“I’m very shy,” says Anna Shay, the billionaire inmate who made her TV debut on Netflix Bling Empire this month. She did not think that, considering her age, she would receive attention, but in recent weeks she has emerged as the most popular character on the show. She is certainly the most conspicuous – older and stranger than her wealthy colleagues – but her greatest appeal is that, while most Bling Empire ‘The cast is busy with histrionics, Anna simply wants to be rich and vibrate.
Daughter of the late billionaire industrialist Edward Shay and his Japanese-Russian-American wife, Anna tends to appear magnificently negligent – in jeans and diamonds, matted hair and smudged makeup. She speaks very little and when she does it is in a whisper, and usually to convey a little insight. Things like “Don’t let your clothes wear you out” and “You only have one life, this is not a dress rehearsal”.
I was unexpectedly moved by these little insights, so I called her to see if she could give me more. Her cell phone reception was irregular, possibly because she is hiding in the Beverly Hills mansion she recently bought from Dr. Phil’s son, who decorated it in honor of Tim Burton. I didn’t get a chance to ask her about the house (or the penis pump thrown from what I assume was one of the windows in episode two), but I did get some tips on skin, fashion and what to do with rude party guests.
Do you have a morning routine?
Every day is different. When I had my children, I was with them. And now it’s just me and my dogs. At breakfast, as little as possible, because you should be on a diet. But I only have breakfast at 2 pm, and then it’s toast with my friend Maria.
What do you like to do at night?
Well, it really depends on how the person feels. It’s different with COVID, but sometimes [my friends and I] go shopping at Target. Sometimes, they want to go to the shooting range. Then we can go to the Flower Market or a restaurant.
What is the best advice you have received?
Everything my mother said about life. She and my father taught me that money is not everything and that the most important things cannot be bought.
She used to say, “Behind every great man is a great woman” and “I know who I am and you need to know who you are”. She never believed in injections and [other] things I do. For those who are beautiful, there are always those who are more beautiful. For someone who is smart, there is someone who is smarter. Just be happy and content with who you are.
What is the secret to having a good party?
Well, it’s really that simple. The secret is knowing who would sit next to whom – make sure a guest is compatible with the people on your right and on your left. And remember what they drink so that waiters don’t have to ask.
Do you have any tips for dealing with rude guests?
Just invite your best friends so they can block. This is not my mother’s advice, it’s me. Why I changed Christine [in episode one]? Because I was hosting and I didn’t have time to deal with it. I saw where she was and knew that she wouldn’t get along with the people next to her, because she asks unnecessary questions. And then I said [to my best friend] Maria, “Help, help”. And then Maria talked to her for a while. Your best friend will always be behind you. Or your husband, but he has to help with hosting.
What beauty tip do you believe?
Nurse Jamie Sherrill. And wash your face and use Pond’s and Vaseline.
Which perfum do you use?
I use oil and a light perfume. When you get out of the bath, put on unscented cream, then the oil, and sprinkle the gentle scent. I am currently using a rose oil called Caroline. I’ll send it just for you, okay?
What do you carry in your bag?
All. I have a scholarship – what do you call it? – a large bag. And I put everything I need where I need to go next. And then I have a little bag with what I need. My wallet, phone, lipstick, eyeliner. And an elastic band to hold my hair.
What would you never use?
I believe that each creates their own style. It doesn’t matter if you’re using something from Target or Chanel. There is only one thing I would not use. It is something out of a mannequin, because the mannequin is zero size. I never want to become … what is it? A fashion circumstance, a victim of fashion.
A fashion victim?
Yes, a victim of fashion.