Danielle Cabral: The Princess of Jersey

Danielle Cabral has made a big splash as the new breakout star of Bravo’s Real Housewives of New Jersey. Having starred on multiple MTV programs in the past, Danielle is no stranger to reality television. Now, Danielle is bringing the real back to the Garden State, and she opens up in a very no-holds-barred conversation.

Will Loschiavo: You are not new to reality television. Many people know you from MTV’s True Life: I’m a Staten Island Girl. Can you give us insight into your background? What was your upbringing like?

Danielle Cabral: I grew up on Staten Island. I was a Staten Island girl up until I finished college. Once I met my husband we moved to New Jersey. Now I love New Jersey, and although it may only be a 10-minute drive to Staten Island, it is a totally different world. I have my husband (Nate, 40), my son (Dominic, 8), my daughter (Valentina, 6), my own business, and enjoy the direction my life is taking.

How did you meet your husband?

DC: My husband and I actually met in Las Vegas in Studio 54 at 3 a.m. I told him my aspirations and he told me to stick with him and he would make all my dreams come true. My husband is my number one fan and he has supported me since day one. My life is beautiful because of the life my husband and I created. We have genuine love and I am excited for viewers to see that. It is not about spending millions or hundreds of thousands of dollars, like you may see other Housewives‘ couples doing. It is about coming home, playing with the kids, and being a family. My husband is such a hands-on father, which is something you don’t usually see on these shows.

Nate Cabral is giving Joe Gorga a run for his money in the hotness department.

DC: They are two totally different looks. Joe Gorga is a bit of a guido. I call Nate my pretty boy and Adonis at the same time. He is just as beautiful inside as he is on the outside. It is a really great combo.

What is your zodiac sign?

DC: I am a Leo but do not follow astrology at all.

That is enough because it explains the fiery personality. You were made for TV. What projects did you do prior to Housewives?

DC: I starred in MTV’s True Life which brought me out to Los Angeles for some additional projects and auditions. Then life happened. I got married, had kids, and it went into a different direction. Then during the pandemic, I started recording myself for social media which became its own entity. I always dabbled in different projects here and there. Through that, I met people from all over within the industry.

How did you find out about MTV’s True Life and how was the filming process?

DC: I knew they were casting, I came down to scope out the scene, because at the time I was more fascinated with the production side of the business. The casting agent asked why I was not auditioning and asked for permission to submit me. It kind of snowballed from that. We filmed for a long time. True Life was very different in that they would just show up and film everything from morning to night. After the show aired, it was difficult for me, because I did not make my hometown look the best and in turn received a lot of negativity from it. I worked 17 years to try to change my image. Now, I hope with Housewives, my hometown is proud of me this time around.

You also danced for Britney Spears and were chosen amongst your competition as her number-one fan on another MTV show. Was that surreal?

DC: Hands down the best thing I ever accomplished in my life and the best day of my life! I rapped on stage with my icon. Britney was everything. I went to every concert dressed how I appeared on the show. Unfortunately, I never got a picture with her. I was so wrapped up in the performance I did not even think of grabbing a photo. I did get a signed CD though.

The video lives on so you will always have that. I am glad we have a housewife who is a music junkie. I DJ’d in Top 40 radio for nine years before I established my own podcast so I need to know, who is your favorite artist and what is your favorite genre?

DC: I am a Broadway buff. I play Broadway soundtracks all the time to hype me up for things. Rent, Dear Evan Hansen, The Greatest Showman, and Hamilton are some of my favorites. As far as artists, I listen to coffee house music, because I like zen music. I will say I have a thing for hip-hop. My favorite hip-hop artist is Lloyd Banks. Every time we did some type of photoshoot I had them play him in the background because it got me pumped.

I would have never assumed that. I noticed you made a post about how years ago you aspired to work in public relations for NBC, and now fast forward, life has come full circle with you being a Housewives star.

DC: Yes! I have a Bachelors in Science. I majored in public relations. I originally wanted to be an entertainment publicist.

How did you make your way on to Housewives? Did you audition in the past or was this your first audition?

DC: Timing is everything. I’ve known Teresa Giudice for a long time. The show was never a serious pursuit, mainly because it was not the right time. For Season 13 Teresa brought me around everyone and it just was a natural fit. I think I bring something different to the New Jersey franchise. I am not your standard housewife and in turn I think it freshens the show up.

Can you clarify how you know Teresa as well as address your connection to former Housewives Dina and Caroline Manzo?

DC: My father, Phil DiPietro, remarried to Cammy. Cammy was once married to Anthony Laurita, a brother of Dina and Caroline. When Cammy was married to Anthony they had two children together, Candice and Tony, who are my step-siblings. There is no direct relation. Over the years I would see Teresa at parties. When I established my company, Boujie Kidz, I would send Teresa clothing for her daughters to wear. Teresa would then share it on social media, which I appreciated as it provided more attention to my business.

When did you establish your business?

DC: I started the business almost six years ago. I hated my job at the time and wanted to do something I loved which made me happy. That was dressing my kids over the top. It was super small initially. I learned how to do coding, I coded the website myself, I did all the photography, I set up the photo shoots. I did everything myself and I am still educating myself every day. Then it snowballed into something bigger. It brings me joy and I am very hands-on with everything. I love replying to comments and emails. What makes Boujie Kidz special is that it is still growing.

Three new women joined the series this year, including yourself. Upon entering the cast, how did you get along with fellow newbies Jen Fessler and Rachel Fuda? Also, who are you closest with and least closest to?

DC: So we went into the show with our own camaraderie as a team so to speak. We kind of all championed for each other and had each other’s backs at first. However, as time went on, things changed. I have a great friendship with Teresa Giudice and Jennifer Aydin. Dolores Catania and I also speak the same language and have the same vibe. We don’t have to do all the bells and whistles, but we get each other. Jackie and I said hi to each other the first day….and that is it. She is a bit Karen-esque. I wanted to like her, I gave her no reason to dislike me, however you can’t control how people perceive you.

Jennifer Aydin actually lives in the next town over from me. How was it getting to know her? Also, fans have been vocal about how they feel Dolores uses Teresa and Jennifer for clout but in reality, is closer to their enemies a la Melissa and Margaret. Do you feel Dolores is two-faced?

DC:: Aydin is a great time. Initially, I gravitated to her the most because she was the most welcoming. We developed a fun friendship fast. As for Dolores, I can tell you right now it could not be further from the truth. Dolores is the last person who needs to do anything for clout. I don’t think she gives a shit about it. She is just friendly with everybody, it is okay to be friends with everybody, and I am kind of jealous of her for that.

DanielleCabral.com

BoujieKidz.com