When Monica Garcia joined “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” for Season 4, she made a commitment to be “real, open, vulnerable” with the fans. Initially, she resonated with viewers for her relatability, standing out among wealthier co-stars like Heather Gay, Lisa Barlow, and Meredith Marks. Garcia, a divorced mother of four and former assistant to Jen Shah, ventured into entrepreneurship with an online baby blanket business, Brea Baby. She explained that the business, initially a hobby, became a lifeline after her divorce, providing essential resources for her and her daughters.
By the end of Season 4, a surprising revelation unfolded as Garcia’s past involvement with Reality Von Tease, a troll Instagram account targeting her fellow cast members, came to light. This revelation added a layer of complexity to her character, leaving fans intrigued about her future on the show.
Despite living a more modest lifestyle than her castmates, with scenes shot in her ranch-style home, Garcia’s personal life took a prominent place in the storyline. After her divorce from Mike Fowler, she was granted $2,636 a month in child support and $4,000 a month in alimony. The court also awarded her possession of their Utah home, valued at $424,000 with a six-figure mortgage. In court documents, Garcia indicated that her baby blanket business had “zero value,” and she claimed to have no countable income.
As of what we know, Life & Style estimated Garcia’s net worth to be between $300,000 and $1 million. However, during the “Ask Andy” panel at BravoCon in November 2023, Jeff Lewis expressed skepticism about Garcia’s suitability for the show, given her financial struggles as a single mother. Lewis questioned her casting, emphasizing the lack of an aspirational lifestyle compared to the typical extravagance associated with “Real Housewives.”
While Andy Cohen defended Garcia’s relatability and authenticity, Lewis maintained his viewpoint, suggesting Garcia might not be the right fit for the show’s aspirational theme. In January 2024, Lewis continued to express doubt about Garcia’s financial standing, raising concerns about trustworthiness if he were her castmate. The debate surrounding Monica Garcia’s role on “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” reflects differing opinions on what defines an ideal housewife for the franchise.
