Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave’s path to “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” has been an interesting one, to say the least. Born in Bloomington, Indiana and raised in Hilton Head Island, SC, rocker John Mellencamp‘s daughter made a name for herself at a young age as a competitive, award-winning equestrian before relocating to Los Angeles at 17, where she worked at noted talent agencies CAA and UTA before returning to her passion of equestrian riding and training. After the birth of her children Slate and Cruz (dad is husband Edwin Arroyave, the CEO and founder of Skyline Security Management, Inc., she went from professional to amateur and now has not one but three careers.
Having gained 80 pounds with each of her pregnancies and finding that her riding career had taken a backseat to motherhood, she realized she needed a better work-life balance. Mellencamp knew she needed to change her lifestyle and really hold herself accountable for her actions to develop a healthier way of living, which led her to career one: professional accountability coach. Career number two—as a fitness influencer—started out with her website, “LA Workout Junkie,” where she reviews various fitness classes in the Los Angeles area.
Last but not least, there is “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alongside Camille Grammer, Kyle Richards, Lisa Vanderpump, Lisa Rinna, Erika Giradi and Dorit Kemsley—where she shows that being a power mama and career woman don’t have to be mutually synonymous things. Here, Mellencamp discusses why accountability equals happiness, her favorite RHOBH cast member and the best advice her famous father gave her about appearing on the hit Bravo series.
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock.com
Throughout your life, have you found that accountability equals happiness? Why or why not?
If you are accountable to yourself and to your word you feel a sense of peace and happiness. I am not a bundle of joy every day when I wake up but once I remind myself of my daily goals and know I am going to complete them I feel a sense of pride and happiness. Being accountable and committed to me has made me an all-around happier person.
What has been the most surreal part about appearing on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills?”
Watching myself on TV and as I’m watching remembering exactly how I felt in that moment and being flooded with the same emotions.
Which of the cast members are you closest to and how often do you see her?
Kyle [Richards] and I speak/text daily and we try to get together for a hike or sushi as often as our crazy schedules permit.
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock.com
What was the best advice you received before appearing on the show?
The best advice I got was actually from my dad. He told me, no matter what. BE YOURSELF. BE AUTHENTICALLY YOU even if others don’t like it. You cannot regret anything you do if you are being you.
Your professional life has gone in a variety of very diverse directions. Are you happy with the path you’ve followed? Would you have diverted from any particular path at a different point if you could backtrack?
I wouldn’t have changed a thing because the path I took led me here and I wake up every day feeling lucky that I get to be passionate about my job.
With ALL IN by Teddi you’ve reviewed the best classes in L.A. What is hands down your favorite and why?
My favorite classes are Rise Nation with Jason Walsh or Loui Pachecho or Soul Cycle with Angela or David.
