BILFPOD - Kelly Bensimon on Luxury Deals, Life Lessons & Living Bold

Episode Date: August 14, 2025

New Episode — BILFPod x @kellybensimonFrom high-fashion runways to bestselling books — and now dominating New York’s luxury real estate market — Kelly Bensimon has never stopped evolving. Many may recognize her from The Real Housewives of New York City, but her career has spanned far beyond reality TV. A model, author, and entrepreneur, she’s built a career on curiosity, reinvention, and showing up — ready, able, and excited for what’s next. In this episode, Kelly and Mara dive deep into the real work behind the glam — the discipline, the lessons learned, and the power of taking care of yourself so you can lead others.Inside the episode:• Why showing up is the ultimate success strategy• Best practices for being a boss & managing people• Always learning, evolving, and starting fresh with a baseline• Health, self-care, and sustaining your driveGet Connected:Follow Kelly: @kellybensimonFollow Mara: @maradorne | @bilfpod🎧 Tap in to listen — it’s candid, inspiring, and full of real-world wisdom.#MaraDorne #KellyBensimon #BILFPod #GirlBoss #ModelLife #FashionIcon #EntrepreneurLife #WomenWhoLead #BossMoves #PowerWomen #ChicAndStrong #InspiringWomen #LifestyleGoals #ConfidenceIsKey #EmpowerYourself #GlamAndGrace #BILFEnergy #LuxuryRealEstate #NYCRealEstate #TopBroker #DouglasElliman #KellyKillorenBensimon #RealEstateQueen #MillionDollarListingLife

Retired from modeling many times. And what my agent used to always say is like, everyone was always like, oh, I want to be like Kelly Benson. He's like, well, you have to go to college. And then you have to write seven books. And then you have to start magazines. And you have to do all these things. And they're like, wait, she done all this stuff. I thought she was just on TV.

You know, just because people didn't know who I was doesn't mean that I hadn't done the work. You want to be a boss again. back to the Bill Pod, where authenticity trumps authority. Now, if you know real estate, then you know Kelly Ben-Simon. Well, you have an extensive history, but I know we're focusing big time because you are a big real estate guru. And I love that. You're just like a badass woman. That is amazing to me. So welcome to the show, girl. I know. I'm so excited. Welcome back to New York. I love it here. This is like my kinder spirit space. Why? This is where you're from. This is your like vibe, family vibes. It's so vibey here.

I just love everything about it. I love it. I love it. I love it. Look at you little hot mama over here. Well, welcome to the soap. I was like, I have to dress up today. I was like, I have to like.

I don't think it takes much for you because you're beautiful. Oh, thank you. I think everything just looks good on you. Thank you. You're wearing the clothes. They don't wear you. I'm just going to hang out here. I'm going to live here.

You know, nest in here. Well, you are a true boss. So Bill stands for a boss I like to follow. But I think you're like the real boss I'd like to follow. Oh, my gosh. Wow. Yeah. Yeah.

I mean, look at your accolades, TV personality, author, model. I mean, girl, come on. That's incredible. Thank you. And you did all that. I feel so gorgeous. You feel, you are gorgeous. Thank you.

All right. So I heard, or I know, that you started modeling at 15 years old. So tell me a little bit about that. So I started modeling. I'm from Brockford, Illinois. And I started modeling when I was 15. And that kind of set the stage for this. balance that I learned at a very, very young age of going to school and also working. So I always

had to, you know, time effort, resources. I always have to be, I always had to be on time. I always had to be prepared. And I always had to be ready for anything. So my papers had to be done because I was modeling, who knows where I was going to be in London or Africa or wherever I was going to be. And I obviously had to, you know, finish high school. And so I learned at a very, very young age, to balance, not work life, but work, work. Yeah, and discipline, obviously. Major discipline. So you want to hear something funny, like side note, it's off.

The questions are going to kill me, but I don't care. My other side of the family, my other side of the family is from Springfield, Illinois. Are they? Oh, my God. Is that crazy? That's so crazy. It's insane. Every time I tell people out, they're like, what?

I'm like, yeah, I know. I love that. So the Midwest met New York, and then they had me. Yes. And here I am. Yes. So let's talk a little bit about the supermodel diet. Do you, I mean, is this like a, is this like a real thing?

So the supermodal diet, I wrote that in 2010 because I have two girls and we were talking all about like being skinny. And I was a model for so long. And I had every single eating disorder you could have. I tried. Yeah. So I tried the bulimia. I tried the not eating. I tried everything.

So I was like, oh, my God, everyone else is doing it. I should do it, which is like, that's just such a young mindset kind of thing. It's awful. But I was a, you know, I was a victim to that. and just anything to be skinny. And so I just, when we were on housewives, I was just like, this is not my vibe. It's like healthy options today. I can make you hot.

I can make you smoking hot all day long because I lived my life outside of trying all these cockamini, awful, get skinny quick tricks. I had such discipline. So I was like, what am I doing? This is so not me. And so I have really spent, you know, the past. since 2010, just really talking to women about taking care of themselves. And it's like, this is it.

