Everyone’s talking about Laura Patricio, a new cast member to Secrets of Aspen, VH-1’s newest reality show.  Like us, you’ve witnessed Ms. Laura Patricio in action. 

To the viewer, she seems like a diva with an attitude; a person trying to break into an in-crowd by way of a friend or foe (Brooke), a super emotional woman clawing to the top. Although Laura’s depiction on the show can be a turn-off, we definitely turn on the tube to watch! 

However we want to know how she defines her reality and decided to take the time to talk to the girl that has everyone saying her name.  In this interview we get Laura to talk about herself and the dish on Aspen. 

Crème Magazine:  Everyone always talks about Aspen being a very exclusive place for the rich & famous, is it all it's cracked up to be for those who've never visited? 

Laura Patricio: 

Absolutely.  It’s Aspen; you work 3 jobs to own 3 homes.  There is a riff between the haves and haves not [but] the bottom line is that everyone loves Aspen.  Aspen is an incredible place.  Downtown Aspen is a quaint town with a very welcoming feeling.  It’s like Rodeo Drive in Little House on the Prairie.  The views are amazing,  food is amazing and very alluring;  where there is a will there is a way.  When people arrive, they fall in love with Aspen.  It’s wonderful for those who love the outdoors, but also fascinating for the culture and people watching.  When you think of Aspen, you think of skiing;  for those who are not skiers you can have a day of “Opera Ski” which is like watching a show, whether you’re sitting at the bottom of a ski slope, people watching skiers eating lunch or shopping-- ending the day shopping at some of the most famous stores in the world.

Crème Magazine:  Why did you choose to be a part of the show? 

Laura Patricio: I lived in Aspen part time since 2006, met and fell in love with the man of my dreams and with Aspen—then out of love with the man, but not out of love with Aspen. I promised myself that I would return as a single woman and really experience Aspen--started a whole new life and was given the opportunity to be part of the show by word of mouth.  They wanted to chronicle my journey especially with my high end ski apparel (AlangaJ).  Reality TV presented a great opportunity for me.
 
Crème Magazine:  What do you want people to know about Laura?

Laura Patricio: There are a lot of layers to me.  I am one of those personalities who is a tough cookie.  I work very hard, but there is a very big soft spot for my family.  If I were a man, the perception would be different.  I am a basketball coach for one of my daughters and a woman with 3 amazing, over achieving daughters. I'm a very strong mother who is very much a part of their lives. 

One of my mottos is “live loudly and love lavishly.”  The only thing we leave this world with is our legacy and that is our relationships.  Although I have my issues on the show, at the end of the day it’s an incredible learning experience.
 
Crème Magazine:  What was your occupation prior to the show?

Laura Patricio: I was a corporate housewife for many years, into real-estate and commercial modeling.  I married the two and started the apparel company AlangaJ Apparel, Inc. – a start-up which produces men and women’s luxury recreational apparel (ski, swim, tennis, golf apparel and accessories).

Crème Magazine:  Are there moments of the show you wished were placed on the cutting floor?

Laura Patricio: With over 100 hours of footage that was cramped into a few hours and time constraints we cannot show everything.  With very strong personalities, things will happen.  That is what you will see played out.

Crème Magazine:  If you could change one thing about the show what it would be?

Laura Patricio: I am a very positive person, at least I try– I would rather be a Polly Ana.  What I wish I saw on the show is a better depiction of human relationships which are so important, but whenever they end it can be very sad.  The only regret is when a relationship ends.  God always gives us a chance to make things well, by allowing us another chance.

Crème Magazine:  Are you a competitive person?

Laura Patricio: Nobody is perfect. I was raised as an athletic person, but sometimes the ego takes on a life of its own. This can lead to questionable choices.  I’m not perfect and have a lot of flaws and you will sometimes see different sides of me. Because I’m an athlete sometimes I can come across as being very competitive. 

Crème Magazine:  What is your best kept secret?

 
Laura Patricio: I’m very fulfilled with my family, but I would love to share my life with someone.  I would stop the aging process and lose a few pounds.  When I get called for last minute photo shoots I am very hard on myself. Another secret is while launching my apparel business I gained a lot of pounds.

Crème Magazine:  What’s next for you?

Laura Patricio: I am super hyper focused on my clothing line.  I am focused on “sweat equity”--balancing my time, being a very active single mom to 3 daughters, and honing in on time management skills.  Those are my primary focuses. 
 
Crème Magazine:  What is Laura Patricio’s reality?

Laura Patricio: My reality is: When you have a very strong personality, you can really be perceived wrong.  It can be a turn-off because I am not concerned about what other people think of me.  I am very concerned about the welfare of my children.
 
Crème Magazine:  What would you say are the secrets of Aspen?

Laura Patricio: You will have to tune in and watch! There are so many, our show only represents a small segment of that.  The best kept secret of Aspen is that it is such an amazing place.  It’s very intriguing – you will also see incredible scenery (5 star accommodations, fly fishing, and great food). 

Aspen is one of the top places in the world to visit.  Our show allows viewers to see one cross section of what really goes on in Aspen.  It will actually have a huge draw because people don’t get to see a lot of that, but this will give them a chance to really see it.  Hop on a plane and head to Aspen!
 
Stay tuned for an exclusive look at Laura’s take on Aspen’s crème de la crème spots.

Kamala Cummings is a Luxury Travel Consultant for Sterling Brownell in Atlanta.