Despite having famous parents, Next Gen NYC‘s Ariana Biermann is starting a new life in the Big Apple all on her own — something she made clear in a hot mic moment on Episode 4 of the show.
The topic of The Real Housewives of Atlanta exes Kim Zociak and Kroy Biermann‘s finances arose again at Chloe Marks‘ birthday party after Ariana caught wind that model Ava Dash had expressed surprise about her fashion career and opined that she didn’t seem to have “the best style” for someone in that field.
After hearing about the perceived insult from Brooks Marks, Ariana referred to her castmate as “Ava with the bitch-ass attitude,” and swiftly retreated to the restroom to “calm [herself] down,” with some moral support from Riley Burruss, Emira D’Spain, and Gia Giudice.
Though cameras weren’t present for the private moment, Ariana joined the ranks of so many Bravolebs before her, as a hot mic picked up her audio. “I just wanted to have a stupid little streetwear brand that I can build off of until I have the money because, sorry, my parents can’t pay for anything because I’m paying their f–king bills,” she ranted.
Ariana Biermann breaks down her financial stress
Earlier in the June 24 episode, Ariana and boyfriend Hudson McLeroy finally signed a one-year lease on an apartment. A crash course in the Manhattan real estate market’s price tags naturally had the 23 year old taking an even closer look at her own financial situation.
“I don’t like worrying about money,” Ariana shared. “Living in damn New York City, I need to be making a lot more money than I was making in Atlanta.”
Despite originally budgeting $6,000 for monthly rent, Ariana’s new apartment actually cost $10,000 a month. Add to that the $18,000 broker fee (and Hudson’s $575 sunglasses she accidentally stepped on while moving in), and the young couple was already dropping way more cash than they’d anticipated.
“We definitely exceeded the budget, which is stressful,” Ariana admitted. “And a 15 percent broker fee. What the f–k is that? What the hell, New York?”
Later, while she and Hudson sought some career advice and guidance, Cult of Individuality creative director Ron Poisson asked the two how they planned to pay for her fashion line, to which Ariana answered, “We’ve been saving up.”
That’s when the designer gave her another hard truth: “Whatever you think you have, it’s not enough.”
Inside Ariana Biermann’s relationship with Kim Zolciak
In the Next Gen NYC premiere, Ariana explained that she had made “quite a bit of money” from brand deals as a teen influencer. “Unfortunately, my parents took my money,” she confessed of Kim and Kroy, adding that she “just found out that it was gone two years ago” and had “no idea where it actually went.”
Ariana explained that now, as her parents navigate a complicated divorce, she sends Kim money to help her mom with bills.
“The thing that we do honestly struggle with sometimes is when my mom does call me and asks me for money now,” Ariana said in a confessional.
Hudson had strong opinions on the financial situation, telling Ariana, “You have to tell her, ‘No, I can’t send you money this month. You’ve already taken everything I have… You’re still taking the money that you’re making, right now, and giving it to her.”
Even so, Ariana’s FaceTime call with Kim in Episode 4 illustrated that they still have a close relationship today.
After excitedly informing her mom that she and Hudson officially found their NYC home, which they were toasting with wine “in honor of” Kim, the RHOA alum emotionally gushed, “I’m so proud, it makes me wanna cry.”
She continued, “You’re just doing so good for yourself. You’re in New York. Like, I think every little girl in the world dreams of just moving to New York and being able to do what you’re doing. … Just live in the moment and appreciate every second for real.”
Trying not to cry herself, Ariana replied, “I love you and I can’t wait for you to come here.”
Kim’s parting words for Hudson? “It better be a ring next, baby!”
Where Ariana Biermann stands with Kroy Biermann today
As her parents navigate their “messy” divorce, Ariana shared some insight into her relationship with Kroy now in an exclusive May interview with The Daily Dish.
“I haven’t spoken to him in a little bit,” she said, before revealing that would be changing “soon,” as he had been trying to call her. “I hope he’s doing amazing. … I think it’s a really tough situation right now, between the family, and it goes through waves. But he lives in his own house, as well, so I hope he’s happy I’m doing great.”
In a June 5 Instagram video, Ariana also insisted that her candor about him and Kim pocketing her earnings between the ages of 14 and 20 was “in no way, shape, or form” an attempt “to bash” her parents, either.
“I wouldn’t be here without them,” she elaborated. “I hold absolutely no anger or hatred in my heart. I’m just not capable of that. They say that money is the root of all evil, and I do believe that, at times, I have watched money destroy relationships… and I will never be in that position. I will never allow that to be my life.”
As you watch her carve her own path on Next Gen NYC, don’t miss the latest updates Ariana shared about Kim and Kroy’s “insane” ongoing divorce.