This is your body. This day is never going to come back again. We're never going to have the same body, the same mindset, all these things again. So you have to take care of yourself. And it's been really, really important for my girls, especially they went to our old girls' school. They were raised by me. And just really, really important for women and men alike.

You know, people don't realize how many men also have serious eating issues. And so, you know, it's the food uniform is something that's critical to your everyday life. And it goes back to what you were talking about at the beginning about discipline. So if Monday through Friday you are eating well, so whatever that is for you, then on Saturdays and Sundays you can do whatever you want. But you have to the consistency. It's like you can't expect to like do well and work if you're like, I was party until 4 o'clock in the morning. I showed up to work and I smelled like booze.

People are going to be like, we don't want you. The person that's doing well is a person that's showing up. They're ready. They're ready. They're able. They're willing. They're excited. Those are the people that really start to succeed.

And like you said, also at the top, about that authenticity and that, you know, actually being there is much more important than the smartest person in the room is always going to be the smartest person in the room. But they need the minions to get the work done. And those are the ones that really, people like me who are like working, working, working, getting things done well. and eating well is super important. I mean, you can't be a boss if you're not eating well.

It just doesn't work. It's all part of, you know, it's funny that you say that. I'm sorry, it's like all like everything you were saying. I was like, well, that goes back to that. That goes back to that. It's funny because like I think Allison's right. We are very parallel. So having a daughter especially, I have a 17 and a half year old daughter.

And growing up like with my mom, it was a big deal always being skinny. Like this is something that we strive for forever. I remember just growing up with like low fat twinkies. Everything in my house was like NutraSuite, low fat, no fat. This is how I grew up. Like you did not eat a carb. So now my daughter is 17 and a half and she struggles. And it's in like I'm trying to explain to her, but it's hard to explain.

And would you agree? Because you know more about this than me. That diet and the way that you look, it starts with what you put in your mouth. It's 80%. Like you can work your ass off in the gym. But if you're eating like shit, it's not working. Well, didn't Garfield say the diet is diet with a tea? like back in the day, like that was a funny cartoon.

I mean, it's really not diet. It's a food uniform. It's like if you want to be an athlete, you have to eat a certain way. If you want to be, you know, successful in life, you have to eat a certain way. You know, if you want to treat your body, if you want to be a Ferrari, you treat your body like a Ferrari. You know, I'm not going to be like, oh, my God, let me drink a Diet Coke and see, like, what happens. Yeah, you're not going to put 87 fuel in your Ferrari. You're not going to do that.

I did that. I used to drink a lot of Diet Coke. But after doing the quarter test, I was like, I'm not drinking anywhere diet Coke. Yeah, but I think everything's in moderation too. I'm not saying start yourself and don't ever take a bite of chocolate. That's why the food uniform works because, and you ask me, is it sustainable? And it is sustainable because your Monday through Friday has always been like that. You've always had that mindset since you were young.

Like you went to school, you had your lunch, you did your homework, you did your after your school activities, you went home, you did your homework, and then you woke up the next morning to the same thing. So that kind of discipline and that pattern has already been ingrained in you for so long. So to change it up, if it's not broken, don't fix it. I agree. So any other plans for a cookbook? Anything in the worst? I mean, I make food.

I make food. So I worked with the most amazing chef, chef, Seth Levine, and we cooked a lot of really healthy, fun recipes. And then I wanted to do an homage to my mom who made, you know, she always always. always love to like make food for us what's your favorite cuisine you know I just I mean I love all different kinds of food but I mean I really love Mexican food yeah I do I don't know I just I'm like maybe it's just because like in Illinois we had like no good Mexican growing up I was like wow what is this this is this is really good yeah I was like spicy delicious um so yeah I just think that there's I just think that that life is about consistency and and also you know it's like you know I was

I was watching some of your Instagram and about, you know, you and I are very similar because we're very, like, list oriented, not like long list, but like one, two, three. I feel like we look like, too. Like, I'm looking at you. I'm like, am I looking at myself? I know. We have like similar hair. Yeah, right?

And the hand movements. Yeah. It's kind of freaking me up. But like, you're really like good with like the lists. You really go with like keeping things simple and short, like, three things you need to do today. Like, and that's how I've always been. Maybe it's my magazine business or, you know, I just always think of like, let's categorize

things. Let's put things in a microbox so we can get things done. Yeah. It's not that hard either. It's about intentionality too. Just do it. That's what I say. That Nike came up with the best slogan. I'm serious. Just do it. Just do it. Stop procrastinating. Just fucking do it. Like, what is the so hard about this? Right. I don't even understand. But I think it all goes back to discipline because you did modeling. I did bodybuilding for a little bit. I just did it to lose weight. Like let's hear it away. I had a baby and then I was like, I got to get the weight off first. Let me try the the most. But bodybuilding is like serious. bikini. I worked with a coach, but bodybuilding, yeah, to build muscle back. But it teaches you

