Discover Heather Thomson’s inspiring journey from RHONY to wellness advocate, empowering others through retreats, podcasts, and authenticity.
Heather Thomson is on the set of RHONY.
Heather Thomson, widely recognized for her time on The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY), has taken her life’s journey beyond the reality TV spotlight, carving out a path of empowerment and authenticity. From her roots as a fashion designer and entrepreneur to becoming a wellness advocate, retreat organizer, and podcaster, Heather has remained steadfast in staying true to herself.
In this exclusive interview, Heather opens up about her remarkable evolution and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Life After RHONY: A Pivot to Wellness
Q: How has life changed for you since The Real Housewives?
Heather: Life has changed a lot! My kids are now teenagers, and nothing stays the same. After stepping away from RHONY, I pivoted professionally, stepping down from my namesake fashion label and diving headfirst into wellness. This shift stemmed from addressing health concerns with my son, Jax, which inspired me to continue my education in nutrition.
I launched Heather Thomson Retreats & Adventure Travel, taking people to incredible destinations like Kilimanjaro, Patagonia, and the Himalayas. My Freedom Retreat series focuses on empowering individuals to discover their own paths, listen to their bodies, and embrace their true selves.
Beyond that, I started Beyond Fresh, my superfood supplements brand, and launched my podcast, In MY Heart. It’s a fully engaged life, filled with discovery, nature, and gratitude.
Staying Authentic in the Public Eye
Q: Balancing your true self with the dynamics of The Real Housewives must have been challenging. How did you stay authentic?
Heather: Staying true to myself was always crucial. I never changed who I was to fit a role. I saw the platform as an opportunity to do good and shine a light on important causes. Today, with the fast pace of technology and social media, staying authentic is even more important. I always aim to use my influence responsibly.
Q: How do you handle positive and negative feedback from viewers and the media?
Heather: As a public figure, you must expect both love and hate. It’s vital not to take things personally. I focus on open, honest conversations and embrace authenticity, using every opportunity to make a difference.
Empowering Through Connection and Storytelling
Q: Your podcast In MY Heart is inspiring! What motivated you to create it?
Heather: I wanted to create a space to share stories from people who have influenced my life and inspired me. We all need connections, and In MY Heart fosters a sense of community where we can learn, laugh, and grow together.
Lessons from the Fashion Industry
Q: You’ve worked with icons like J.Lo, and Beyoncé. Can you share a memorable experience?
Heather: Working with these triple-threat talents was a privilege. The experiences were intense but taught me invaluable lessons. One highlight was forming deep friendships with matriarchs like Janice Combs (Sean Combs’ mum) and Tina Knowles Lawson (Beyoncé’s mum). Their wisdom and resilience profoundly impacted me and helped me navigate challenges in my own life.
Q: Can you recall a unique or eccentric fashion request?
Heather: One standout moment was styling a guest in a Hervé Léger bandage dress for a segment on The Steve Harvey Show. It looked great but was so tight she could barely breathe! Now, I always ask if people are comfortable in their clothes—in more ways than one!
Facing Challenges and Finding Strength
Q: What defining moments have shaped who you are today?
Heather: Life’s challenges and triumphs—whether the birth of my children, building businesses, or facing legal battles—have all shaped me. The hardships taught me resilience, self-reflection, and the importance of finding acceptance. I’ve learned that life’s most profound lessons often come from our biggest struggles.
When Diddy’s Private Life Became Public, Fans Turned to Heather Thomson
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ private life has often been a topic of global conversation, and recent allegations brought his name back into the spotlight. Bravo fans of The Real Housewives of New York (RHONY) quickly wondered if former cast member Heather Thomson had any insights into the controversies. During her time on RHONY, Heather frequently referenced her professional relationship with Diddy, describing him as both a staunch supporter and one of the toughest clients she ever worked with. This curiosity led many to ask: just how challenging was it to work with the rapper, and did Heather know anything about his personal life?
Heather Thomson’s Demanding Role with Diddy
Heather Thomson joined RHONY in Season 5 and became a fan favorite before later appearing as a guest and friend in Season 8. Beyond reality TV, Heather’s career is marked by her time as the Design Director for Diddy’s iconic fashion label, Sean John. Under her leadership, Sean John flourished, earning three CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) nominations and solidifying itself as a trailblazer in men’s fashion. Heather’s influence helped the brand redefine urban luxury and set new standards in the industry.
However, Heather has acknowledged that working with Diddy wasn’t for the faint of heart. Known for his unrelenting drive and pursuit of perfection, Diddy pushed his team—and Heather in particular—to their limits. She has often described the experience as both demanding and transformative, helping her grow as a professional and shaping her future endeavors.
By 2008, Heather decided to pivot, launching her shapewear brand “Yummie,” an innovative line that redefined comfort and style in the category. Her experience with Sean John undoubtedly laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey, teaching her resilience and the power of bold creativity.
Transforming Lives Through Wellness Retreats
Q: Tell us about your wellness retreats and their impact.
Heather: My Freedom Retreats bring like-minded individuals together in beautiful, judgment-free environments. We focus on mind, body, and soul through activities like cleansing, embracing nature, and self-discovery. It’s transformative to see people realise their potential—it’s all within them.
Upcoming retreats include Pure Freedom in Birmingham, Alabama, Fresh Freedom in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Dirty Freedom in the Scottish Highlands. These retreats are about celebrating life and finding joy in nature and connection.
Heather Thomson is on set RHONY.
Heather Thomson’s Journey: A Message of Empowerment
Heather Thomson’s life is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and empowerment. Whether through her ventures in fashion, her wellness retreats, or her podcast, she inspires others to embrace their true selves and pursue their paths with joy and determination.
Her story is a powerful reminder that, even amidst life’s challenges, there’s always an opportunity for reinvention and growth. By listening to our bodies and following our truths, we can choose happiness and authenticity in any circumstance.
Heather Thomson’s approach to wellness and empowerment goes beyond traditional methods. Her Freedom Retreats have become a sanctuary for individuals seeking a deeper connection with their true selves. Through curated activities that integrate mindfulness, adventure, and community, participants often leave with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity.
As a wellness advocate, Heather champions holistic living, encouraging others to embrace wellness practices that nourish the mind, body, and soul. Her dedication to personal growth and empowerment is evident in her podcast In MY Heart, where she shares stories of resilience and inspiration.
Through her retreats and public platforms, Heather continues to inspire individuals to embark on their wellness journeys and empower themselves to live authentically
Heather Thomson’s journey continues to evolve, proving that empowerment begins with self-discovery. With her unwavering authenticity and dedication to helping others, she’s not just living her best life—she’s inspiring others to do the same.