Jeannie Mai is a renowned television presenter and celebrity stylist known for her exceptional work on several shows such as “How Do I Look?” and “The Real.” Mai’s career has been a huge success, and she has made a name for herself in the industry, thanks to her expertise in fashion and styling. As of 2021, Jeannie Mai’s net worth is estimated at $4 million, making her one of the most successful television personalities and models in the industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jeannie Mai was born on January 4, 1980, in San Jose, California. Her parents, Olivia and James, are of Vietnamese and Chinese-Vietnamese descent. Mai went to Milpitas High School and began her career as a makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics at the age of 18. Mai quickly rose to fame, and she started working with high-profile clients such as Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera. Additionally, Mai became a celebrity makeup stylist for MTV’s “Total Request Live” and Los Angeles’ KCAL station.
Breakthrough in Television Hosting
Mai started auditioning for hosting gigs in 2003 and was eventually hired to co-host “Stir,” the first nationally distributed Asian-American show. She then became a producer and entertainment reporter on WB’s “The Daily Mixx.” In 2005, Mai landed her first primetime hosting role on the USA Network’s “Character Fantasy.” Subsequently, she became a fashion and entertainment news correspondent for networks such as Lifetime, TLC, E!, and NBC. Additionally, Mai served as a member of the beauty squad on the TLC program “10 Years Younger.”
Mai’s biggest breakthrough in television came in 2009 when she took over as the host of the makeover show “How Do I Look?,” which aired on the Style Network. The show features contestants who have a bad fashion sense and lifestyle circumstances. Accompanied by accomplices, which include a personal acquaintance and a professional stylist, the contestant receives a full wardrobe makeover.
Further Career on Television
Jeannie Mai has served as a correspondent and weekend host on NBC’s “Extra TV” with Mario Lopez. In 2011, she started hosting the Miss Universe pageant and became a fashion consultant on NBC’s weight-loss competition show “The Biggest Loser.” Other hosting gigs included serving as a digital correspondent for NBC’s “Fashion Star,” hosting the stylist competition show “The Next Style Star,” and guest judging on “Asia’s Next Top Model.”
In 2013, Mai hosted the live weekly series “Style Pop” on the Style Network. In the same year, she also began co-hosting the daytime talk show “The Real” alongside Tamera Mowry, Tamar Braxton, Loni Love, and Adrienne Bailon. The co-hosts received the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host in 2018. Other hosting credits include the GSN reality competition show “Steampunk’d” and the CBS program “Entertainment Tonight,” where she served as a fashion correspondent. In 2019, Mai became the sideline correspondent on the sports reality competition show “Holey Moley,” co-hosted by Rob Riggle and Joe Tessitore.
Other Endeavors
Besides her television career, Jeannie Mai also served as a resident contributor to the fashion website Cocoperez.com, run by Perez Hilton. She has also served as an ambassador for ReimagineMyself.com, which seeks to empower those living with relapsing multiple sclerosis.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Mai married Freddy Harteis in August 2007. However, in October 2017, the couple filed for divorce, and their divorce was finalized in December 2018. Mai began dating rapper Jay Jenkins soon after and got engaged to him in March 2020. They got married in the following year.
Mai’s first home was a 2,400-square-foot cabin-like home in Los Angeles. Later, she purchased a home in Atlanta, Georgia, where she married Jay Jenkins in an intimate backyard ceremony.
Final Thoughts
Jeannie Mai’s impressive net worth is a clear indication of her hard work and dedication to the entertainment industry. She has established herself as a multi-talented television presenter, celebrity stylist, and fashion expert. Mai continues to inspire young individuals aspiring to succeed in the industry through her exceptional work ethic and talent.