Ryan Pierce

Visiting… the Essence Festival in New Orleans where Ryan will appear as a keynote speaker. She has invited her best friends from college to stay with her. Calling themselves the "Flossy Posse," the group partied hard together in the 1990’s. They’ve drifted apart over the years, so Ryan reunited the group for a “hashtag Black Girl Magic vacation.”

Profession… successful lifestyle-guru. Ryan is also the best-selling author of You Can Have It All. She and her husband will likely receive a massive marketing deal if her speech goes well.

Interests… cutting loose. Ryan has been working so much that she forgot how much fun she used to have with her girlfriends.

Relationship Status… married to ex-NFL player, Stewart Pierce. To the outside world, Stewart and Ryan are the perfect couple. But the paparazzi is starting to burst that bubble: a photo has emerged of Stewart kissing a woman named Simone who is a self-described "Instagram skank." And it’s not the first time Stewart cheated on her. 

Challenge… facing her reality. Ryan has been in denial about her troubled marriage, and she is opening up to her friends. As she says, “There are some people when you see them, you just can’t pretend anymore because they know you. The real you. And maybe that’s why you avoided seeing them for so long.”

Personality… driven, strong, and responsible. Ryan tells herself and advises others to recite the mantra: “I am strong. I am powerful. I am beautiful.” But Ryan is starting to realize that it’s ok to show her vulnerable side. She’s leaning on her friends—and some strong drinks—to get through this weekend in one piece.