Potomac’s Stacey Rusch Still Rises

It’s a common mistake to think there’s a specific way to become a successful Real Housewife, and Stacey Rusch is a perfect example of why. Now in her second season of The Real Housewives of Potomac, she’s quickly become a fan favorite, even though she often confuses her castmates. Viewers were immediately drawn to her unique speaking style, classic look, and complicated love life, but the other Housewives suspect she’s performing for the cameras. She’s faced accusations of everything from hiring an actor to play her boyfriend to faking her divorce, and even having bad breath. But, as Rusch herself quoted Maya Angelou, she continues to thrive despite it all.

Rusch hoped sharing personal struggles with the cast would build stronger connections during her second season. However, she felt she couldn’t be open because she was constantly defending herself against false claims. These included questions about her new cannabis business, the details of getting back together with her ex-husband, and rumors about dating another Housewife’s former partner. Despite the intense scrutiny she faced on camera, fans have been incredibly supportive and are excited to meet her at BravoCon.

So, you’re going to BravoCon this weekend – what are you looking forward to the most? I’m really excited to finally meet some of the other stars from the ‘Housewives’ shows! I’ve connected with a lot of them online, and it’s amazing how supportive we all are of each other. It’s a real sisterhood across all the different franchises, and I can’t wait to meet them in person, hang out, and have some fun together.

It’s been so much fun watching those old QVC clips become popular online! I really enjoyed my time at QVC, connecting with people and sharing the joy of shopping – who doesn’t love a good shopping spree? Honestly, I worked so much and sold so many things that I’m watching some of those clips now and don’t even remember saying half of it – I was just in the zone! It’s hilarious to look back and I’m laughing right along with everyone else.

It’s really challenging and rewarding to do this job because you’re completely on your own when you’re live. Could you describe how you get ready for each broadcast? It’s 100% live, meaning you’re responsible for everything during your airtime. That requires a lot of preparation – learning all about the brands and products you’ll be discussing. When you’re actually on air, it’s about genuinely sharing what you like about the product and connecting it to your own life. Luckily, I have a lot of interesting experiences to draw from – being a wife and mother, traveling, teaching yoga (even at the White House!), my modeling days, and fun times with friends. I just share those personal connections.

You recently launched a cannabis brand called Shayo, which is quite a shift from your earlier career! After hinting at it last year, what inspired this new venture? Well, before television, I was a yoga instructor. Looking back at my life now, it’s pretty funny – ten years ago I was teaching yoga barefoot and makeup-free, and now I’m on national TV with a full glam team! But I’ve always been passionate about wellness, so I knew I wanted to return to that world. When the opportunity came to get involved with cannabis, knowing its potential benefits, it felt like a perfect fit. I didn’t want to just be a spokesperson, though – I wanted to build my own brand. It’s amazing to be the first African American woman in Virginia to own a cannabis company, and now I’m expanding – launching in Las Vegas this weekend at BravoCon, and hoping to be available in multiple states soon!

Will we see you enjoying some traditional palm wine on the show? Well, you’ll have to watch and find out! It might not just be me, though – my friend might join in too!

You mentioned earlier teaching yoga in some unique places – the White House, the CIA, and NASA. What was that experience like? I always felt those were the places where people really needed yoga. High-stress, high-pressure jobs take a toll. I think I was invited to teach there because of my style – my voice and the energy I bring to my classes. People often ask me how I handle negativity from others, and it comes down to understanding that their behavior isn’t about me. It’s a reflection of their own unhappiness and struggles.

Have you noticed any difference in how your fellow cast members treat you now that viewers seem to like you so much? Well, the other women haven’t really changed – they’ve consistently been unkind, so no, not really. But I do have a good relationship with Wendy. We’ve become friends and have a sisterly connection, and we’re both enjoying being on the show this season.

You came onto the show right when things got legally complicated, with Wendy recently arrested and Karen just getting out of prison. You said you’ve been in touch with Wendy – have you spoken to Karen at all? I haven’t talked to Karen since she was released, but I’m excited to see her at BravoCon. I definitely prayed for her. I’ve been worried about how she’s doing, and even though we didn’t end season nine in a good place and she’s been dealing with a lot, I still want her to be okay and I care about her.

This week, the discussion about your relationship with Chris Samuels continued, and we saw you clarify things after filming ended, thanks to a camera set up by the producers. When did you realize that conversation was being recorded? I was surprised to see that moment, just like everyone else, because I didn’t know it was captured. It didn’t really bother me, though, since I simply said what I’ve always said: Chris is a good person, someone I know and consider a friend. It wasn’t a big reveal or dramatic moment! It was just a casual conversation with the girls at the end of the night, after we’d had some Champagne. You’d think the cameras would be off by then, but apparently not. I’m still learning the ropes in my second season, so I need to be more aware of that producer camera!

You know, the biggest surprise about being on ‘The Real Housewives’ has honestly been all the love I’ve received. I really wasn’t expecting it! Of course, the show has its tough moments – we definitely deal with drama – but the amount of positive support has been incredible. It just feels amazing to be so loved by people, and it genuinely brightens my day.

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2025-11-14 19:55