business ventures, and what was really going on with the Bar One’s existence.

On Peter and Cynthia’s new book…

The book ‘Carry On Baggage’ Peter and I wrote it. It is about our life and our relationship. How we got together. How I moved from New York City to Atlanta. How we ended up on the show [“Real Housewives of Atlanta”]. It is not an advice book. It’s more of us just telling our story. We got married on the show, a lot of people knew of our whole relationship from the show. You guys (the viewers) been through the ups and downs with us…the highs and lows. And, I feel like you guys only really get to small parts of our life. The book was a great opportunity to give you guys the full story – the back story of who we make it work.

On their new facility across the street from Bar One…

Industry Studios, which houses Derek Blanks Photography, The Bailey Agency School of Fashion, and also Peter Thomas Entertainment. So we just located to a bigger space and it’s huge and beautiful. I think you may have saw it on the first show (episode of Season 6) with the all-white party. That’s Industry Studios. I’m still doing my pageants. I’m still doing the model search. We have the book out. Peter has Peter’s Brew Coffee. Bar One is still doing very well. We are also opening up a Bar One in Charlotte, NC. So, you know we’re working.

On being an African-American woman in business, what type of advice would you give to young girls that want to get into modeling, fashion, or entertainment? What are some key things they should know?

I think one of the key I should tell anyone that is trying to get into the entertainment business, is DO YOUR RESEARCH. Make sure you have some kind of knowledge to even…by the time you get to someone like me, I need to feel like you are serious about it. Really make sure this is what you really want to do. No one wants to waste a lot of their time talking to someone who is on the fence. So, decide what you want to do, then do your research. And then connect with the right people that can help you get you to where you’re trying to go. But, have it together before you get to me because we don’t have to fool with you. [Laughs]

On the rumors surrounding the foreclosure of Bar One…

Oh, we are definitely having some issues with Bar One. It has nothing to do directly with Peter and I. Peter pays the rent for Bar One every month. But the landlord was not paying the bank. So there’s some issues going on. We pray that’s all going to be worked out in time. So just pray for us. We’re working it out. But again, we were doing what we was supposed to be doing. Life happens…

You can catch Cynthia Bailey, on “Real Housewives of Atlanta” Season 6, every Sunday night at 8PM EST on Bravo TV!