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Bria Fleming is the wild card on Bravo’s newest show, Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard

Michael Cox
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Bria Fleming is a television star, model, makeup artist, and entrepreneur on the cusp of her big break. Starring on Bravo’s newest show, Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard, as the wild card who is bringing style, fashion, and fun and is ready to shake things up. This business-savvy woman is ready to tell her story and show a different side that we don’t get to see on social media. Viewers are in for a treat with Bria.

I had the amazing opportunity to speak with the breakout star.

Cox: Before we get into the show, I want to get into the fashionista that is Bria Fleming.
Fleming: Fashion has been something in me since I was younger. But I was also drawn into acting and modeling. Interestingly enough, most of my family members are involved in entertainment in some shape or form. But growing up, I was shy. I never had a chance to shine until I got older. That’s when I learned about the different possibilities that were available to me.

I wanted to find my calling, and that started with online luxury consignment. I was always drawn to luxury clothes and items and realized that I could resell them to stores like Buffalo Exchange and Crosswords and make some money out of this. I took this seriously, and now I work with a supplier in Italy where I handpick vintage items for sale. I’m starting to design and create luxury dresses and handbags as well.

I’m only twenty-seven, and I’m just figuring myself out right now. Next on my journey is getting into the beauty industry. It’s a whole different thing than fashion, but I’m ready.

Cox: Bria, so you must let me know how this opportunity came across your desk, as they would say?
Fleming: So basically, Jasmine, Shanice, Jordan, and I used to all work for the Playboy Club. The concept was presented to us all because we were all friends and connected. They were like, “You all are a group of young and beautiful ladies; would you want this opportunity?  

At first, I was skeptical about this opportunity. But I always had dreams of doing a show like this, so I was like, “Hell yeah, I’m hoping to get on board.  

Cox: Besides this being a dream come true, what else about this opportunity let you know it was going to be the right decision?
Fleming: Because this would be another experience for me and Shanice to share as well. I mean, we are best friends and even more like sisters. We have traveled everywhere together, so I’m like, “Let’s do this. Even she was like, “Alright, let’s do this.  

Cox: Okay, so now you have this opportunity handed to you. Let’s get into the show!
Fleming: I think viewers will be surprised because everyone is different in their own way. It’s all real, but it’s a test. You know you have these people who have these routines, but now they are put in this house with other individuals. It’s like a huge experiment when you think about it.

Think about it. Michael, when you go on vacation, it’s like four days max with people. On the show, we lived in the house with each other for fifteen days. That’s a very long time to be around anyone.

What’s great is that you get to see all these different sides of young black entrepreneurs. From luxury, love, jealousy, and fantasy. Viewers get to see and experience this with us.

Cox: You are the wild card of the show. We see that in previews, and you are unapologetic.
Fleming: That’s who I am in real life, and I didn’t have to put it on for the cameras. You can see the tension in the trailer. Plus, I’m a Gemini, and I’m crazy and straightforward. I’m the one who is ready to get the party started and hop on the tables.

The producers knew what they were doing when they cast me. I know they would be thinking Bri is going to stir the pot and be a little crazy. I’m the second-youngest. So, none of this was a surprise. I come from working at the Playboy Club, which is basically a high-class Hooters. While working, we could party, drink, and do whatever we wanted. I mean, you need that type of fun in the house because what do you want to be a church service that people are tuning into?

You will see that when people get to really know me on the show, they see that I’m mad, cool, and down to earth.

Cox:  After looking back at the show, what’s something you learned about yourself or thought you could have done differently?
Fleming: Honestly, the only thing I would say is less drinking. (laughs). They captured all of me, and that’s real. I love living my life, and I have no regrets. There couldn’t be any edits that would change the way I felt about how I was presented.

Going into reality TV, you can either be yourself or create a persona, and I chose to show up as my authentic self.

SUMMER HOUSE: MARTHA’S VINEYARD — Season:1 — Pictured: (l-r) Jordan Emanuel, Amir Lancaster, Jason Lyke, Shanice Henderson, Summer Marie Thomas, Bria Fleming, Nick Arrington, Alex Tyree, Preston Mitchum, Silas Cooper — (Photo by: Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Cox: This has been so much fun chatting with you. Before you go, why do you think people should tune in? Why will they be hooked?
Fleming: I think people should tune in because the show is putting a different light on the black community. Outside of everything else going on, you get to see black excellence with a young cast, which makes it worth watching. Everyone in the house is living their dreams, and it’s proof that you can’t let anyone tell you what is possible; shoot for the stars. There is just something so classy, motivating, educating, and entertaining about the show. And at the end of the day, we all walked away from this experience with love and respect for each other. We all became great friends and still talk.

If you are interested in learning even more about Bria and connecting with her click the link below:

Bria Fleming & Simon Marco