How To Fail With Elizabeth Day Jessel Taank - ‘Real Housewives? It’s like Game of Thrones’
Feb 12, 2025
Jessel Taank, the first South Asian housewife on The Real Housewives of New York, dives deep into her personal journey as a fashion publicist and brand consultant. She candidly discusses her struggles with IVF and the societal pressures of motherhood. With humor, she reflects on the challenges of balancing ambition with family life and navigating the reality TV landscape, likening it to Game of Thrones. Jessel also shares insights on identity, beauty standards, and the emotional toll of public scrutiny in a high-stakes environment.
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Uprooted Childhood
- Jessel Taank's parents were displaced from Kenya due to political upheaval.
- They moved to England and had to rebuild their lives from scratch, creating a happy yet bittersweet upbringing.
Beauty Standards and Self-Esteem
- Jessel Taank struggled with Indian beauty ideals as a child.
- Feeling different and compared to fairer-skinned relatives impacted her self-confidence.
Racism in London
- Taank's mother and uncles experienced more overt racism growing up in a council estate.
- They faced violent incidents like having bottles of gasoline thrown into their home.