Explore Ashley Darby Net Worth: RHOP Star’s Wealth, Business, and Post-Divorce Finances

Ashley Darby, an original cast member of The Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP) since 2016, has an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2026. The former Miss District of Columbia built her wealth through her decade-long reality television career, entrepreneurial ventures, including her yoga brand ZenGem and athleisure line GnA with co-star Gizelle Bryant, brand partnerships, and hosting appearances nationwide.

Following her February 2025 divorce from real estate developer Michael Darby, Ashley has diversified her income streams through drag brunch tours, social media monetization, and public appearances while co-parenting their two sons.

Who is Ashley Darby?

Born Ashley Boalch on June 8, 1988, in Silver Spring, Maryland, Ashley grew up as the eldest child in a single-parent household. She worked multiple jobs from age 14 to help support her mother, Sheila Matthews, and her younger half-siblings. While attending the University of Maryland, where she earned a communications degree, Ashley worked as a bartender to maintain financial stability for her family.

In 2011, Ashley won the Miss District of Columbia pageant and competed in the Miss America competition, where she received the John Curran Interview Award for her public speaking skills. This exposure led to opportunities that eventually positioned her for reality television.

Career Timeline

• 1988: Born in Silver Spring, Maryland
• 2011: Won Miss District of Columbia; competed in Miss America
• 2014: Married Michael Darby
• 2015-2019: Co-owned and operated Oz Restaurant and Bar in Arlington, Virginia
• 2016: Joined The Real Housewives of Potomac as original cast member
• 2018: Released single “Coffee and Love.”
• 2019: Launched ZenGem yoga and athleisure brand; closed Oz Restaurant
• 2022: Announced separation from Michael Darby
• 2023: Launched GnA athleisure line with Gizelle Bryant
• 2024: Filed for divorce (November)
• 2025: Divorce finalized (February); participated in Bravo’s Love Hotel

Ashley Darby’s Net Worth Breakdown

Ashley’s wealth reflects consistent income from multiple sources rather than explosive growth, particularly as she navigates financial independence post-divorce.

Reality Television Salary

As an original RHOP cast member for nine seasons, Ashley earns a substantial per-episode salary. While Bravo does not disclose exact figures, long-standing main cast members of Real Housewives franchises typically earn between $50,000 to $300,000+ per season, depending on tenure and storyline prominence. Ashley’s decade-long presence suggests earnings in the higher range.

Beyond RHOP, Ashley appeared on Bravo’s dating series Love Hotel in 2025, adding another television income stream.

Business Ventures

1. Oz Restaurant and Bar (2015-2019): Ashley and Michael Darby co-owned this Australian-themed restaurant in Arlington, Virginia. The establishment operated for four years before closing in June 2019, coinciding with the birth of their first son. While the restaurant was closed, it demonstrated Ashley’s entrepreneurial mindset.
2. ZenGem by Ashley: Launched in 2019, this athleisure and yoga apparel line features inspirational mantras on clothing items. Ashley, a certified 200-hour yoga instructor through Yoga Alliance, created the brand following a difficult period in her marriage. Prices range from $25-$35 per item. The line offers tanks, T-shirts, and other activewear with phrases reflecting Ashley’s spiritual philosophy.
3. GnA (Gizelle ‘n’ Ashley): Launched in 2023 with co-star Gizelle Bryant, this athleisure brand was initially described as “Lululemon meets Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty line.” The partnership emerged as Ashley sought financial independence following her separation. The brand has evolved beyond apparel into wellness programming, hosting charitable events and community fitness activities. Following the 2023 death of Gizelle’s father from brain cancer, the brand partnered with the National Brain Tumor Society to host wellness-focused fundraising events.

Drag Brunch Tour and Hosting

In 2023, Ashley launched a nationwide Wives Drag Brunch Tour, hosting drag shows celebrating Real Housewives franchises in cities including Minneapolis, Chicago, Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale, Boston, and New York City. These paid hosting appearances generated significant income as Ashley worked to maintain her lifestyle post-separation. She has continued hosting various live events and comedy club appearances.

Brand Partnerships and Sponsored Content

With over 600,000 Instagram followers, Ashley monetizes her social media presence through sponsored posts and brand collaborations. Influencers at her level typically earn $3,000 to $10,000+ per sponsored post, depending on engagement rates. Her partnerships have spanned fashion, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle brands.

Public Appearances and Media Opportunities

Additional income sources include:

• Paid appearances at events and nightclubs
• Podcast guest spots
• Media interviews
• BravoCon appearances

Personal Life and Divorce Impact

Ashley married Michael Darby, an Australian-born real estate developer 29 years her senior, in May 2014. Michael’s estimated net worth exceeds $20 million, primarily from Monument Realty, his Washington D.C.-based commercial real estate development firm.

The couple welcomed two sons: Dean Michael Darby (born July 7, 2019) and Dylan Matthew Darby (born March 2021). Ashley has been candid about experiencing postpartum depression following Dean’s birth.

Separation and Divorce Settlement

Ashley announced their separation in April 2022, citing being at “very different stages in our lives.” However, she delayed filing for divorce for over two years, finally submitting paperwork in November 2024. The divorce was finalized on February 10, 2025.

Financial Settlement Details:

• The couple had a prenuptial agreement in place
• Ashley receives no alimony per the prenup terms
• She receives child support for their two minor sons
• The prenup included unspecified “safety nets” for financial difficulties
• Michael characterized the settlement as “amicable and fair.”
• They agreed to shared custody of Dean and Dylan

At the Season 7 reunion, Ashley revealed: “According to the prenup, I’m not allowed to get alimony.” This significantly impacted her financial position, requiring her to actively generate independent income.

