Amanza Smith, an interior decorator and furniture designer, has been a prominent cast member of the Netflix reality series Selling Sunset since its second season.
Her family origin is a unique blend of Caucasian and African-American heritage.
Highlights
- Amanza Smith’s father was Nigerian with Asian, European, and Native American roots, whereas her mother was German, English, and Irish.
- Her mother and stepdad were both white, making her the only African-American in the house.
- Her stepdad and stepdad’s father were pedophiles and abused her between the ages of 3 and 11.
Amanza was new to real estate, but her expertise as an interior designer helped her advance as an agent.
She has two children from her ex-husband, Ralph Brown, who played professional football as a cornerback in the NFL.
She won full custody of their children, Noah and Braker, two years after Ralph went missing in September 2019.
The reality star currently resides in Los Angeles and believes there is no age limit to achieve success in her career path.
Don’t give up just because you think you are reaching your peak or that you have an expiration date because you don’t. A lot of the most successful women in the world have just started in their late 30s and 40s, and they still have a whole lot of life to live. Just keep going no matter how old you think you are.
Amanza Smith expressed.
Amanza Smith’s Ethnic Background Shaped Her Approach Toward Her Career Goals
48-year-old, Amanza Smith was born in the United States on December 12, 1976. After her parents divorced, she lived with her mother.
Her mother was German, English, and Irish, whereas her father was Nigerian with Asian, European, and Native American roots.
Grab your favorite Tovala Meal and head to the couch, because #SellingSunet is back! We’re celebrating with Amanza Smith and the Smoky Salmon Tzatziki Bowl by Chef Emily. 👏 pic.twitter.com/wsFOw9k0Ap
— Tovala (@tovalafood) May 19, 2023
Her mother and stepdad were both white, making her the only African-American in the house. Thus, her ethnic background has garnered attention.
Amanza’s parents were hippies, and she grew up with her white elder brother. During the seventh season, she shared about her traumatic childhood.
Her stepdad and stepdad’s father were pedophiles and abused her between the ages of 3 and 11. There was no safe place for her at home, as her mother was also mentally abusive.
She had to be strong on her own because the people who were supposed to protect her didn’t, so she had to put up a strong face.
Despite her disturbed childhood, Amanza still has a soft corner for her mother and shared her picture on Instagram in January 2018.
On the other hand, her biological father wasn’t around her during childhood but has maintained a relationship now. She calls her Papa Sly.
Reconnecting with my father has been cool. Now, I can show my children why I’m the way I am and make them proud of their Black side.
Amanza Smith told Mixed Message in 2020.
Nonetheless, she also credits her best friend’s parents, PR and Shirley, for raising her.
Additional Information
- Selling Sunset follows a group of real estate agents working at The Oppenheim Group.
- Amanza Smith has a degree in Interior design from Indiana State University.
- She was a model before becoming a real estate agent and dated actor Taye Diggs
- Her net worth is estimated at $1 million as of 2024.
