Kelly Bensimon is a well-known model, reality TV star, and businesswoman who has earned a lot of money from different jobs.
Kelly Bensimon is an American celebrity who became famous as a cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City, a popular reality TV show. Are you curious about how she made her money and how she spends it in 2024?
In this article, we will look at Kelly Bensimon net worth, her journey from being a model to becoming a successful real estate agent, and her luxurious lifestyle. From her time on The Real Housewives of New York City to her smart investments, you’ll find out how she became so wealthy and why she remains in the spotlight.
This article will help you understand Kelly Bensimon’s life, her business ventures, and what makes her one of the most interesting people from the Real Housewives franchise.
Key Takeaways
- Kelly Bensimon is a model, TV star, and businesswoman.
- She makes money from modeling, TV shows, books, her jewelry line, and real estate.
- Kelly spends her money on luxury items, travel, and charity.
- Her net worth is around $20 million.
- Real estate is a big part of her income, as she buys, sells, and helps others with luxury properties.
- Kelly gained fame as a cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City, which helped her career.
- Kelly’s friendships with RHONY stars like Luann de Lesseps and Ramona Singer have kept her in the public eye.
- Kelly has written several books and launched a jewelry line, which adds to her wealth.
Table of Contents
1. Who is Kelly Bensimon?
Kelly Jean Killoren Bensimon was born on May 1, 1968, in Rockford, Illinois. She started her career as a model when she was a teenager. Kelly appeared in several magazines like Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan. Later, she became famous on the reality television show “The Real Housewives of New York City,” also known as ‘The Real Housewives.”
Kelly is not just a model and TV star. Kelly Bensimon is an American author and lifestyle expert. She has written books about style and wellness. She also started her own jewelry line and works in the real estate market. Kelly has also worked as the editor of Elle Accessories and has a strong connection to the fashion world.
2. Sources of Kelly Bensimon’s Wealth
Kelly Bensimon earns her money from many sources because of her diverse career. She makes money from modeling, television, books, jewelry, real estate, and social media. Let’s take a closer look at how each of these helps her make money.
a. Modeling and TV Shows
Kelly started making money as a model when she was still a teenager. She signed with Ford Models and Elite Model Management and worked for big magazines like Elle, Cosmopolitan, and Harper’s Bazaar, which helped her become well-known in the modeling industry. Kelly also appeared at Fashion Week, which further boosted her modeling career. Later, she became famous on The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY), which helped her make even more money and become a household name. She joined the cast in 2009 and her appearances on the show gave her more opportunities to make money.
Kelly also appeared on Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip and RHONY Legacy, which added to her popularity and earnings.
b. Books
Kelly is also an author and has written three books: The Bikini Book, American Style, and I Can Make You Hot!. These books focus on lifestyle, wellness, and fashion. They helped Kelly make extra money beyond her work on television and modeling. Her career as an author also allowed her to connect with fans who were interested in her personal tips on health and style.
c. Jewelry Line
In the early 2000s, Kelly launched her own jewelry line. It was successful and helped her grow her brand and make more money. The jewelry line showed off her personal style and attracted loyal customers, making her even more successful as a businesswoman.
d. Real Estate
Recently, Kelly started working in real estate. She now works as a high-end real estate agent in New York, focusing on luxury properties. By using her network and experience, Kelly has been able to sell high-end homes, which adds a lot to her income. Real estate has become an important part of how she builds her wealth, and she has taken ownership of the home buying and selling process to achieve success. She even sold a mansion on the lot in the Hamptons for a significant profit.
e. Social Media and Endorsements
Kelly also makes money from social media. She has a big following on Instagram and other platforms, where she promotes different brands and products. Companies pay Kelly to endorse their products, and this has become an important way for her to make money. Being an influencer helps her stay in the public eye while earning extra income. Her role as a celebrity net worth influencer has helped keep her finances strong.
Income Summary Table
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Modeling | Worked for top magazines and brands |
| TV Shows | Starred in RHONY |
| Books | Wrote three books |
| Jewelry Line | Created and sold jewelry |
| Real Estate | Works as an agent for luxury homes |
| Social Media | Brand promotions and endorsements |
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3. How Kelly Spends Her Money
Kelly Bensimon enjoys a luxurious lifestyle, and her spending reflects her wealth. She invests in real estate, fashion, travel, and charity, which shows her many interests.
a. Real Estate
Kelly has owned several homes in New York City and the Hamptons. She buys and sells properties to make a profit and also enjoys living in beautiful, luxurious homes. Real estate is both a personal interest and an investment strategy for Kelly that helps her grow her wealth. She is currently a high-end real estate agent working in the competitive New York market.
b. Fashion and Jewelry
Kelly loves fashion. She often wears designer clothes and expensive jewelry. Her love for high-end fashion is clear from her public appearances, social media posts, and work with top designers.
c. Traveling
Kelly loves to travel. She takes trips for work and pleasure, visiting amazing destinations around the world. Her Instagram is full of pictures from her travels, showing her on luxury vacations and work trips. Traveling is a big part of her lifestyle, and she loves exploring new places.
d. Charity
Kelly is also involved in charity work. She donates to various charities and causes, including animal welfare and children’s health. Her charitable work shows her desire to give back to the community and support people in need.
