Kacey Taormina is the latest in a string of Orange County residents who say their personal and business brands grew in stature after appearing on reality TV shows.
Most recent was Carson Kropfl, who created a smaller skateboard that fits into school lockers and backpacks. In October, the 12-year-old received a $65,000 investment from world-renowned entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson for a 20% stake in a company he created with parents, Keith and Carrie Kropfl, on the season premiere of “Shark Tank.” Carson Kropfl accepted the offer for his San Clemente-based Locker Board.
Irvine’s Amar Santana was second on Bravo’s “Top Chef” last year. His Vaca Group is white hot. They’ll debut a food hall concept at South Coast Plaza next fall.
Before Kropfl came Casey Reinhardt, who appeared on “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County” and “The Hills.” She won an episode of Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” in 2011. She is the owner of Casey’s Cupcakes, a boutique bakery with four retail stores.
Alyssa Magliato lost in 2010 on “Cupcake Wars,” but got a second chance in 2011, and won the second time around in a Grammy-themed competition. She founded the Perfect Circle Cupcakery in Old Towne Orange.
Also featured on “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County,” which aired on MTV from 2004 to 2006, were two locals who saw the impact of their personal brands increase exponentially: Lauren Conrad and Kristin Cavallari.
“The Hills,” on MTV from 2006 to 2010, followed Conrad as she moved to Los Angeles to attend college at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. She became a fashion designer and author. Cavallari became a fashion designer and actress.
—Deirdre Newman
