susanraeb wrote:
QUOTE:
I lived in Annapolis Maryland for twelve years or so. I worked at a custom swimming pool/spa design company. We did her custom spa and the spa room etc for her house in Davidsonville. After building we also serviced the spa every other week to clean it and add chemicals. I was so excited one day when I heard that she was coming in to pick out the tiles. I had seen her on Oprah and she thought she was awesome. She came in with her husband and a young boy. She was at all like she seems on Oprah or Starting Over. I said to myself hey everyone has a bad day but then the
couple of other interactions we had were the same. She kind of
talked down to our staff. When your in the business of providing luxury items to people you come to be able to tell what they call
"new money and old money". The "old money" people were snooty but in a different way they could tell you to do something but didn't leave you feeling like you were beneath them. The "new money" people often would leave you with a feeling like they owned you. It
was just the vibe we all got from her.
I love her on starting over and her interactions with the house guests seem sincere. I've read several of her books and still
remain a fan. Maybe now I realize from watching the show that
I put my expectations onto her. Not everyone is "on" all the time.
:unsure:
Like you, Susan, I live in MD. I saw Iyanla at the mall tour in PG County (Prince Georges Mall). I got the same impression of her that you did. Rhonda was also there and she was willing to do a pic of me and her. Iyanla said, "fine, but don't expect me to look up at the camera. I'm signing books (and autographs)". I was a little put off by this since I hold such high regard for her. Like you, I am amazed by her!! She is so inspiring!! I do have to admit, though, that I was totally disappointed by her demeanor. (It was almost degrading) As I watched the show she seemed so genuine but when I met her, not so much. That was last year and this year she continued to inspire and also made me laugh often. I'm not sure what's going on with her. Despite all of it, I still think she is AWESOME!!