discipline and it also allows you to be creative in your own way. So how do you think your modeling has influenced you in your creative space in your branding? That uniform. That's what I mean, how to dress, how to be ready for everything, you know, I mean, even like going, even like down to like nude underwear, like always wearing nude underwear when I would go to work. That's so funny. I literally when I was getting my stuff ready to do, I was like, oh, I got to make sure I have the nude underwear. Yeah. I mean, just like little tiny things that really, always being, like when I was a model, I mean, you know, back in the Ice Age, but, you know, so long ago, we had to always wear black dresses. And my first audition with Patrick DeMarchier

for Vogue, I was wearing white, white treenured sneakers, white shorts, and a white tennis polo. And my agent was like, yeah, he's, you're booked for Vogue tomorrow, but don't ever wear that again. And Patrick was always like, yes, Kelly, she's so cute and fun and fresh. And my agent was like, no, we don't want cute, fun, and fresh. We want you to be in a black dress and simple so they could kind of see the outline and see what you look like. And so I always thought to myself, okay, that's what that looks like, just to keep it simple. And so in my book, I call it KIS, keep it simple, stupid, just keep things simple, simple. That's funny. That's what we use in my sales industry. Everything is KIA. Don't overcomplicate the sales process.

Rules keep us safe. Yes, but very easy rules. I know. But then you can break them too, but like just, just like, know what the rules are. Once they're out of control and all over the place. It just doesn't make sense. My husband's that way. He, like, makes these formulas. I'm like, Seth, nobody understands what you're even talking about. Like, just make it easy. I love that. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but, like, if the directions

are easy, like, anybody can do it. But you don't have to be the sharpest tool in the shed. You just have to have the tools in your tool belt. Yes, yes. That's all you need. You see the tools. You don't need to be the best. You just need to be the one that has the right tool. I say the following. I know to use a hammer when I need a hammer. Not like, oh my God, let me try

a screwdriver because maybe that'll work. Yeah, no, no, no, it's easy. Like, just let's not complicate it with like a special hammer that has like a thing. Okay, now, so now I have to start bodily building because we're like so, we're kindred spirits here. We are. But it goes, it really goes, it's parallel to everything that we do is keeping it simple, keeping everything kind of, you know, aligned. And I know also you have an MBA. I have a master's degree.

You're smarter, did business. But I did not. I did criminal justice just to shut my mom up. Right. But, you know, there's a big controversy about education lately. And, you know, for me, I don't know if you were brought up like this, but I was brought up, like, you have to go to, I didn't know there was a choice to go to college. I thought everybody just went.

Oh, yeah, no, no, no. I mean, I, there was no, that wasn't even an option. And I was doing really well in modeling. And my dad was like, yeah, you're going to be in college. Yeah, that was like this, there was just no choice. Like you were going to college and college wasn't enough. So then my mom was like, all right, because law school was my trajectory. And I was like, well, we'll see.

So I got a master's degree. So how important do you, you education? I mean, again, it goes back to knowing those rules and that foundation. And, you know, I want everybody to have a baseline. just have a baseline. If you have a baseline, you can go anywhere, absolutely anywhere. But you have to have a baseline. I agree. And so college teaches you that too. It does. It teaches you the formula. So you're just like, oh, I know what to do. I'm just going to throw this there, that and there, put it up, put it in the, in the Queensland art and poop, it's going to come out.

Yeah, it does. I think colleges, I mean, I think this. I've, like, veered away from, like, forcing, because I don't think my son is going to go to college. I want him to go. And I think that he needs, like, the foundation. And I think college, like, for my daughter, my daughter has to go to college. There's like, no, we're not veering away from that. Right. Because she needs that. She needs to go there and experience it.

And college teaches you so many fundamentals that they don't prepare you for in life. But my son, he's different. I do think he needs some sort of education. So I'm like, I always teeter back and forth. But I think college, I mean, I venture to say college is really important. It is important. I think what's also interesting, too, is like Harvard Business School, like, if you follow them online, they have all these, like, free classes that you can take.

So as long as you're in a class that is helping you to be a better version of yourself, taking one test class, taking another class. I mean, I'm always learning something new. You know, now my youngest daughter is like, Mom, we're learning Italian. I'm like, okay, we're learning Italian. I love it. So, like, if you're constantly learning things and you're always evolving, but it's always the same thing. It's like every single thing that you learn has a baseline, whether it's learning a language, whether it's learning a new trait, whether it's learning social media, whether it's learning social media, whether it's learning. marketing, whether it's learning, you know, becoming a doctor, everything has, you have to have

a baseline. You have to have a baseline. I agree. So just, you know, encouraging him to be curious. He needs to get something. It's the best thing. Yeah, if he wants business, then he just needs to go a little, just take some business courses. Right.

