The Real Housewives of New Jersey member Margaret Josephs is an unstoppable force. The TV personality, entrepreneur, podcast host, and designer is not coming to play in 2024.
In the Q&A below, Margaret Josephs tells Spotlight all about her beverage company Soirée, RHONJ Season 14, trends she thinks should stay in 2023, and more!
You joined the cast of RHONJ in 2017. How did you get your start on the show?
It’s actually very funny. They asked me [to be on the show] years before I joined. At the time, I was slated to get my own show with my husband called “Pigtails and Power Tools,” so I declined the RHONJ offer. However, when they came back to me a few years later, I was in the middle of a big lawsuit. I felt like it was perfect timing as my business needed a reinvention and I knew the time was right to do it. My experience was very different, I signed on as a housewife immediately, and within a week, I started to film my first season.
Since joining RHONJ, what has been one of your favorite moments with the cast thus far? Why?
I have made some incredible memories with my cast. Most of these women are truly my friends—both on and off screen—so to take trips together is beyond fun! My favorite trip was actually when we went to Ireland and stayed in a historic castle. The cast was also at my mother’s 75th birthday party. We’ve had a ton of great moments together. I also love that having a platform means we can give back by raising awareness and money for our favorite charities. We housewives are very blessed to be in this position.
What has been one of the most challenging parts of being on reality TV? Why?
I am very authentic to who I am always. Being around others who I feel are inauthentic has been hard. I would also say the most challenging thing about being on reality TV is the public scrutiny. Because we share our real lives, people feel nothing is off-limits when it comes to commenting on us and the people close to us. I do feel that people don’t always see me for who I am because I keep certain aspects of my life private—by choice. People don’t see the things I hold near to me, like my children so it’s easy for false narratives to be created.
As well as being a member of RHONJ, you are an entrepreneur, designer, and podcaster. Do you feel that being a member of RHONJ has helped you explore your creativity? Why or why not?
Sometimes I think it stifles my creativity with all the distractions of filming… just kidding! Being on the show has actually helped my creativity. I had successful businesses before joining the show and it has helped amplify those. It has definitely helped me network, it’s always amazing to me the reach of the show and meeting the amazing people that watch. Also, I don’t drink alcohol at all, I never have, but being on a show known for cocktailing helped me realize it’s so important to launch a brand authentic to me and my lifestyle choices and I launched my beverage company Soirée.
Who is your go-to cast member on RHONJ? Why?
I have different go-to cast members for everything. Melissa Gorga is my “couple’s” go-to—we go on double dates with her and Joe a lot. Dolores and I speak every day we are very close. I adore Rachel, I feel very maternal towards her and took her under my wing. Jen Fessler is one of my good friends and has been for a long time.
You founded Soirée, a non-alcoholic beverage company, with Lexi Barbuto. Why did you decide to start this company?
I grew up with a mother who indulged in alcohol a little too much. So, I’ve always wanted to be in control of who I am—I don’t need liquid courage. Nondrinkers have been historically left out of the party. I was sick of sugary soda and iced tea as the only choices when I was out at an event. I wanted to create an elevated beverage to make everyone feel a part of the party.
What are some tips you have for those participating in dry January?
If you’re sober or sober-curious, my tip is to try Soirèe! I would also say to just try it [not drinking alcohol] for the month—you’ll find clarity. People don’t realize what it means to be at an event and be totally in the moment. Your skin will look better, you’ll sleep better, and you’ll feel better. Not drinking is also really good for your mental health!
Soirée allows its consumers to decide if they want to sip on the mocktail or spike it. How has this philosophy helped you market the company?
We felt this was a great way to market the company. We are all about inclusivity and making memories. My mother was a big entertainer, so I grew up around parties my whole life. The best thing about Soirée is that even pregnant women and children can have our drinks at a party. For those who drink alcohol, it’s also meant to be a mixer. I want people to feel good about themselves when drinking Soirée. It’s also Vegan, Kosher, and Gluten Free. Sip as is or spike, Soirèe is super inclusive—no judgment, just good clean fun.
What are some of your favorite fashion trends right now? Why?
I’ve seen the “Mob Wife” trend is coming back. That over-the-top type of glamour never really went out for me! So, I’m really leaning into this trend. I absolutely love a smokey eye love and wearing big vintage fur coats with everyone’s grandma’s name on it but my own. I always say I’m like Ginger from Casino—minus the drugs.
What are some of your “Outs” for 2024? Why?
Bad manners are always out as far as I’m concerned. I also don’t want to see people dressing badly on airplanes—that should stay out permanently. Bad nails are also out. Don’t come near me if you have chipped nails! We need more hygiene and people taking pride in their appearances in 2024.
What are your favorite spots in the Hamptons and Palm Beach?
For the Hamptons, we always rent in Georgica. For lunch, Hampton Chutney has been my go-to spot for almost 20 years. I get the same thing every time, it’s my absolute favorite place. I also love East Hampton Grill and the Clam Bar. My friend has a store in East Hampton called Obligato and I’ve been shopping there for years.
In Palm Beach, I love to stay at The Colony Hotel. Of course, I love to shop at The Royal Poinciana. There is a store called Coniglio Palm Beach right outside The Royal Poinciana and I’m a little obsessed with it. The designer used to work for Calypso and Love Shack Fancy. I love Marissa Collections. I like to shop at boutique stores and support small businesses—I love to shop local!
At BravoCon, the cast of RHONJ revealed there will be a new season coming out in 2024. What can we expect from you in the new season?
What can you not expect? There will be a huge shift in dynamics and some new unexpected friendships are formed. We leave the past in the past. I think people will be quite surprised!
What are some of your biggest goals for 2024? Why are they important to you?
My biggest goal is to blow up my mocktail brand Soirée—I want everyone to try it and for everyone to feel a part of the party! I also need to be the voice of a Disney character; I have the perfect voice for a villain! In my personal life, I want to cut out negative people and focus on spending more quality time with loved ones. I’ve been doing this a lot recently and found I actually have JOMO—the joy of missing out! Spending time at home is a priority for me in 2024.