Get to Know Cindy Barshop of Completely Bare Spa and Newest Member of
The Real Housewives of New York City
Before entering the world of reality television, Cindy Barshop, the newest member to the cast of The Real Housewives of New York City, was already sitting on top of the world as the owner of upscale hair removal spa Completely Bare. Now that pedestal is just a little more obvious to the rest of us. The single-mother-by-choice seemingly has it all - career, family, and now reality-tv stardom, yet she somehow manages to pull it off in a method as fashionable as she is. Below, get to more about Cindy and be sure to tune into BRAVO Thursday nights (10 p.m. EST) for all the drama RHONY has to offer!
How did the concept of Completely Bare emerge, creating a literal empire of hair removal? I had a bikini problem and researched a solution. Laser hair removal was a great option, so the idea of Completely Bare Spas came about to make this solution more available. The name Completely Bare came from my initials...Cindy Barshop: CB!
How do you handle the pressures associated with business owner AND mom? I don't consider either one a pressure. I love raising my children, and going to work to create and expand my company empowers me. If I looked at it as pressure, I wouldn't do it.
Deciding to have children "alone" is pretty huge. Were your friends and family supportive in that endeavor? I'm fortunate in that my friends and family are supportive of everything I do!
You've recently been added to the cast of The Real Housewives of New York City. Do you foresee that particular role changing your life in any way? Absolutely! The show has introduced me to so many charities, and has given me a platform to be heard and the opportunity to make difference. I'm working with the Starlight Foundation, and I'll be traveling with Project 360 to do some great work in Florida.
Were you a fan of the show - or other reality shows - prior to being cast? I always loved reality shows. I did watch the Housewives shows when I had time.
What is it about Housewives franchise that seems to draw people in? What I do know, is that everyone's a voyeur. I think the Housewives shows are like a real-life soap opera with great style and a real sense of drama that draws people in.
Was it difficult to get used to the constant cameras and microphones? With the great press that Completely Bare has received, I've been on Regis & Kelly and tons of morning shows, so it was pretty easy for me to get used to the cameras and microphones. What it took me longer to get used to was the intense array of personalities and the unwelcome feeling when you're the new girl. We're friends now though!
So what is your day versus night style like? My day look is very casual with a mix of designers and off the rack retail. Right now I'm wearing rolled up GAP jeans, a loose and comfy tee from Alexander Wang and Converse sneakers! For night, I've been accentuating the positive since I had my twins. That means looser tops and short skirts...as long as I've been into Completely Bare for a spray tan!
So who are your favorite designers? I love comfy sweaters and loose fitting tops from Alexander Wang, and dressy tanks from Helmut Lang. Rick Owens leather jackets and boots, and DVF anything.
Beauty-wise, what is something you never overlook? Eyebrows are so, so important to shape your face and give your look definition. I ALWAYS fill mine in with a short angled brush and powder to give a polished, natural look without the harsh lines of a pencil.
Best of Cindy:
Advice: ALWAYS embrace change. Make it into a positive. Go-To Shoes: Chanel knee high black leather boots for winter, but I'm still looking for my go-to spring shoe. Any suggestions from your readers?? NYC Eatery: Morandi in the West Village. It's from the same group as another favorite, Pastis...I love it! Vacation Spot: Prior to my pregnancy and giving birth my twins, St. Bart's was amazing. I haven't been in two years though! I hope I can go back soon, and find some more kid-friendly vacation spots to bring the girls to.
