Chatting W/ Vicki June 2007

Courtesy of AP:
There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it-the portrayal of Vicki Gunvalson on Bravo's The Real Housewives of Orange County is an accurate one. She's a great mom, an independent businesswoman, and a caring person. Recently, I had the chance to talk to Vicki about her involvement with the show and her life since Season Two ended.
"We never thought it was going to be on television!" Vicki was in Mexico when she got a call from her son Michael that Bravo was thinking about doing a new show about life behind the gates. He told her that he had written a letter to the producers about her, and they later contacted the family. The makers of the show came over to her house, hung out by the pool, and got to know the family. "We had a fun time. It was, 'Here's this professional businesswoman who can have fun, too!'"

After that, Vicki and her family pretty much forgot about the show-until four month later, when Bravo phoned her with the news that she was their first pick. "I was like, 'First pick for what?' Doing this show wasn't even on my schedule." At first, both she and Donn, her husband, weren't interested, but a meeting with Bravo convinced them to sign the contract to film the pilot. No one ever thought the show would be aired, and even after the first season was picked up, no one realized the Real Housewives phenomenon that would hit America.

And then, something even more incredible happened-Vicki started getting phone calls and emails about her insurance business. "People were saying, 'I want to live the way you do. I want a career like you!'" All of these calls inspired her to launch and new business venture-Coto Insurance and Financial Services-aimed at helping fans interested in her business become successful as well. The night her website, www.vickigunvalson.com was featured on the show, the site got over a million hits. Vicki wasn't always in the insurance business, however. At 29 years old, she suddenly found herself in the middle of a divorce with no real source of income. A friend got her involved in the insurance business, and now, through Coto Insurance she's doing weekly training calls and hosting forums with insurance agents who want the secret to her success. She also just finished writing her first book, Internet Insurance Selling Made Easy. Her goal is to continue to grow this business across the nation, helping others find success.

But oh no, that isn't all, folks. Vicki also was inspired by all of the inquiries she received about her clothing and makeup. "People would really send us great emails about our fashion," she says Together with the other ladies from the show, Vicki started The Real OC Brand, a company aimed not necessarily at making money, but more at simply helping fans connect with the products they see the ladies using and wearing every week.

So with all of these business ventures, how does Vicki stay in control? "The key is being organized. I keep on top of everything. Things don't go undone. That way, you don't get overwhelmed." From doing the dishes immediately after dinner to folding the laundry as soon as the dryer buzzes, Vicki makes sure that she keeps ahead of her work. "My days are very hard-they are just packed with things to do."

That won't stop Vicki from taking a few moments to brag about her kids, which is fully justified considering how well they are doing! According to Mom, Brianna has made the dean's list and is currently moving in order to be a little closer to home and to her still-boyfriend, Colby. Michael is attending summer classes and is looking for a job, maybe bartending, in order to buy himself a car. He's also still with his girlfriend from last season, and they are very happy. And Donn? "He's still putting up with me!" says Vicki. The entire family is doing great.

Beyond that, Vicki is making good on her promises last season to simplify her life. "The viewers will probably be surprised to know that my house is for sale," she says, talking about how she's trying to slow down and relax more often. She and Donn are moving to a smaller house in Coto in order to be able to take more time to enjoy life. Her goals for the future are to continue building the business, promote her book, and continue being herself-a positive role model. "Morals always shine through, when you do the right thing.