Just take a course. You never know. It's constant. You're ever learning. I mean, who doesn't want to learn all the time? It's constant. In this world, you have to be open to learning because we're constantly evolving. But you never know who that person is going to be.

your life who's going to help you go to that next level. And that may be a coach, that may be a chef, that may be a friend, that may be a teacher, that you never know who that's going to be. And so to not explore and celebrate, I mean, you know, it's like even on social media, there's a lot of experts out there who have taught me a lot of stuff like you. You're always, you know, imparting knowledge and interviewing people who have like a strong knowledge base. And it's just important. It's important to like to know what's what the facts are. So you can actually move forward. No, I agree with you. I agree. So now at this point, so let's like.

So I'm an advocate of education. I am a strong advocate of higher education. However, the world has changed. But what I want to say is that there's a lot when I was, you know, I retired from modeling many times. And what my agent used to always say is like, everyone's always like, oh, I want to be like Kelly Benson. He's like, well, you have to go to college. Then you have to write seven books. And then you have to start magazines. And you have to do all these things. And they're like, wait, she did all this stuff. I thought she was just on TV. You're like, no, no, no, no. There's a lot more to me. Right. I mean, just because they didn't want, you know, just because people didn't know who I was doesn't mean that I hadn't done the work. Yeah, obviously. I mean, look where you're at.

So you were, so you were on the house. Look at you. You're like so, you're so sexy and cute. I love you. So you're on the housewives. And so you're on. on the housewives, which is like, I wouldn't really picture you as a housewife, like talking to you. I really wouldn't take you, but you were whatever. You were on there, which is great. So how did that, and I imagine that's very invasive. It's in your face, in your life. So how did that teach you like your, first of all, you were very visible, but what about your vulnerability? Because it was showcased on there as well. Yes. I think the vulnerabilities is super important in everything. And you're like an OG housewife, too. I think people don't

know that. I know you're really involved in real estate, but you really are an OG. I mean, I mean, I think what's fascinating is that there's been a lot of housewives from, you know, every single state. And I think that what's fascinating is that people are still asking me about housewives and still genuinely really interested in me, which is like, there's a lot of housewives. I'm like, oh, my God, I loved her. And I don't know where she's doing. People are genuinely interested. And I think one reason they are interested is because they know that I speak up for myself. And they know that I'm not afraid.

Like if you want to be like if you have like an agenda and you want to come after me, you can go after me all day long. But like when I'm done filming, I'm going to go and have my life. And that was really fun and I'm glad we had a really good time, but I'm going to go and enjoy my life. And so I never like I never brought it home. I never brought my work home with me. It was just something a part of you. And so I think that made people very intimidated.

I think that they were like, wait a minute. Like I'm not getting to her. I'm like, no, you're not. Like I don't give a shit. I cannot. I'm going to be up here. I'm going to be up here. I'm going to be out of here.

But what happened when they showcased your vulnerability? Were you like, can you edit that out? I mean, I wish they showcased my vulnerability because I had gone through so much. I mean, I was a single mother, which no one wanted to hear about. They were like, being a single mother. You know, people don't want to hear about you being a single mother. Why? Because at the time, like, I was a single parent and people didn't want to talk about it.

They just didn't want to, they didn't want to know about it. I was a single parent for a while. They just, like, thought it was, like, not. Like, chic and cool. It's very taboo. They wanted me to be, like, the supermodel that, like, you know, everything, like, doesn't bother me. And it's all lollipops and rainbows. And I just go outside and I pick from the tree and there's a $100 bill.

I'm like, I need more than $100 bill. It needs to be like a $10,000 bill because, like, life is expensive. But so I think they wanted me to be something. And I'm also, like, I'm a little, I can be a little tough. Like, if I don't like something, I'm like, okay. I'm righteous. Like, let's go. Yeah.

And so I think that they're not, they're not, they weren't expecting me to be tough. That's the best part. But I'm also very dismissive. I'm just like, if there went, I never forget the scene after Scary Island. And we were sitting there at the lunch table. And they were all asking out scary on. They're like, what happened? And I was like, I was like, I had a great weekend.

I rode my horse, hung out with my kids. I drank wine with my boyfriend. The best weekend ever. And they're looking at me like, okay, we hate you. I was like, it's fine. Yeah, I don't care. Like, I think you just get to look like. I'm like, you have to do what you have to do.

Like, if you want to like make me the scapegoat, I'm not going to argue with you. I'm going to be like, okay, fine. I'll just make that. I'll just pivot and just go that way. Yeah, yeah. I feel it. Like, I'm like that too. I'm very righteous.

Like, I will not stand down. If I believe something, like, I'm almost like annoying. Like, don't fuck with me on something I feel really strongly about. You know, it's interesting because I'm actually not that way. I am strong with my conviction, but I'm not going to, I won't be on my saltbox. I'm like, if you're not going to listen to me, I'll just keep going like a broken record. I'm annoying. No, I'm just, I'm like, I'm not listening anymore.

