I love to watch The Apprentice. I’ve always been curious about what really goes on in corporate America. I was ecstatic when I saw Omarosa Manigault-Stalworth, an African American woman from season one, dressed sharply, speak articulately, and swing that beautiful hair (weave of course but still stunning nonetheless) from side to side. I’m sitting on my bed thinking, ‘Shine sistagirl, shine’. Instead, what I got was a drama queen with an ice pick for a heart. I thought about all those people from the Mid-west looking at Omarosa thinking, ‘They must all be like that’. A sweeping generalization but a candid one. It didn’t help matters when she dissed one of my favorite icons, supermodel Janice Dickinson, on the fifth season of The Surreal Life.

I had my hope renewed in season two when Subway sandwich owner, former international model, aspiring actress and ambitious businesswoman, Stacie Jones Upchurch came on. She was light skinned and had curly, like me and had an outspoken personality that I deeply admire and also possess. I saw Stacie J., as she’s affectionately known and also nicknamed so not to get confused with another Stacy from the show, as the salvation for black women. Then, she was fired because the women saw her as a threat, both professionally and physically. She never got the opportunity to show off her leadership skills. Strike two.

Then, hope not only came alive but exploded like a geyser. Stacie J became the most successful firée in The Apprentice saga. She continues to run her Subway business in Harlem New York, she highly recommends the BMT with vinegar and peppers, in Harlem, directs and hosts her series Style and the City, maintains her Web site (www.staciej.com) and is represented by the Ford Model Management in New York. Her latest venture is her new fragrance, Stacie J. Golden by Revelations Perfume & Cosmetics. According to Larry Couey, president of Revelations, from an interview with Blacknews.com

"The introduction of 'Stacie J Golden' is a tribute to today's most accomplished women - active, glamorous, high achievers who, like Stacie J, are proving that they can, truly, ‘have it all’."

 A bold and sexy scent that quickly warms the skin on its first spritz. It’s like slipping into a sexy piece of lingerie worn under your clothes providing that oomph for the rest of the day. Golden is an elixir of hot sweetness packaged in a cute amber and orange bottle.

Perfect for a night out with the girls or that quiet intimate moment with your man. The accessory store Claire’s currently carries it. I had the opportunity to meet her last year at the Second Annual BET Awards where she presented. I don’t know what those heifers on season two were talking about. Stacie J was genial and gracious like her fragrance.

Mary E. Montoro: How did you get involved with Revelations?

Stacie J: Seth Goldberg my business manager introduced me to Revelations. We had an instant connection.

MEM: Were you part of the process in developing your fragrance every step of the way?

SJ: I was a part of the entire development of my fragrance. It totally reflects my style. I love fruits, chocolates, vanilla and oriental scents. I knew I wanted a scent that reflected the traits listed above.

MEM: Are there plans for more products? 

SJ: I definitely want to develop other products. My body cream and a small purse spray will be out before Christmas. We plan to produce a skin care line, makeup line, lotions and shower gels.

MEM: How is life after The Apprentice?

SJ: Life after The Apprentice is great. A lot of hard work, but fun. I am building my brand Stacie J. So, with the accessories, the fragrance and the upcoming products I am building a stable business base.

MEM: What other projects do you have lined up?

SJ: I am currently pitching a clothing line and two television shows

MEM: Do you still own your Subway store?

SJ: Yes, I still own my Subway. I love employing kids from my community and teaching them a strong work ethic.