Vegas has opened my eyes to a much more competitive entertainment world. For the longest time, I always thought I was ready for a big break… But getting me out here has made me realize I still have a lot to work on! It is a big competitive world outside of Kentucky! Being in Las Vegas has encouraged me to get in the best shape in my life, both mentally and physically. People wouldn’t think that when you move to “Sin City” but honestly, you have to be healthy in order to survive and be successful in a town that is as fast paced as this one. Hopefully I am beginning to crack into that. Putting your life under a microscope for three months catapults your growth process as a person as well. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I evolved so much over the course of filming! I look back at the person who I started as and I have grown so much. I really credit a lot of that to “Southern Belles.” Read more…

The choice to leave Louisville for Vegas — it wasn’t difficult at all! I love my family and friends in Kentucky, but that is what airplanes are for! This job with 702.tv is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am HONORED to be chosen to be part of the team.  I don’t want to look back with any regrets in life… it is too short! My dad and I still email daily, and I talk to my mom all the time too.

Read more…

Emily braves her new 'do.

In this episode you see me working — I have always been passionate about working and have loved having a job and making my own money. I have been working in media since I was 15, but before that, I was all about architecture. When I was little, I used to design homes, layout neighborhoods, and even named the streets. I read the Real Estate section every day and dragged my dad to open houses on the weekends. I am fascinated by design and décor. I am a homebody at heart, and I love cozy homes!

My job at 702.tv is my dream job. It is a place where can finally be myself, both personally and professionally. I am working with an amazingly talented staff, extremely dedicated individuals, all under the leadership of a great visionary, Rob Curley. I really feel like we are paving the way for the future of media, and I can’t think of a better spot to be in. Read more…

On to another adventure!

I definitely love the outdoors! I love boating and being around water. It is so calm and relaxing. I am not afraid to rough it in any way or fashion. With a crazy career schedule, it is so nice to retreat from the fast life. I think the simple pleasures in life are often the most fun!

Growing up, I was a tomboy until about 6th grade. I always hung with my brother and the boys in the neighborhood. Some of my fondest memories are playing outside in the sprinkler, catching bugs, digging in the dirt, and riding bikes. However, the one thing that creeps me out is worms! I cannot touch them, they are so slimy and disgusting! Thank goodness Kellie was there — she’s always one to take charge in situations, she did a great job of helping us with the worms. That’s why we call her Momma Belle!

I think my style is always evolving. I am a bit of a chameleon, and get bored easily. I think that is the best part of clothing, expressing yourself and your mood. I am usually willing to try something new (even Shea’s clothes). I like to stay on top of trends and shoes are always an easy way to my heart. Read more…

Emily at Julie's 35th

I have started to get recognized in some of the most random places. Just the other day I was leaving church and walking in the parking lot by myself. An older couple was walking next to me and the man shouted, “There’s that Gimmel girl!” I wanted to crawl under a rock, I didn’t have any make-up on and felt like a bum! I soon went to the mall and bought the biggest pair of sunglasses I could find!

The city is definitely buzzing about the show! Everyone seems to be talking about it. The girls and I have enjoyed hanging out, sipping wine, and chatting about how all our stories are unfolding on television. We love to analyze every single little bit. I’ve spent a lot of time at Shea’s place lately just hanging out.

As much as I love Louisville, the job in Vegas is a dream come true! I seriously feel like I have died and gone to journalism heaven. I couldn’t ask for a better company, or a better opportunity. Still, my dad doesn’t want me to get caught up in, as he calls it, “The All About Me Crowd.” Lots of people in the entertainment industry can develop into self-serving, ruthless people, and that goes against everything my parents have instilled in me. In Kentucky, folks approach life with a warmer and more friendly attitude. My parents don’t want me to lose that.

Neither does Terry — someone I respect immensely. He is probably the biggest name in broadcasting in the state. He has helped me with career decsions I the past, so I definitely listen to what he has to say.

I am sure the girls want me to move to Las Vegas so they can have a free place to stay anytime they want! Haha. (Kidding) Still, I value my friendships so much, and Las Vegas is FAR away. No amount of success could ever buy you those types of relationships with other people.

Still, there is no doubt in my mind that I can survive on my own. I had my first job when I was 13, and haven’t looked back. In fact, the name Emily means “industrious worker.” I don’t want to be fed with a silver spoon my entire life. I enjoy and embrace the feelings of achievement, still that doesn’t mean I don’t worry about getting lonely in the process…

Lights! Cameras! Belles!

As a reporter, I am used to seeing myself on camera, but never in this capacity. With cameras on us 24/7, you are definitely going to see me with my guard down. I am a little nervous to see how everything is going to unfold. But at the same time, I know we have terrific network and production team behind us. The show is shot very well and already makes Louisville seem like a beautiful place to live, work, and play. Highlighting my hometown in such a way makes me happy. I am looking forward to proving not only that we wear shoes in Kentucky, but that we have style!

It helps that my family and friends are very supportive. I am getting emails and phone calls left and right from people excited about the show. A lot of my friends think the show is pretty humorous, because you see me do something in real life, and then to see it on TV, they are like – “Yep, that is totally Emily!”

And though it seems like we’re very different, my parents and I are very close. They support my decisions, they just want to make sure that I choose wisely. My dad and I are pretty similar in the sense that we are both extremely hard working and ambitious. He worked in broadcasting for twenty years before taking over the family business. My dad is very generous to other people, and I think I am as well. Success doesn’t mean much if you don’t have good people in your life to share it with! We are also very loyal to the relationships in our lives, and affectionate towards those we care about.

My parents were comfortable with cameras being around just because they have learned to expect the unexpected with me. They have been saying for years how my life is a movie, it’s constantly one big roller coaster. I am always looking for a new adventure and a new mountain to climb. Read more…

Check back Friday morning for the latest from Emily! Get her take on the charity event, her parents, and what it’s like to highlight her hometown on a television show!