Like I tuned out. I need to be more like that. Yeah, I just feel like. My mouth gets me in trouble all the time. I just don't shut up. I'll just keep going with the same bullshit. And I'm like a rehash or two. So then everyone's just like, all right, we don't even want to hear what you have to say anymore.

Because I am so righteous about something, I have to stand behind. But that's a good thing. That's a good thing. I mean, I just feel like sometimes when people aren't listening, it's just like then you have to guide them to a different way. No, you're smart. You're a lot smarter than me. Sometimes it's just like you're wasting your time.

Yeah. But I like that you rehash. I would love to hear that one time. I would definitely, I'm going to be like, oh, my God, I'm going to, like, unsocial and be like, I heard you rehash and you're fired. I'm sad. I love it. So here, I have a funny question for you.

So the housewives, like, I know you have. had your own life outside of that. So housewives, pastor present, who was one that you would follow? Like a boss you'd follow? Well, who I do follow is Margaret Joseph's. And, you know, we talked about this again. I sat with her. I talked to her. She came on. She's amazing. And, you know, like, I love this podcast because you're talking about things that really, really resonate with me. And she is so authentic. And I actually met her on one of my podcasts that I, when I started a long time ago. And she was just cool and fun and we knew a lot of the same people. I had no idea. I'd never watched her on TV.

I just loved her personality. And I loved how real she is. And I loved how, like, there are a lot of people that are like, be your authentic self. I'm like, what do you does that mean? Like, if someone's saying, be your authentic self, then they're clearly not authentic. You know, you show authenticity.

You don't talk about being authentic. I'm like, right. Well, you could feel it. You have all these little. I know. It's the sales thing grow up. this sales thing. I know.

It's like, it's just like, you could just feel. I need to be more sales. You are salesy. There's a lot to you. I'm like the long game of sales. I'm like, no, you're not. You went into, like you developed a team. You're in luxury real estate, right?

Developed a team. So talk a little bit about, I know the house. I love that you said it. Like it's, I met Cynthia Bailey. Same, like, same. She's a beauty. Love her. Same thing.

She's like, use, use the housewives as a platform to do what she's doing now. And same, same deal. But you're in real estate. So very similar to my. industry and sales. So talk to me a little bit about that in developing teams. So to be a team leader, you know, it's like, it's like, it's like anything. You know, you have to pick people who resonate with you. And that doesn't mean that you want like people that are identical to you. That means that you want people that don't, that do what you don't do. Exactly. So I was listening

to this one podcast and she's like, the best founder is someone who can give other people opportunities to do things and they go and they're like the overseer of everything. Like that's a really good founder. That's a really good leader. I think that people who try to micromanage are always micromanaging and then they're forgetting the long game. Like my job is to represent my clients. And there's things that, again, we talked about the right tool for the right job. I have an amazing assistant. I'm like, okay, we're going to do this. We're going to do that. We're going to do this. I'm on the phone with her. Tell me how you're doing this. So I'm also learning from her too. And I think that, you know, just taking a deep breath and allowing people to do what they do well is really, really important.

Agreed. And you cannot build anything. Anyone that says that they built things on their own are absolute liars. And that is completely wrong. Every single iconic human always talks about the people they're around them. Agreed. It takes a village. And I have the masters of the universe around me.

I have the kings and the queens of their industries around me. I'm not wasting my time with, like, people that don't know what they're doing. I love that. I love it. I love it. I love it. Because obviously you hire. Is there a little sound bite for that? Oh, yeah, why not? Be a queen or something? Or like, give me a sales thing for that.

Oh, here. You hire, so you hire for your weakness. You hire what you're weak at. Oh. That's what you do. That's good. That's what it is. You know, smart business owners, they hire people that they're weak at.

So for me, like, I'm not techie. I know, like, I'm very, I'm just not into, like, the HTML or, like, systems. So my husband is, right? And then the two girls that I work with here. Do you work with your husband? I do. I'm his boss. Wait, how does that work?

Do you like that dynamic? That's the only dynamic we know. I've never worked with a partner that I've, I mean, except for my ex-husband. I didn't work. I worked under him, not. Yes, you know, I work on top of him. That's the way to do a girl. Wait, really, what's a dynamic at home?

Are you like, okay, I mean. That's all we know, because that's how we met. So after I was divorced, I have an ex-husband, too. And after I was divorced, I met my husband. I recruited him. He was an agent of mine. So then he turned into my best friend. And so that's all we know.

It doesn't, I mean, sometimes, listen, the house is shaking sometimes. Like, we'll bring work home. But, I mean, for us, that really is all that we know. Okay, so I need to know, like, okay, so if there is a diet, let's say I meet, because I'm single, let's say I meet some, like, you know, smoke and hot guy who I work with, what, I know, right? I love it. I know, me too.

There has to be. There's so many hot real estate guys. I know. I walk around New York, I see. Okay, all right. So, like, this, like, hypothetical scenario. Hypothetically, if I meet the smoking hot guy who's in real estate and we're working together, like, how do I navigate that at home?

