Emma Hernan represents a new breed of ambition, seamlessly blending the high-stakes world of Los Angeles real estate with the savvy of a seasoned entrepreneur. She exploded into the public eye on Selling Sunset, but to label her just a reality star would be a serious miscalculation. This Internet Chick is a formidable businesswoman who built a million-dollar vegan food company from the ground up before ever stepping into the Oppenheim Group spotlight. Her story isn’t about overnight fame; it’s a calculated climb, showcasing a blend of sharp business acumen, personal branding, and an understanding of modern wellness trends that have made her a respected and influential figure.
Emma Hernan Early Life
Growing up in Boston, Massachusetts, Emma Hernan was hustling from a remarkably young age. She launched her first business venture at just 11 years old, selling handmade beaded jewelry to classmates, displaying an innate entrepreneurial spirit that would define her career. Her early foray into modeling provided her with a crash course in branding, networking, and navigating a competitive industry. This unique combination of childhood enterprise and exposure to a fast-paced environment gave her a thick skin and a results-oriented mindset, forging the foundation for the successful Internet Chick and business mogul she would become.
Educational Path
Emma’s education was a mix of formal and experiential learning. While she attended college, her most valuable lessons came from the real world. Her modeling career acted as a global business seminar, teaching her about contracts, self-promotion, and international markets. Simultaneously, she was actively developing her vegan food company, a process that involved mastering everything from product development and food safety regulations to marketing and supply chain logistics. This hands-on, dual-track education in both the glamorous and the gritty aspects of business provided her with a practical knowledge base that far exceeds any single degree.
Emma Hernan Career & Business Empire
Emma Hernan’s career is a masterclass in building multiple revenue streams and leveraging fame for business growth. Her primary venture, Emma Leigh & Co., is a testament to her foresight. She identified the growing demand for plant-based foods and created a successful line of vegan empanadas that are now sold in major retailers like Whole Foods. This established her as a serious entrepreneur long before reality TV.
Her role on Selling Sunset served as a global amplifier for her personal brand. On the show, she’s a poised and confident real estate agent at the Oppenheim Group, navigating multi-million dollar deals with a calm, collected demeanor that sets her apart from the drama. However, she strategically uses the show’s massive platform to drive attention to her business ventures, making her a quintessential modern Internet Chick. She understands that the real estate commissions and TV paycheck are just part of a larger ecosystem designed to build her empire.
| Career Milestone | Description |
|---|---|
| Founding Emma Leigh & Co. | Built a thriving vegan food company from scratch, securing placement in national grocery chains and establishing herself as a legitimate entrepreneur. |
| Selling Sunset Cast Member | Joined the cast of Netflix’s global hit, using the platform to gain international recognition and amplify her business and real estate profile. |
| High-End Real Estate | Successfully sells luxury properties in Los Angeles, leveraging her fame and network to secure high-value listings and clients. |
| Brand Partnerships | Curates partnerships with luxury and wellness brands that align with her personal brand of health, success, and ambition. |
| Her career demonstrates a powerful loop: business success brought a compelling story for TV, and TV fame brought exponential growth to her business. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Emma Hernan
What is Emma Hernan’s vegan company?
Emma Hernan is the founder of Emma Leigh & Co., a food company specializing in all-natural, vegan empanadas. The business was a success years before she joined Selling Sunset, proving her chops as a serious entrepreneur and not just a reality personality.
How did Emma Hernan get on Selling Sunset?
Emma was already a successful entrepreneur and had connections in the Los Angeles social scene. Her established business profile and understanding of branding made her a compelling candidate for the show. The producers likely saw her as a natural fit for the world of high-stakes real estate and drama.
What is Emma Hernan’s net worth?
While exact figures are private, Emma Hernan’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 and $10 million USD. This wealth is generated from a combination of her vegan food business, her real estate commissions at the Oppenheim Group, her salary from Selling Sunset, and lucrative brand endorsements.
Is Emma Hernan still a model?
While she may occasionally do modeling work, it is no longer her primary focus. She is first and foremost a real estate agent and entrepreneur. Her previous modeling experience undoubtedly helped her develop the confidence and personal brand essential to her current success.