!["Shahs of Sunset" star Mercedes Javid](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/fb/2e/fb2e7ba1f33083ac34a1157485643af9.jpg?itok=k2ubYa8I ""Shahs of Sunset" star Mercedes Javid")
Mercedes Javid is the madly funny and effortlessly charming star of Bravo's 100% irresistible hit Shahs of Sunset. The Persian powerhouse took a time out to talk about everything from her shattered friendship with Reza...to her phenomenal real estate career...to what it's really like working with Ryan Seacrest.
MM: It’s been tough watching your friendship with Reza get rocked this season. Where do you stand now?
Mercedes Javid: Reza and I are not speaking. I don’t know what’s going to happen to our friendship but we’ve never ever had a falling out before. While he was shooting with the rest of the cast, the comments and the assertations he made about me – what I do, what I wear, my age, the hours I keep – he said he was talking as a friend. But when I watched the episodes, he was talking about me – not to me. He has not been a sincere, genuine friend and shame on him for that.
MM: Do you think you and Reza will ever be friends?
MJ: I think that we will. I know him better than anybody – probably even better than he knows himself. I don’t think either of us wants to put it to rest like this. What he did I consider betrayal. I’m sure he thinks the same about me and that I’m a piece of *hit.
MM: Looked like there was some l-o-v-e in the air between you and George aka Persian Drake….
MJ: Yes, we met on my birthday. I thought my idea where all of my friends bring a single guy to my birthday was going to be a bad joke [laughs]. I was very caught off-guard when I met him. We’re taking it slow. We both work and travel a lot. My face is lit up like a Christmas tree now because I’m going to see him tonight. We’re not LA speed. We’re originally from the East Coast. He’s a gentleman and he’s very gentle with me.
MM: Does Persian Drake serenade you with Drake songs? p.s. He’s way more handsome than real Drake.
MJ: He doesn’t sing to me but he’s a songwriter. And I agree with you, he’s way better looking than Drake. And his physique is amazing and the way he dresses, too.
MM: What’s it like working with “Shahs” EP Ryan Seacrest?
MJ: Every time I see Ryan, he is extremely pleasant. The presence he has when he is interacting with us is great. Even though he’s the busiest guy in Hollywood, if we want to talk to him about anything – he’s always there. If it’s by email or a phone call or showing up.
MM: How are things with GG? You guys are buddies, so it must have been brutal un-inviting her to your birthday party…
MJ: As far as GG is concerned, I’ve always had a soft spot for her. She’s a person that has had a lot of enablers in her life. I tried to do the best thing for everyone by disinviting her to my birthday. I didn’t want to be an enabler in her life. It’s not easy. I have to make a big effort. I grew up in a household where I was the peacemaker and I see I’m still carrying that into adulthood.
MM: “Shahs of Sunset” – you’ve done it again! Intense season! Do you wish you could change any moments from the show?
MJ: I always want to be a better person and more compassionate. And self-awareness is something I’ll always want to work toward. I don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed about anything on the show or in my life. I can always apologize for something I’ve done but that’s different than being ashamed about it.
What I do want to say is that I’m a party girl but I don’t like all the judgment in the air about me right now. I’m not approving of the disapproval of people judging me. There’s nothing wrong with having fun. I have fun when I’m on vacation or holidays or the weekend. But if it’s a week night and I’m working, that’s a different story. I’m a successful, self-made businesswoman and a lot of people don’t acknowledge that side of me.
MM: Persian culture is notoriously skeptical about therapy…and it’s been fascinating seeing your therapy sessions on “Shahs of Sunset.” What’s been the greatest thing you’ve gotten out of therapy?
MJ: I always thought that I was going to rely on a husband or my mother or father for a foundation. But after my experiences this year and through therapy, I’ve found that I’m the person I lean on. Me and no one else. That was really neat.
Most people - including me before I started - see therapy as a daunting, long-term effort before you get returns. But if you find the right therapist like I have, each session is very rewarding. And it’s been so helpful because even though I’m very ambitious and career-driven, mental strength is so important because I’m in a field where I have to rely on myself. I don’t have a “clock-in, clock-out” mentality. I always have to be on point.
MM: You’re a star real estate agent at Keller Williams. What makes you so successful in the crazy competitive real estate world?
MJ: I love it. I’m in it for the right reasons. I’m very attentive to everything for my clients.
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MM: The finale is creeping upon us! What are your plans for the finale night?
MJ: I’m going to be in New York celebrating with some friends and going to some fashion shows. Actually, there are 3 more episodes after the finale. We have a two part reunion and an episode of unseen footage. The finale is the tip of the iceberg.
MM: Will you pop diamond water?
MJ: If Asa sends it to me…I don’t think I’ll have it.
MM: Already dreaming of “Shahs” season 3! What will “season 3 MJ” be like?
MJ: What I personally set out to do this year is a culmination of all the changes in my personal and family life. I’ve changed so much that I think I’ve closed a chapter and opened a new one.
I’m really excited to apply these changes into my personal life and career and you’ll see that in season 3. And maybe in season 4 or 5 you’ll see me settling down and more focused on home life.
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