Cynthia Bailey

Cynthia Denise Bailey was born on February 19, 1967, in Decatur, Alabama, and raised in Tuscumbia. Her journey into the public eye began when she moved to New York City at the age of 18 to pursue a modeling career. She quickly signed a five-year contract with Wilhelmina Models, marking the beginning of a successful career in fashion. Her early milestones include being featured on the cover of Essence Magazine, which became one of the highest-selling covers in the magazine’s history, and gracing the runways of Paris and Milan Fashion Week. Upon returning to New York, she secured campaigns with prominent brands such as Maybelline, Oil of Olay, and Macy’s, and appeared in esteemed publications including Vogue, Glamour, Elle, Essence, and Vanity Fair. A notable acting role during this period was a co-starring part opposite Sandra Bernhard in the film “Without You I’m Nothing,” a role for which she was chosen over Naomi Campbell, highlighting her rising profile.

Her career expanded significantly with her joining the Bravo reality television series “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” in 2010. This platform brought her wider recognition, showcasing her life, relationships, and developing business ventures. In 2011, she established the Bailey Agency School of Fashion in Atlanta, aimed at nurturing new talent. Beyond television, Cynthia ventured into entrepreneurship with the launch of several product lines. These include Cargo by Cynthia Bailey, a collection of purses, tote bags, and luggage, and Cynthia Bailey Eyewear, offering fashionable and affordable glasses. She also created CB VIOR, a line of bags, as well as candles and leather goods. These endeavors align with her long-standing interest in fashion and accessorizing, and she notably donates 10% of the proceeds from certain ventures to various charities.

Demonstrating continued professional growth, Bailey opened The Bailey Wine Cellar and The Bailey Room, an event space, in Grant Park, Atlanta, in July 2019. Her acting career also evolved, including various television and film appearances such as “Sharknado: The 4th Awakens” (2016), a recurring role in “Games People Play” (2021) as Ndasia, and “Cruel Instruction” (2022). She also competed in “Celebrity Big Brother” in 2022, placing third. Cynthia has served as a guest judge for the Miss Universe competition and signed a contract with Major Models in New York, further cementing her status in the modeling industry. She has also embraced advocacy, notably partnering with USA Fibroids Centers to raise awareness about uterine fibroids and treatment options.