10 Things You didn’t Know about Jill Zarin
During her time as a cast member on The Real Housewives of New York City, Jill Zarin became a fan favorite. Viewers seemed to be drawn to her smart business sense and feisty attitude. However, it appears that the things that fans loved the most about Zarin were the same things that helped to drive a wedge between her and her fellow cast members, and eventually led to her not being invited back. Despite no longer being on the show, Zarin has remained in the spotlight and has no trouble sharing her opinion whenever she feels necessary. With a whole new world of possibilities at her feet, we’ll probably be hearing about Jill Zarin for years to come. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about Jill Zarin.
1. She is a graduate of Simmons College
Before becoming a reality TV star and business woman, Jill Zarin attended Simmons College in Boston, MA where she was a student in the school of retail management. Zarin would later put her education to good use when she embarked on her career.
2. She has over “20 years in hosiery experience”
Jill Zarin has turned her hosiery experience into her own business. Skweez Couture, is Zarin’s hosiery brand which provides customers with ” a smooth look with breathable fabrics.” Skweez prides itself on being extremely comfortable because of the fact that it was designed “by women, for women.”
3. She was called directly to be a part of the Real Housewives cast.
According to Zarin, her introduction to reality TV was a little unusual. During an interview Zarin recalled how she was asked to be on the show stating: “Hollywood called. There was a photo of Bobby, Ally, and me on a society website called newyorksocialdiary.com that a producer from a production company had seen. They literally called information at 411 (seems so archaic now!) and left a message on my answering machine asking if I was interested in doing a reality show based on “glamorous” Manhattan moms and their children. Who knew that when I said “yes” my life would change forever.”
4. She thinks everyone could use a mentor
Jill Zarin has an important piece of advice for anyone who is looking to break on to the celebrity scene. She says that everyone could use a mentor, and with the nature of the business – she’s probably right. There are countless stories of people who become overwhelmed by fame and don’t know how to handle life in the spotlight. Perhaps forming a bond with someone whose already been through it would be a positive experience.
5. She doesn’t know why she was fired from RHONY
After four seasons on the show, Jill Zarin was reportedly fired because her over-the-top diva behavior made her extremely difficult to work with. But, during an interview in 2014, Zarin discussed her leaving the show and stated: “Nobody will tell me the true answer. At the time, I was told that they thought the show had gone so dark that it couldn’t recover and that they needed to change the cast. I don’t think the fans agreed.” Although there has been talk of her eventually returning to the cast, Zarin has denied the rumors saying that the show was not a healthy experience.
6. She has a net worth of approximately $35 million
According to several sources, Jill Zarin’s net worth is a whopping $35 million. Between her marriage to entrepreneur Bobby Zarin, her work on RHONY, and her business ventures she has been able to build her fortune from several different sources.
7. She is the co-author of a book
On top of all of the work that she does, Zarin has also co-authored a book with her mother titled, Secrets of a Jewish Mother. The book is made up of recipes, parenting tips, and other pieces of advice. Secrets of a Jewish Mother also received a lot of attention from the media, and also earned an award from he Connecticut Press Association
8. She wants to raise awareness to arthritic diseases
Both Zarin’s daughter and step-stop suffer from or arthritic disease. As a result, Zarin has made it her mission to raise awareness to such conditions. While she was a cast member on RHONY, she used the show as a platform to help educate others on illnesses such as Still’s disease and Spondyloarthropathy.
9. She used to work at Filene’s Department Store
Everybody’s got to start somewhere, and Zarin got her start working as a buyer at s Filene’s Department Store. However, Zarin quickly rose through the ranks and eventually became the National Sales Manager/Vice President of Great American Knitting Mills Jockey division.
10. She’s got the frenemy game on lock.
Like most reality TV stars, Jill Zarin has encountered her fair share of drama. Zarin and her once good friend, RHONY cast member, Bethenny Frankel have had several spats throughout the years. Although things have calmed down between the pair, and they have found a way to be cordial, there doesn’t seem to be any hope for their friendship.
(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for JCPenney)
