“RHOBH” Newbie Amanda Frances Clears Up Everything: Her Business, the Cult and Those 10K Crystals (Exclusive)

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Amanda Frances, a new member of the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH), has opened up about her experiences on the show, her upbringing, and her unique business venture centred on personal development and manifestation.

Joining the show for its fifteenth season, Frances has garnered attention not just for her vibrant personality but also for the unconventional way she generates income – selling online courses focused on manifestation and self-help. Addressing concerns from fellow cast members, she explained, “They wonder, ‘How could you possibly make money teaching people about mindset and energetics?’ But many successful figures, like Tony Robbins and Gabby Bernstein, have proved that it’s possible.”

Frances, who described herself as the “Money Queen,” grew up in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, a small town where financial struggles were a reality for her family. Reflecting on her childhood, she noted the resourcefulness required to make ends meet, recounting how her mother would make all the children share bathwater to save on water costs. “When you grow up without privilege, you often feel that wealth is unattainable, and it’s hard to imagine a different life,” Frances shared.

Upon joining The Real Housewives, her methods for making a living became a source of intrigue and confusion. Frances felt that the ladies often misunderstood her work. “I don’t think it’s that confusing,” she stated. Frances detailed her journey, which began with the self-publication of her successful book, *Rich As F*ck: More Money Than You Know What to Do With*, and has expanded to various online courses that teach attendees about financial well-being and business growth.

Emphasising her educational background, Frances explained that she has a fascination with spirituality and has pursued studies in both religion and counselling, culminating in a Master’s degree. She believes that her past experiences have informed her present work in a profound way. “When I learned about energy and mindset, it all made sense,” she reflected, adding that she had initially enrolled in a PhD programme, which contributed to her understanding of the science behind her beliefs.

Despite her calm demeanour, Frances has faced criticism from some of her RHOBH co-stars about her emotional responses in conflicts. She questioned whether her attempt to remain “emotionally regulated” during arguments might have unsettled them. “They’d be fighting, and I’d want to contribute something meaningful, but I wasn’t sure they would be receptive,” she explained, leading to feelings of isolation within the group.

One intensely personal topic that arose during her time on the show was her previous involvement in a cult. While she has been open about this chapter of her life on various platforms, Frances expressed her surprise at how the discussion played out during a tense dinner scene. Rather than approaching the subject with sensitivity, she felt the cast treated it as an opportunity to unearth gossip, rather than inviting a genuine conversation.

Clarifying her stance, Frances shared her frustration over the way the group misinterpreted her references to spending money on crystals. “I spent $10,000 on crystals in one shopping trip, but it wasn’t meant to be braggadocious,” she said, adding that in her circles, such discussions about wealth are normal and celebrated.

As the season continues, Frances appears to be building friendships with some cast members, including Kyle Richards and Kathy Hilton, and is focusing on the positives of her experience. “I’m proud to be new money,” she said. “It shows you’ve turned your life around, and there’s nothing more empowering than that.”

As for the ongoing critiques of her persona on the show, Frances is learning to embrace them. She stands firm in her belief that her approach to business is valid and necessary in today’s world. Rather than being disheartened by negativity, she aims to stand out as a beacon for anyone striving to change their circumstances.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 15 continues to air weekly on Bravo, providing viewers with an inside look at the evolving dynamics and diverse personalities of its cast members.