Keiarna Stewart is doing well on Bravo’s show called The Real Housewives of Potomac. She was originally introduced to viewers in Season 8 as a friend of Candiace Dillard Bassett. Stewart gained popularity for being the owner of a successful MedSpa business called K Stewart Beauty & Wellness, and for her calm and witty personality. However, her reputation was tarnished when she was involved in a physical altercation with Deborah Williams, who was also a friend of the show, after a GnA fashion event. Nevertheless, Stewart made a strong comeback in Season 9 and was promoted to the official title of “Housewife.”
Stewart is grateful that she was able to start her RHOP journey as a “friend of.” “It allowed me to step back and get to know the ladies a bit,” explained Stewart. After her ordeal with Williams, Stewart was comforted by OG Karen Huger, and the two have remained close. “Her friendship has meant the world,” said Stewart. “She always encourages me.”
Another person who always encourages Stewart is her boyfriend, Gregory Diggs, an experienced social worker who runs Open Arms, a community mental health care organization. While Stewart admits that she and Gregory have their “ups [and] downs” this season, she assures fans that they have “grow[n]” as a couple. “It was difficult at first, allowing cameras into our life, but we survived and all is well.”
Stewart stopped by the Decider studio to chat about the new season, her conversation with Mia Thornton concerning her estranged husband Gordon, and where she stands with Ashley Darby today.
DECIDER: Obviously, audiences met you last season, but we’re really getting to know you now. What has it been like making the jump from “friend of” to “housewife”?
KEIARNA STEWART: It’s been so much fun. I totally enjoyed my “friend of” role because it allowed me to step back and get to know the ladies a bit. So, becoming a Housewife this season felt like a natural progression. I was more comfortable sharing my opinions and taking a larger part in the group dynamic. I have had a good time.
Becoming a full-time Housewife means sharing more of your personal life with audiences, including your relationship with Gregory. How has that adjustment gone?
It has been a wild ride. I liked having Gregory all to myself, but it has been interesting having an audience weigh in. Like with any other relationship, we have ups and we have downs, but we grow through them. It was difficult at first allowing cameras into our life, but we survived and all is well.
I love your tagline: “I own a business, I mind my business, and I stand on business.” I know you currently own your business, but did you follow your other rules this season?
Honey, I did. I own my business. I have a lot of business to mind. So, I am minding my business. You guys will see that. I am standing on business. I take things head on and I deal with them. You know, I’m a conflict resolution kind of girl.
Will we see more about your business, KSBW Medical Spa, on the show?
The girls do come through for a few visits, which is super cute. You’ve seen a little bit of the spa earlier this season. I’m hopeful you’ll see me doing some moving around during a day at work. My favorite part of doing the show is being able to share helpful health information with the audience.
Did you give former cast member Robyn Dixon any advice on opening her own med spa?
I did when we were together last season. I told her the business is great, but a lot of hard work. She listened, which made me happy. This industry is huge. Everyone wants to look good. We are always on camera. I wish her much success.
It was nice to hear that Karen Huger was and has been there for you after the incident at the GnA event. What has her support and friendship meant to you?
Her friendship has meant the world. I love Karen. She allows me to be my full self, and she knows all of my crazy stuff [laughs]. She always encourages me. She’s like; “Hey, get out there. Say what you have to say.” Her support has helped me navigate the group. She explained a lot of the friendship dynamics. It’s been good to have her as a resource.
Ashley and Gizelle both say Mia will have the most to answer for at the upcoming reunion. What do you think?
I totally agree. Yeah, I mean, this has definitely been the Mia chat group for some time now. The reunion is going to be the perfect place for us to lay it all on the table. Mia must answer for quite a few things this season.
What issues do you hope to address at the reunion?
Mia and I have some issues we can talk about and move on from. I want to clear up some things about our relationship and let people know where we stand now. I’m happy we worked out some of the kinks that we had going on during the season.
Where do you hope to be seated? Close to Andy or far away?
I don’t know [laughs]. Everyone’s like, “I want to sit closer to Andy,” but that’s the hot seat! I want to be somewhere in the middle. That will let me know if I’m in a good place.
What can you tease about the rest of the season?
You’re going to see some friendship dynamics shift. Surprise, surprise [laughs]. You’re going to see some more of me standing on business and having some necessary conversations.A little more honesty is going to unexpectedly ooze out from some surprising people. You’re going to see us go through more real life situations.
New episodes of The Real Housewives Of Potomac air Sunday nights at 8/7c on Bravo
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