Spending Summary Table
| Spending Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Real Estate | Homes in New York City and the Hamptons |
| Fashion | Designer clothes and jewelry |
| Travel | Vacations and work trips |
| Charity | Donations to causes like animal welfare |
4. Real Estate Investments
Kelly has made smart real estate investments over the years, which have added a lot to her wealth. She has bought and sold many properties, each time making a profit.
One of her best investments was a New York City apartment in Manhattan, which she sold for a big profit. She also owned a home in the Hamptons, known for its luxury properties, which she sold for $5.7 million. These successful investments have added a lot to her net worth.
Currently, Kelly works as a luxury real estate agent. She helps clients buy and sell high-end homes in New York City. Her celebrity status and connections help her succeed in the competitive real estate market. This role has become a key part of her career and income.
5. Kelly Bensimon Net Worth in 2024
Kelly Bensimon’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. This impressive amount comes from her many sources of income and her smart real estate investments.
| Source of Wealth | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Modeling | $5 million |
| TV Appearances | $3 million |
| Books | $1 million |
| Jewelry Line | $2 million |
| Real Estate Sales | $7 million |
| Social Media | $2 million |
Kelly’s ability to manage multiple sources of income and make smart investments has helped her build and keep her wealth. Her high net worth shows her business skills and adaptability.
6. Modeling Career and RHONY Fame
Kelly began her modeling career as a teenager. She signed with Ford Models and Elite Model Management and worked with major magazines like Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Cosmopolitan. She also took part in Fashion Week, which further boosted her success. These early successes helped her become well-known in the modeling industry.
Kelly became very famous as one of the housewives of The Real Housewives of New York City, a well-known reality television show. She joined the cast during the second season in 2009 and stayed until season four in 2011. Being on the show gave Kelly a platform to promote her other projects, which helped her make more money. She also appeared on Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, which added to her fame.
7. Kelly’s Business Ventures
Kelly Bensimon is also a successful businesswoman. Besides her jewelry line, she has written several books, including American Style and The Bikini Book. She also wrote I Can Make You Hot, a guide to wellness and lifestyle. Writing these books has helped her grow her wealth.
Kelly works as a real estate agent, selling high-end properties in New York. With her connections in the fashion industry and her celebrity status, she has built a strong reputation in the real estate market. Her real estate deals have contributed significantly to her wealth.
8. Kelly’s Personal Life and Relationships
Kelly Bensimon was married to Gilles Bensimon, a famous fashion photographer. Year into their marriage, Kelly became pregnant with their first child. Gilles and Kelly had two daughters together before they called off her wedding and ended their marriage. Kelly has often shared how being a single mom has affected her life, and she is proud of her relationship with her daughters.
Kelly attended Trinity College and later went to Columbia University. She has always been passionate about learning and growing in different areas of her life, which is why she pursued studies at Trinity College and Columbia University.
Kelly’s personal life, including her friendships with RHONY cast members like Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, and Dorinda Medley, has been interesting to her fans. These relationships have kept her in the public eye and added to her fame. She has also appeared on other shows like Little House on the Prairie.
9. Comparisons with Other RHONY Stars
Compared to other RHONY stars like Luann de Lesseps and Ramona Singer, Kelly Bensimon’s net worth is impressive. While her $20 million net worth is not the highest among the Housewives of New York City, her many sources of income, including real estate, modeling, and books, have kept her financially strong.
Stars like Dorinda Medley and Luann de Lesseps have also made money through reality TV and business ventures, but Kelly’s focus on real estate and her background as a former model make her unique among the group. Scott Litner, who has worked in the entertainment industry, has also been part of Kelly’s journey, as they were once rumored to be dating.
Conclusion
Kelly Bensimon has built a successful career in modeling, reality TV, and business. Her net worth shows her hard work and smart investments. From her early days as a model to her current work in real estate, Kelly continues to grow her wealth and stay in the spotlight. She has managed to balance different aspects of her life, from being a public figure to a dedicated mom and businesswoman.
Do you want to learn more about other celebrities’ net worth or their luxurious lifestyles? Let me know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does Kelly Bensimon do now?
Kelly Bensimon is currently a high-end real estate agent in New York City, selling luxury properties. She also continues her work as an author, businesswoman, and social media influencer.
2. Who was Kelly Bensimon’s husband?
Kelly Bensimon was married to Gilles Bensimon, a famous fashion photographer.
3. How much is Kelly from The Real Housewives of New York worth?
Kelly Bensimon’s estimated net worth is around $20 million.
4. Why did Kelly Bensimon call off the wedding?
Kelly Bensimon called off her wedding due to personal reasons, which eventually led to her divorce from Gilles Bensimon.
5. Who is Kelly Bensimon’s ex?
Kelly Bensimon’s ex-husband is Gilles Bensimon, and she has also been linked to other notable figures, including Scott Litner.
6. Who was Kelly from RHONY married to?
Kelly Bensimon from RHONY was married to Gilles Bensimon.
7. What books has Kelly Bensimon written?
Kelly Bensimon has written several books, including “The Bikini Book,” “American Style,” and “I Can Make You Hot!”
8. What reality television shows has Kelly Bensimon appeared on?
Kelly Bensimon appeared on “The Real Housewives of New York City,” “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip,” and “RHONY Legacy.”
9. How did Kelly Bensimon become famous?
Kelly Bensimon became famous through her modeling career, her appearances in major magazines, and her role on the reality television show “The Real Housewives of New York City.”
