Hold on to your Cowboy Hats, cause the premiere of The Real Housewives of Dallas is just ONE WEEK AWAY! As many of you know by now, I’ve been interviewing several of the Dallas Housewives and up next on the list: Stephanie Hollman! Originally from Oklahoma, Stephanie is described by Bravo as the Texas “girl next door”. She and her husband, Travis, live in a beautiful home on the golf course of The Four Seasons with their two young sons. Stephanie leads the charitable contribution efforts for her husbands family company, Hollman, Inc. When she’s not busy with that, or being a mommy; Stephanie can be found popping bottles of champagne(or atleast trying to, you’re gonna have to wait and watch to understand this one!) with long time BFF and fellow housewife Brandi Redmond, or going on a little shopping spree. Read my exclusive interview with the Dallas blonde Below:
How did you end up on this show(The Real Housewives of Dallas)?
A good friend of mine, recommended Brandi and I to the casting agent. The process was fast and fun. We knew within a few months that we were selected.
Was there any hesitation in doing the show?
I was a little nervous to put myself out there. I am a people pleaser by nature and very non-confrontational. I didn’t know if I could navigate the drama well. However, I love my friendship with Brandi and Cary. I have an amazing family. I was excited to show those parts of my life. Travis has worked in the entertainment industry and was very supportive. He was an Executive Producer for a movie called “Rain”. Faye Dunaway starred in the show. Leeanne had a small role in his film. Travis also worked with Mark Burnett on an MTV show called “Bully Beatdown”. He is adventurous and pushed me to go for it. I can honestly say that Travis believed in me before I did when it came to this show.
What, was your connection to this group of ladies prior to the show?
Brandi and I have been best friends for almost 10 years. I think I fell in love with Brandi before Travis. We got pregnant together, raised our children together, celebrated exciting things in each other’s lives and sat on the floor and cried with each other. She is like a sister to me. Her friendship is a blessing from God. I met Cary Deuber at a charity event she chaired. The event was so well done. I reached out to congratulate her over social media and we just hit it off. Cary surprised me. She seemed so confident and serious at her event. However, she invited me to a movie night with her and I saw that she was so cool and laid back. She is loyal and honest. We have become close friends. We actually share a trainer on Tuesdays, we push each other. It’s fun!
What was the VERY first scene you filmed and what was running through your head as the cameras were rolling?
The very first day of filming was like a personal horror story. I had both boys at home with me. Brandi came over and hung out. I had to prepare dinner while juggling my friend, husband and two demanding children. When the cameras left, I cried for two days straight. I kept thinking and worrying about anyone in America I might have offended. Travis was great and told me that I have to give myself permission to be myself. The next time I filmed, I just went for it. I acted goofy with Brandi and just had fun with it. I figured the people who love me will still love me if I’m myself and the people who don’t like me are entitled to their opinion.
Is there anything in particular that you’re MOST looking forward to having the Viewers see?
As crazy as it sounds, I am looking forward to people seeing the real side of my life. I am a wife and mother who struggles to juggle house, children, carpool and everything else that goes along with it. I hope women can look at me and see that it’s ok to not be perfect. I’m a ding dong and put me with Brandi and it gets interesting real fast. I am excited for people to experience our friendship. It’s strong and fun. I think it’s different than anything the fans have seen. I hope we make people laugh and realize that life is short; have fun, embrace it and yourself.
Did you feel any pressure to look your best for the cameras?
I leave the house looking like a mess daily. I have two boys to get ready for school in the morning. Our day starts early because we have a forty minute drive to their school. Getting them dressed, fed and organized is my priority in the morning. I take care of myself once I get home from carpool. I put on makeup and tried to fix my hair as much as possible while filming. I made sure to keep up my hair appointments. I have an online shopping problem that may have escalated during the process. But, I am not that girl who feels like looks are everything. I would rather be that girl who gets prettier as you get to know her because of her personality.
Your Bravo Profile mentions some of the many charities you work with, if you were asked to join Celebrity Apprentice what charity or foundation would you play for?
I would definitely do Celebrity Apprentice, if asked. I love raising money for charity and I am pretty good at it. I would play for the “Family Place” which is the largest domestic violence agency in Texas. I have worked with and known many women who have dealt with family violence. My passion is to provide support and have a voice on this cause that so many are uncomfortable talking about. As a mother of two young boys, it is important for Travis and I to lead by example. My boys will be raised knowing that domestic violence is never ok. It is my hope that they will be strong advocates of The Family Place, and prevention of family violence, as well.
If you could join the cast of any of the other locations in the Real Housewives Franchise, which would it be? Why?
I am obsessed with The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and would join that cast. I love everything about California and would definitely consider living there at some point in my life. However, I would first have to talk Travis into it.
If you could be another Housewife for a day, who would it be? Why?
I am OBSESSED with Erika Jayne at the moment. She is cool, kind and gorgeous. I would love to spend a day in her shoes, because let’s face it, she has some amazing shoes.
If you could, what destination would you pick for the cast trip next season?
I love to travel. Travis has shown me the much world since we met. This has been an amazing gift. I would love to go to Croatia. That would be a dream come true. Make it happen, Andy Cohen.
What is it that you are LEAST looking forward to see on the show?
There is a scene where I emotionally lost it. Seriously, I could not stop crying. I had never been treated so poorly by someone in my life and for no reason. It just really felt bad and broke my heart for the person who did it. I knew she had to be hurting and lost to act out in such a manner.
Is there anyone that, while filming; surprised you with their actions and/or behavior?
You have no idea. Being surprised by someone’s actions was the gift that kept on giving this season. It was a little stressful and sad seeing the way people treated each other, at times.
Let’s play a little game of Word Association! Give me a word or two to describe each of these ladies:
–Brandi Redmond: funny, kind, everything
–Cary Deuber: smart, witty, loyal
–Tiffany Hendra: empowering, artistic, kind
–Nene Leakes: strong, sassy
–Ramona Singer: entertaining
–Vicki Gunvalson: trailblazer
–Marie Reyes: authentic, warm, classy
–LeeAnne Locken: loud, outspoken
What have you been up to since filming wrapped and the show was announced?
My life is like the “Groundhogs Day” movie. I take care of my children and family, do charity work and travel. My weekends are spent as a soccer, basketball or T-ball mom. Spending those precious moments with my boys is heaven for me. With or without the housewives franchise, my goal and focus will always be my family.
If asked to do another season of the show, would you do it?
Yes, if I feel like it was a positive experience and if I had my family’s blessings. With or without the housewives franchise, my goal and focus is my family. I never want my boys to grow up thinking that I chose a reality show over them. If I ever feel like my children are being negatively affected by my career I will walk away, no questions asked. No job will ever be as important as my job as their mother.
Be Sure to tune into the Season one premiere of The Real Housewives of Dallas, Monday, April 11 at 10; to catch Stephanie(who you can follow on both Twitter and Instagram @stephhollman) and the whole gang up to their Dallas fun and drama!