Well, first. Not at work, because work I'm fine with, but how do we navigate at home? Okay, so first, in my opinion, get them younger, younger. My husband's eight years younger than me. Oh, wow. Yeah, young. Yeah. Yeah.

And then at home, there just has to be a safe place where you're, like, sometimes, like, my husband will be, like, what do you have a safe word? We don't have a safe word. He just looks at me. He's like Mar-A-N-Ferre. Usually it's like Mar-R-Enough. Margarita. Yeah, just, I need it.

Oh, enough is enough? Like, stop. Like, stop. Or he'll just stop listening to me. That's what he'll, or he'll walk away. Wait, what's not of you? I'm a Libra. I'm a tourist.

I'm a tourist. Wait, what's your birthday? October 14. May 1st. Oh, wow. So, yeah. So he just knows, and he's Scorpio, so he just knows, and he just doesn't feed into my shit. That's what it is.

Because sometimes I want to argue with him. Right. And he's like, no. No. No. So are all your children from one father or from two? No, I got two baby daddy's girl. Okay.

Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah, my first husband who actually is like, he's one of my really good friends. So it works out. It works out. I love that. And then my husband, and we have the little one with my husband. So the two big ones are from my ex-husband and then the little one is.

You know what's interesting too, like not to switch gears about dating and relationships, but I have this hot podcast on I heart radio. We talk about dating and relationships. And I was just doing a video today talking about like what I'm looking for. What are you looking for? And I was, and what I'm not looking for. And one thing that I am not looking for is for someone to talk badly about my ex. He's my ex.

Yeah. And I can say whatever I want. I can talk shit about my ex. I can say whatever I want. All they long. Right. But if you talk about him, I'm like, mm-mm. Yeah.

Then I start getting defensive because like sometimes someone, like my husband will like, he'll throw a con and I'm going to like, I can't, I can't say that. You cannot say that. Right. And it's interesting because, like, I dated a guy who had two ex-wives. He's always like, this one's like this, and this one's like that. I'm like, I don't want to hear about them. By the way, first of all, I don't talk about my ex.

Like, I don't. And even, like, on television, I was like, can you talk about your ex? I'm like, no, he's fine on his own. He doesn't need your, like, limelight. But what's interesting is that when guys do that, I'm like, that is such a huge turnoff. Yeah, I don't want to hear about it. See, that's why I did younger, younger, no back here. But this one guy that I met who's, like, so hot, he was like, well, I know this girl, but we didn't date.

or I went on a couple days with her a long time but we never had sex and he's just so transparent and I was like oh my God it's so nice I would never say that I would never give the intel

but I appreciate it Yeah I mean it was nice to say You're probably like a little weird out like all right thanks for sharing but No no no I actually appreciate the fact that he's like very like trying to give me information but not try to make me jealous

Okay I mean Which I thought was like super mature Yeah it is mature I probably wouldn't have said that though You're right I wouldn't have been like Yeah I went out with this guy But we didn't have sex

I don't know that I throw that even in there. So now what about your kids? So you have these two baby daddies. You have this monster business. You have this amazing body. So how do you tell your girls, your daughter, like, be like me? I just show her. That's what it is.

Like for so long, I don't know if this has happened to you, but I got, I had a lot of mom shaming, like growing, you know, raising the kids. And I also travel. So I have offices all over the U.S. This year I've kind of, I've definitely simmered down. But for the last three years, I was on a plane every eight to ten days. And people would say shit all the time.

My family and friends say shit. But if you ask my daughter, my daughter will tell you, first of all, I'm very, very close with her, all three of the kids, okay? And I show up for everything. No, but we're talking about the daughter specifically. My daughter, she gets to see it. Like, she came to dinner. Like, she's always present, and she's my biggest fan.

And honestly, like, she's so proud of me. And she gets to witness. She saw, I didn't always, we didn't always have money. We don't come from money. She saw the story, the struggle. She saw what happened. She saw. So she knows.

So there's never been a time where she's like, I'm not proud of you. And anything, she's so proud. So proud. And she gets to come sometimes. She's here in New York with me right now. It's interesting what you were talking about, the mom shaming, though, is that like when you are a woman who is successful and who has been married and is trying to, like, do things on their own.

It's not like I don't want to have a relationship with a man. It's like, I just haven't found the right man to be in a relationship. with. And for my daughters, I mean, for them to see me, you know, modeling and being a playboy and working and getting my MBA and doing all these things, they've seen me do all these things. And a lot of the parents are like, oh, my God. And I'm like, yeah. I know the parent that trust me. Like, by the way, like, you can like tell me, you can like say how awful I am and horrible I am. But at the end of the day, like, I have great kids. Yeah. And you know what? So do I. Like, I always laugh. I go, my neighbors. Don't let them shame. My neighbors definitely think

I'm like a drug dealer or I do something super inappropriate. I'm almost sure of it. But it's only because, yeah, I'm almost sure they do. I'm almost positive of it because I'm never home. And then you see like, then I like to, I do like to entertain. So when I'm home, I like to have big parties. That's so fun. I just like to do it.

