Bethenny Frankel is a name synonymous with fierce independence, entrepreneurial success, and reality television stardom. From her time on “The Real Housewives of New York City” (RHONY) to her multimillion-dollar Skinnygirl empire, Frankel has long been a figure of empowerment for women across the globe. Yet, in recent years, a new chapter in Frankel’s life has emerged—one that revolves around love, family, and personal fulfillment. Central to this chapter are two key figures: Paul Bernon, her partner, and Bryn Hoppy, her beloved daughter. Together, they represent the family that Frankel has fought tirelessly to build and protect, navigating the complexities of her past and embracing the possibilities of her future.
Bethenny Frankel: A Woman of Resilience and Reinvention
To understand Bethenny Frankel’s journey to this new chapter, it’s essential to acknowledge the path she has traveled. Born in New York City in 1970, Frankel had a tumultuous childhood marked by her parents’ divorce and her mother’s struggles with alcoholism. Despite these challenges, Frankel demonstrated early on her determination to succeed. She attended the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York and later launched her career as a chef, which eventually led to her appearance on the reality TV show, “The Apprentice: Martha Stewart.”
However, it was Frankel’s role on RHONY that catapulted her into the public eye. Viewers were drawn to her raw honesty, quick wit, and no-nonsense attitude. Unlike many of her co-stars, Frankel was not born into wealth; she earned every dollar she made. This relatability, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, endeared her to fans and helped her launch the Skinnygirl brand, which started with a low-calorie cocktail and expanded into a full lifestyle brand.
Frankel’s success, however, has not been without its struggles. Her personal life, particularly her tumultuous marriage to Jason Hoppy and the ensuing custody battle over their daughter Bryn, played out in the public eye. Despite these challenges, Frankel has remained resilient, using her platform to advocate for women’s rights, raise awareness about mental health, and engage in extensive philanthropic work, most notably through her BStrong disaster relief initiative.
The Apostle of the Gentiles: Frankel’s New Role with Paul Bernon
In Christian theology, the Apostle Paul is often referred to as the “Apostle to the Gentiles,” symbolizing his role in spreading the message of Christianity beyond the Jewish community. In a metaphorical sense, Bethenny Frankel can be seen as an “apostle” in her own right—spreading a message of love, resilience, and reinvention in her life with Paul Bernon.
Paul Bernon, a film producer and real estate executive, entered Frankel’s life during a period of significant transition. The two met in 2018, shortly after the tragic death of Frankel’s on-again, off-again boyfriend Dennis Shields. At a time when Frankel was grieving and grappling with the complexities of her life, Bernon provided a sense of stability and comfort. Their relationship, while initially private, soon became a source of public interest, with fans eager to see Frankel find happiness after years of emotional turbulence.
What sets Frankel and Bernon’s relationship apart is its foundation on mutual respect, independence, and shared values. Both are accomplished professionals with their own careers and ambitions. Bernon, who co-founded the film production company Burn Later Productions, has produced several successful films, including the critically acclaimed “Drinking Buddies” and “Results.” His work in real estate has also been impressive, with a portfolio that includes commercial properties and apartment complexes across the United States.
Despite their busy schedules, Frankel and Bernon have made their relationship a priority. They have been spotted enjoying vacations together, attending events, and spending time with Bryn, Frankel’s daughter. In interviews, Frankel has spoken candidly about how Bernon has brought a sense of calm and security to her life—qualities that were often missing in her previous relationships.
The couple’s dynamic is one of equals, with both supporting each other’s endeavors while maintaining their individuality. Frankel’s experience with Bernon has been transformative, allowing her to redefine what love and partnership mean in her life. In many ways, Bernon represents a new chapter for Frankel—one where she can be herself, free from the drama and chaos that once defined her relationships.
Bryn: The Heart of Bethenny’s World
If Paul Bernon is the partner who has helped Frankel find peace, Bryn Hoppy is the heart that keeps her grounded. Born in 2010, Bryn has been a constant source of joy and motivation for Frankel. As a mother, Frankel has been fiercely protective of Bryn, particularly in the wake of her divorce from Jason Hoppy. The custody battle that followed was one of the most challenging periods in Frankel’s life, as she fought to shield her daughter from the public scrutiny that surrounded their family.
Frankel’s relationship with Bryn is marked by a deep bond that goes beyond the typical mother-daughter dynamic. In many ways, Bryn has been Frankel’s anchor, providing her with a sense of purpose and clarity during some of the darkest times in her life. Frankel often speaks of Bryn with a sense of pride and adoration, describing her as kind, empathetic, and wise beyond her years.
As Bryn has grown older, Frankel has been mindful of the impact that her public life could have on her daughter. She has taken steps to ensure that Bryn’s privacy is respected, even as she shares glimpses of their life together on social media. Frankel’s love for Bryn is evident in everything she does, from the thoughtful birthday parties she plans to the small, everyday moments they share.
The introduction of Paul Bernon into their lives has been a positive one for Bryn as well. Frankel has spoken about how Bernon has been a wonderful presence in Bryn’s life, treating her with kindness and respect. The trio has been seen spending time together on numerous occasions, with Bryn often at the center of their outings. For Frankel, the fact that Bernon and Bryn get along so well is a testament to the strength and compatibility of their relationship.
A New Chapter: Embracing the Future
As Bethenny Frankel moves forward in her life, she does so with a sense of optimism and hope that has been hard-won. Her journey has been marked by incredible highs and devastating lows, but through it all, she has remained true to herself and her values. With Paul Bernon by her side and Bryn as her guiding light, Frankel is entering a new chapter—one that is defined not by the drama of the past, but by the love, stability, and fulfillment she has found in the present.
This new chapter is not just about romantic love, but about self-love and the love of family. Frankel has built a life that reflects her resilience and strength, and she continues to inspire others with her ability to reinvent herself. Whether she is launching a new business venture, advocating for a cause she believes in, or simply spending time with the people she loves, Frankel is living proof that it is never too late to start anew.
In many ways, Bethenny Frankel’s journey mirrors that of the Apostle Paul—spreading a message of hope and redemption, not to the Gentiles, but to anyone who has ever faced adversity and come out stronger on the other side. Her story is a testament to the power of love, both for oneself and for others, and to the importance of finding joy in the simple, everyday moments that make life truly meaningful.
As she continues to write this new chapter, Frankel does so with the knowledge that she is not alone. She has a partner in Paul Bernon, who supports and cherishes her, and a daughter in Bryn, who inspires her to be the best version of herself every day. Together, they represent a family that is built on love, respect, and the shared belief that the best is yet to come.