Post-Divorce Co-Parenting

Ashley and Michael’s co-parenting relationship has improved significantly since the divorce finalization. Ashley shared that they transitioned from “parallel parenting” (minimal engagement) to actively co-parenting. Their sons, who encourage their parents to hug, have noticed the positive shift. As of 2026, Dean (age 6) attends first grade and has developed expertise in complex Lego sets, while Dylan (age 4) follows his brother’s creative interests.

Business Evolution and Financial Strategy

Ashley has been transparent about financial adjustments following her separation. During RHOP Season 9, she revealed Michael canceled her Uber Eats card and that she struggled to secure housing in her own name initially. She admitted: “I did let my financial stuff go and relied on Michael, which, in hindsight, wasn’t the best choice for me to make.”

These challenges motivated her to pursue multiple income streams aggressively. As she stated on the show, “I’m working really hard to create income so that I can maintain my lifestyle. I’m out here hosting drag shows, I’m hosting live shows, I’m doing whatever I can as a working mom to make sure that we stay up here.”

Ashley’s approach reflects learning from her marriage experience, where she relied on Michael as the “breadwinner.” Her current strategy includes:

• Multiple Revenue Streams: Television, business ventures, hosting, social media, and appearances ensure no single income source dependency.
• Leveraging Platform: Converting RHOP fame into business opportunities and partnerships.
• Community Engagement: GnA’s evolution toward wellness events and charitable partnerships creates purpose-driven income.
• Authenticity: Openly discussing financial struggles resonates with audiences and creates relatability that strengthens her brand.

How Ashley Compares to RHOP Co-Stars

Among The Real Housewives of Potomac cast members:

• Karen Huger: Estimated $10 million net worth (highest)
• Robyn Dixon: Estimated $3-6 million net worth
• Gizelle Bryant: Estimated $4 million net worth
• Wendy Osefo: Estimated $3 million net worth
• Candiace Dillard Bassett: Estimated $4.5 million net worth (left show in 2024)

Ashley’s $5 million net worth positions her in the mid-to-upper range. Unlike cast members whose wealth derives primarily from wealthy spouses, Ashley has built independent income streams through her own work, though her initial entry into affluence came through marriage.

Music and Creative Ventures

In July 2018, Ashley released her debut single “Coffee and Love”, produced by her brother. The song, which garnered over 67,000 views, showcased her creative interests beyond business. While not a major commercial success, it demonstrated her willingness to explore different avenues for self-expression.

At 37 years old in 2026, Ashley has articulated clear goals for her future:

• Remarriage and Family Expansion: During BravoCon 2025, Ashley declared, “Oh, I am getting married again. It’s a manifestation. I kind of want another baby… I’m thinking within the next two years.” Her 4-year-old son Dylan frequently tells her he will have a little sister, which Ashley interprets as significant.
• Continued Television Presence: As long as she remains on RHOP, her annual television income continues. Her participation in Love Hotel suggests openness to additional Bravo programming opportunities.
• Business Growth: Both ZenGem and GnA continue operating, with GnA evolving from pure athleisure toward wellness programming and charitable events.
• Platform Monetization: Her established social media following provides ongoing opportunities for brand partnerships and sponsored content.
• Advocacy Work: Ashley has become vocal about supporting Black-owned businesses, particularly discussing how minority entrepreneurs face loan discrimination. This advocacy aligns with her brand values.

Financial Lessons from Ashley’s Journey

Ashley’s evolution from married housewife to independent entrepreneur offers several insights:

1. Avoid Financial Dependency: Ashley’s candid admission about letting “financial stuff go” during marriage serves as a cautionary tale about maintaining financial autonomy.
2. Multiple Income Streams: Television, businesses, hosting, endorsements, and appearances create stability when any single source fluctuates.
3. Adapt to Circumstances: When her restaurant closed and her marriage ended, Ashley pivoted to new opportunities rather than dwelling on losses.
4. Leverage Your Platform: Converting reality TV fame into business ventures and partnerships extends earning potential beyond television contracts.
5. Transparency Builds Connection: Openly discussing struggles and challenges creates authenticity that audiences value, strengthening brand loyalty.
6. Start Early, Work Consistently: Ashley’s work ethic from age 14 established financial awareness and habits that carried forward through her various ventures.

Beyond business, Ashley has engaged in meaningful advocacy work. She serves on the board of the Miss District of Columbia scholarship organization, giving back to the program that gave her early opportunities. She has also been outspoken about supporting Black-owned businesses and LGBTQ+ rights, including her notable participation in drag culture through her hosting work and a memorable Season 9 RHOP moment where she performed as a drag king.

Conclusion

Ashley Darby’s estimated $5 million net worth reflects a decade of reality television work, entrepreneurial ventures across restaurants, wellness brands, and athleisure lines, strategic use of her public platform for partnerships and hosting opportunities, and resilience through significant personal and financial changes. While her marriage to real estate developer Michael Darby initially provided financial security and lifestyle access, Ashley has established independent income sources through RHOP, ZenGem, GnA, nationwide hosting appearances, and brand partnerships.

Following her February 2025 divorce—which resulted in no alimony due to their prenuptial agreement—Ashley has actively diversified her income to maintain her lifestyle while co-parenting sons Dean and Dylan. Her candidness about financial struggles and determination to build independent wealth resonates with audiences navigating similar transitions.

As she continues on RHOP, pursues new romantic possibilities (including her appearance on Love Hotel), potentially expands her family, and grows her wellness-focused business ventures, Ashley’s financial trajectory remains positioned for stability with growth potential. Her journey from working-class teenager supporting her family to multi-millionaire reality star and entrepreneur demonstrates that financial independence, even after setbacks, is achievable through diversification, hard work, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.