Nothing. But I know these creepy neighbors. They definitely have what to say. I know for sure. But as far as like the kids go, you know, the first thing I know for sure and called selfish, I have to be happy. Right. I have to.

And that means going to the gym. and taking care of myself and looking good and feeling good. So if I'm happy, then I can be 100% the best mom. And I know this about myself. So I don't really care what anybody has to say about what I'm doing or what I'm not doing and the traveling and the looking good. You can really go. I don't really care.

Because they have a choice. They're making a choice. And my kids are good kids. So is that like your favorite thing to do? Is that like your downtown thing? Downtown thing is to like entertain. Are you really good at entertaining? I like to be with good people.

Are you like a tabletop kind of person or like a big party person? I'm a big, I don't party as much anymore, but I definitely like to make sure that everybody around me is having a good time. That's a big thing for me. And to show my love is I like to give back. So then when are you like off? Never. I mean, you seem like you're like 110% all the time. No, not all the time.

Sometimes I have downtime and I make sure that I have downtime. Yeah. So I like to have some, you know, quiet in the morning. I mean, I definitely have two hours to myself. That's gym time. Right. To get like. Two hours.

I just need to, it's not necessarily in the gym, but I just need two hours in the morning just to like, oh my God. But there are times. I was like, I'm like, thanks. There are times where I just like to be. Let's stop talking about me. Let's talk about you because Forbes named you. I know, that's what happened. We could talk all day.

I know. I'm ready to put the cars down and just not look anymore because I have my own questions. I'm like, but so I know that Forbes named you real estate mogul. That is amazing. Thank you. I know that you have a passion for animals. Thank you. Sometimes you bring the animals on set with.

you? Is that true? My little puppy Tarzan. Polo ponies don't like to go on set. They'd like to stay in their barn. You're like a real animal lover. Like, you know, I'm terrified of birds. You are? I'm terrified. Okay, you know how you have to love birds? Is there's an app where you can actually find out like what bird is chirping and all of a sudden it's going to be this new thing

because you're like a very curious person. Then all of a sudden you're going to be like, that is not a bluebird. That is a da-da-da-da-da. And you're going to like love it. And then you're going to be like, oh, my God, that bird, that bird. It's like, maybe that'll help me. I'm serious. You will love it. You will love it. And, you know, in New York, they're everywhere.

Well, those are birds. I know, they're gross. Those are called pigeons. Yeah, they're disgusting. But it's really ducks. That's where it started. I mean, they are birds. They're gross.

They're just gross. I don't know. They're just. They can smell fear. Did you see their fears? No, it's ducks. That bit me. That bit me.

That's where it starts from. A duck? Like a mallard? Like a real duck? Like a real duck? Quack, quack? Yeah, it bit me. Then my fear, I know, it's bizarre.

I'm not scared of crocs. Snakes, none of that. You try to feed it? Yes, and then I was teasing it as a child and then it bit me. Yeah, that's what happened. So, okay, so tell me, like, how the closing of the deals, right? You're a huge real estate mogul here. Forbes named you this.

Obviously, if it's in Forbes, you know, girl, that you are the real deal. Thank you. So, talk about closing the deal for me. So closing the deal is, it's a very interesting process. You know, I work in three different states. So I work in New York and. California and Florida. And one of the things that I'm good at is we talked about the team teaming. So I work with other teams sometimes in states to help.

But I also am licensed in that state. So it's not like I'm doing a referral. I working on those deals and I talk to my clients all the time. And I talk to the teams and I learn from them about what they're doing and how they're doing. It's very difficult to work in multiple states because, you know, laws change and a lot of dynamics change. And, you know, like, you have to really kind of know who are the people in your neighborhood. Like, that's, like, my real estate. That's my, like, who are the people in your neighborhood for my client? Okay, you're living in this neighborhood.

This is how you're going to live. So what does that look like? And so really knowing that because neighborhoods change so much, it's really, really important. But closing a deal has a very interesting dynamic. And I also, I like to call it a deal. dance because there's no like I'm closing these deals people that are on million dollar listening and they're like I'm falling out of closing work like that they are not closing deals yeah closing a deal is listening to your client and I mean I just I'm I'm I'm

closing this deal right now with one of the biggest developers in New York and he said to me I got to give it to you he's like I wasn't a seller and he's like you just kept after me after me and after me with clients. And I was just like, oh my God, I almost started crying. I was like, wait a minute. Like I close some really big deals. But for someone like that to say to me that he was really impressed by me when he deals with deals all the time, he did like $100 million deals all the time, for him to say

that was a really, really huge compliment. So it's a dance. You have to listen to your clients. And needs and wants are super important. And then you have to. Your needs and wants. That's a big thing, too. People don't know and say it.

