Jeannie Mai, born in 1979, is an acclaimed television presenter and celebrity stylist with a reported net worth of $6 million. Her diverse ancestry traces back to Vietnamese descent from her mother’s side and Chinese-Vietnamese heritage from her father’s lineage. Mai hails from San Jose, California. Known for her dynamic personality and flair for fashion, Mai has made herself a household name through appearances on makeover show “How Do I Look?” and daytime talk show “The Real”. Furthermore, her expertise in fashion has also earned her features on other well-known programs such as “Today”, Entertainment Tonight”, and Insider”.
How did Jeannie Mai start her career?
Mai’s passion for makeup and styling became evident early in her life. By the age of 18, she was already working as a makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics. As she honed her skills, opportunities began to pour in, leading her to become a celebrity makeup stylist for renowned stars like Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera. Her professionalism and work ethics caught the attention of MTV, which further escalated her career as she styled for the channel’s famed show “Total Request Live”.
By 2003, Mai felt ready to take on the world of television hosting. Starting locally, she was hired to co-host “Stir,” a notable achievement as it was the first nationally distributed Asian-American show. This led her to other avenues, such as producing and reporting for “The Daily Mixx” on WB.
What breakthroughs did Jeannie Mai achieve in Television Hosting?
2005 was a significant year for Mai. She got her first major break hosting primetime on the USA Network’s “Character Fantasy”. Her dynamic personality and expertise were evident, and soon she was juggling roles on MTV’s “Granted”, and presenting fashion and entertainment news on popular networks including Lifetime, TLC, E!, and NBC. Her in-depth knowledge about style made her a coveted member of the beauty squad on TLC’s “10 Years Younger”. Further cementing her status, she hosted the iconic “Miss America” in 2008 and was later seen in the special “Dude, Where’s Your Style”.
However, 2009 was arguably the zenith of her hosting career. She took over as the face of the famed makeover show “How Do I Look?”, where contestants, often with questionable fashion choices, would get a comprehensive wardrobe overhaul.
How did Jeannie Mai’s Television Career Evolve Over Time?
With a successful track record, Mai kept adding feathers to her cap. She became a regular face on NBC’s “Extra TV” and by 2011, was hosting the globally recognized Miss Universe pageant. Her versatility was further showcased when she served as a fashion consultant on “The Biggest Loser”, a weight-loss competition. Her achievements don’t stop there. Hosting “The Next Style Star”, being a digital correspondent for “Fashion Star”, and appearing as a guest judge on “Asia’s Next Top Model” are just a few of the many roles she undertook.
2013 saw her co-hosting “The Real”, a venture that would win her a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host. Mai’s multifaceted talent also made her a fit for the GSN reality competition show “Steampunk’d” and the CBS program “Entertainment Tonight”.
What are Jeannie Mai’s Other Endeavors Outside Television?
While many recognize Mai for her television stints, her passion for fashion also extends to digital platforms. She was a crucial contributor to the style-centric website Cocoperez.com, helmed by the infamous Perez Hilton. Demonstrating her social responsibility, she aligned herself with ReimagineMyself.com, a campaign empowering those grappling with relapsing multiple sclerosis.
A Glimpse into Jeannie Mai’s Personal Life and Real Estate Ventures
Mai’s life off-screen has also garnered media attention. She was married to Freddy Harteis in 2007, a union that lasted a decade. Following her divorce, she began dating rapper Jay Jenkins, popularly known as Jeezy. Their relationship culminated in a romantic engagement in 2020, leading to a marriage the subsequent year.
Real estate-wise, Mai’s homes have been reflective of her unique taste. In Los Angeles, she lived in a rustic 2,400-square-foot residence, the design curated by Jinnie Choi. Later, she acquired a beautiful property in Atlanta, Georgia, where she wed Jenkins in a picturesque backyard ceremony.
