Before the Real Housewives of New York City season 14 reboot, you might not have ever heard of the name Erin Lichy, but the born and bred Manhattanite is destined to become another fan favorite. As a real estate agent, interior designer and social butterfly, she has a knack for commanding the room, but it’s how she has navigated through the season’s drama with authenticity that makes her a stand out reality star just a few episodes in. Here, she takes a moment to share her thoughts on joining the show, the response from fans, and her favorite New York City stops for beauty and wellness.
Did you have any worries about how people were going to accept or respond to the reboot?
Yeah, I think we all did just because, obviously, the original cast was so beloved. So, we just didn’t really know what the response would be like, but, we’re super happy with it.
What has the response been now that you’re a few episodes in?
So far, so good. Knock on wood, right? That could change in a minute, but so far, people seem to understand me. One thing about me and anyone who knows me for a long time will say that I really cannot be fake, you know? Unless I’m doing a job and need to act for it, but that’s not what this show is. Unless there’s a reason to be fake in any way, it’s just not who I am. So, I mean, obviously, you’re kind of in this pressure cooker of a show and you get more flustered than when you would be normally but, ultimately, I just really feel like I was myself.
The other ladies on the show have really given you a hard time on the food you serve. What are your thoughts on that being a prominent topic?
My thoughts are that the girls that don’t know how to nourish themselves should probably figure out how to do that at this point in their lives.
Housewives have become a symbol of glam. Did you feel pressure to glam it up all of the time or did you keep it authentic on the show?
Sometimes, when it was appropriate, like if we had an event or if we were doing a big night out, but honestly, we weren’t getting glammed up every time we filmed. There are plenty of times where I was just rolling out of bed and just being myself. It was important for us to be as authentic as we could. I think it’s kind of problematic to be showing up in glam all the time and coming off as that is who you are, when in reality people aren’t really looking like that. It’s very fake.
As one of the new queens of NYC, what are some of your favorite beauty treatments and places for self-care?
I love this facialist, Karen at Sia’s Beauty in Soho. She’s probably the best facialist I’ve ever had—I probably shouldn’t say it or she’s going to be even more popular and then I won’t be able to get in. And as far as products, I love Joanna Vargas’ products.
What are your favorite go-to in-office treatments?
Honestly, I’m kind of like a less-is-more kind of person. I feel like when you poke and prod at your face all the time, it ends up making me nervous. So, I try to be as organic as I can.
What’s one big fashion tip you’ve learned from your castmate Jenna Lyons?
I learned what khaki was. I learned that khaki was a color.
Who from the former cast reached out and gave you the most support?
Jill Zarin, which I know is funny to everybody because I think she likes to be in the mix, but she really has been very sweet and is easy to talk to you.
What’s been one rose and one thorn of your first season on the show?
The highlight has been showing New York from my eyes and my profession. The thorn is probably the big argument which is yet to come, but you’ll have to wait and see.
How do you unwind and practice wellness amidst the chaos of reality TV?
I am a big reader. I also use an app called PickMine for meditation. I also like to use oil on my face and body every day. I love to travel. I also am big on taking baths with magnesium to relax.
Were you a Housewives fan before joining the show?
Yes, I’m not going to say I watched them all but I loved watching The Real Housewives of New York and Miami. Those early seasons of New York were so entertaining. I eventually stopped watching at some point, it got a little depressing, but it was very good in its heyday.
Are you getting a lot of social media love and feedback from Bravo fans?
People seem to like me, and I think that my edit has been more authentic. I work a lot and I’m tougher and there was a very vulnerable theme that talks about my upbringing, but you guys won’t see that this time. But yeah, for the most part, I think it’s been pretty positive.