And by the way, I walk away from deals all the time. I'm like, you have to. This is not the deal. I'm not going to like, you know, take your apartment for X amount of dollars just so I can get a commission. It's not my game. I'm a long game kind of person. Like, I want people to say, I trust Kelly. Yeah, and you want returning clients.

And if you don't trust me, there's no way you're going to tell people like what I've done or, you know, how, like, you believe in me. It's really, really important to. trust people and to trust me. And that's crucial in my business. Because you're authentic. That's why people can feel your energy. And that's the key to sales. I say the same thing. It's a dance. Sometimes you have to go out to come back in and meet somewhere in the middle. And it doesn't always take place on the first time. So it's okay. But then you're right. Sometimes you have to walk away. And when people know you're willing to walk away and you're not in it for the money and you're

there for them and not for you. Thousand percent. But you can see that about you. As soon as you, like, I always say. I'm like, if you don't want to do this, we're not doing this. Like, it's fine. Yeah, like, it's okay. Next. Like, it's fine. I have other deals. It's fine.

I'm just going to work on them and letting me know when you want to do something. It's all about listening to. That's why God gave us two ears and one mouth. There's a reason for it. I love that. See, I got good once. I'm on you. I know.

I'm on it today. I know. I got some good ones. Two ears, one mouth. Got it. Got it. All right, girl. So I love playing games.

Like, I really do like to have a lot of fun because that's what it's not, right? I'm in life, you have to have fun. So I'm going to play a game with you, like, boss I'd like to follow versus boss I'd like to unfollow. So underneath you are right next to you, right there. You have a green and red flag. So I'm going to read you some questions. And if you want to follow this person or thing, you're going to hold up your green flag and not follow red flag. Start your engine.

Ready, girl? Rum, right. All right, people that come to an open house just for the food or drink. Are you following them or unfollowing? First of all, I don't have open houses for people that has to come for food or drinks. That doesn't happen, first of all. Everything's by appointment only, so unfollow. There you go.

I love it. Yes. You don't have time for this shit. Appointment only. Like, I don't want random people. All right. Someone that is a side hustler. Someone that has like a side hustle.

But see, I would. You know, a side hustle means that you're really not focused on what you're doing. You have to be 100% all agreed. Sorry. I know people are like really into the side hustle now, but it doesn't work. You have to be 100% all in. Right. That's a, it can't be a side hustle.

Modern and less functional decor homes, follow someone that has a modern or a modern or a less functional home. Follow them or not? Unfollow both because modern is dated and less functional needs work. So unfollow. Okay, someone that has a home that's warm and broken in. Follow or unfollow. Ormond Booker. Yeah, I like that too.

Yeah. All right. It's the chocolate chip cookie effect. All right. So I don't really know how this was written, but since Tyson's Chicken was your first modeling gig. How did you know that? I don't know.

Oh, my God. So somebody. Tyson's chicken, yes. So how do you feel about feathered, inspired clothing? Are you following someone that wears that or unfollowing them? Because I'm very playful with some of my clothing choices when I'm not. Like faux, maybe faux feathers. So I like that.

I mean, I kind of like in a hat, like, I think it's weird. I was, I wore, um, feather monolablonics to a, to a nick game with Cynthia Bailey. They were fire. Fire. So follow them, gorgeous. Yes. Follow. So yeah.

All right. There you go. There you go. She's following them. All right. Someone that watches the Biltop pod, are you following them or not? Oh, yes. Yes.

Yes. You are so much fun. Yes. So if people want to find you. Well, first of all, what's next for you? I want to know, like, what's in the horizon. Is it a cookbook? Is it a huge real estate?

deal? Are you not telling? Like, what is it? You know, I don't like that about like people are like, well, first of all, I don't like five-year plans. And that, that's like, oh, so you're only- Because that's not even a real, like- Well, first of all, you're only thinking about five years. Yeah, and you don't know what happens after five years. I don't know. So I don't like five-year plans. And I also don't like about what's next. I mean, they're all, you should always have a lot of things in the hopper. Cooking in the kitchen. Of things that you really, really, really like. because you never know what's going to hit somebody. Do you mean?

You're never going to be like, oh, my God, I love her for that. And you just have to be ready to go. Like, always ready to go. Yes, agreed. I like that. I think that's great piece of advice. I think that's it. The great piece of advice is you just always have to be ready.

So how do you shorten that up? Because you're the queen of that. Always be ready. Always be ready. You never know what life is going to, you know, always be, ABR. Always be ready. ABR. Always be ready. That's it.

Yes. So if people want to find you because you are so incredibly amazing, where they And I actually will take your number because, well, I'll tell you after, but yes. So people want to find you. You guys can find me on socials, Kelly Ben-Simone. That's, you know, all over the place, wherever you guys want. You can see me, find me. And please criticize me because I want to be better.

That's fair. Nobody ever says that. I love that. Well, thanks for coming and hanging out. Congratulations. You made it work. Yes, girl. Thank you.

Thank you. It was amazing. Love you.