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Bravo's "The Real Housewives Of Atlanta" Season 16 Premiere Celebration
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Kelli Ferrell isn’t the type to get intimidated — not even by a powerhouse show like The Real Housewives of Atlanta. When asked if she was nervous about joining the 16th season of Bravo’s hit series in an interview with The Baltimore Banner, she laughed it off in true Baltimore fashion:

“Girl, I’m from Baltimore. No one can intimidate me.”

And honestly, that energy tracks. The Randallstown native, chef, and restaurant owner made her Bravo debut Sunday night, and viewers are about to get a front-row seat to her life — including the ups and downs of a messy divorce and her hustle to build her brand. But make no mistake, Ferrell is bringing Baltimore grit and flavor to RHOA.

Even though Ferrell moved from Maryland in the early 2000s, she still has deep ties to the city. With family still in Baltimore and a deep appreciation for the food scene, she makes it a point to visit as often as she can. And every time she’s back, there’s one thing she can’t miss: blue crabs.

“I definitely need blue crabs every time I’m home,” she said. Her go-to spot? Her brother and sister’s restaurant, Angie’s Seafood. “I always pull up there. I used to love Mo’s Seafood, too.”

Ferrell credits her mother and grandmother for teaching her how to cook — a skill that would eventually turn into a thriving career. Her grandmother, who hailed from the Eastern Shore, and her mother’s impressive culinary skills influenced Ferrell’s approach to food.

“I think growing up in Baltimore, you get exposed to so many different flavors and cultures. It’s a blend of everything, and that’s definitely shaped my style in the kitchen,” she said.

It’s also shaped her confidence. Ferrell believes Baltimore girls have a certain edge when it comes to style and attitude, and she wishes more people recognized the city for its culture and creativity — not just its challenges.

“First off, we have the BEST food. Period. People don’t talk about that enough. Our accents are iconic. And honestly, B-more girls have some of the best fashion. Like, we are that girl,” she added. “I also wish people didn’t just think about the crime when they hear about Baltimore. We’ve got so much talent, style, and culture. I wish the world saw more of that.”

Now that she’s stepping into the reality TV spotlight, Ferrell hopes to bring a little bit of that Baltimore flavor to The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Though it took her three attempts to finally land a spot on the show, she believes the timing couldn’t have been better.

As the season unfolds, Ferrell’s storyline will dive deep into her divorce and the reality of rebuilding her life while managing her business and raising her kids. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s real — and she’s proud to show it.

“I think people will get to see a different side of me,” she said. “I never really show my personal life on social media, so this will be the first time people really get to see me beyond the kitchen. You’ll see me balancing my business, my kids, and just rebuilding my life. It’s raw, but I’m proud of it.”

More than anything, Ferrell hopes viewers walk away with a better understanding of what RHOA is all about — not just drama, but genuine friendship and growth.

And if there’s one thing Ferrell knows how to do, it’s bring love, flavor, and a whole lot of Baltimore spice to whatever room she steps into. The Real Housewives of Atlanta just got a lot more delicious. Click here for her full interview.

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