Photo: Bravo

So how did you all end up on Gallery Girls?
Claudia: It was a weird circuitous twist of bizarre fate…It sort of just…I don’t think any of us really know, we just did.
Chantal: It just happened.
Claudia: We didn’t audition for it.
Chantal: We didn’t try!
Claudia: It was sort of like, you come across an envelope and decide to pick it up and then all of a sudden you’re on a reality show.

Do you watch it?
All: No.
Chantal: I saw the first two episodes.

What has the response been from friends/family/the general public?
Chantal: My friends don’t watch it either, but nothing’s really changed for me except for I think that we reached a different audience and I can kind of see that reflected in our customer base, which is interesting and good.

Chantal, we’re curious about your Japanese modeling career, which was mentioned in one episode. How did that come about?
I wouldn’t really call it a career, but starting when I was super young like 17. I don’t know. I was working at Oak and we had a lot of Japanese bloggers and writers come in. I guess I was discovered probably while working there.

Do you know if there will be a second season that you might be taking part in?
Claudia: I don’t think we know or really…care.
Chantal: I have no idea.

Was it weird being filmed all the time?
Chantal: It’s not that…fun.

Photo: Bravo

The show made it seem like you were struggling quite a bit with making sales and paying bills…
Chantal: I think that’s dramatized.

Are you now doing better than you were at that point?
Claudia: Absolutely.
Lara: Especially online. Since we got that mass attention. People who don’t live in New York who watched the show can shop.
Claudia: Also, that was like a year ago, so there’s been an entire year of people coming in, and events so it’s just natural growth as well.

What advice would you give to a young person who might be interested in doing something similar–opening up a gallery or boutique space?
Chantal: Don’t cause it’s already been done. [laughs] I’m joking! I would tell them to explore different ideas. I think that commercial retail is kind of an ancient concept and I would tell them to think outside of the box.
Lara: I would tell them you’re going to have to work really hard and not make a lot of money for a long time. So just be ready for that. As long as you love it, then it’s worth it.