Sammi “Sweetheart” is the latest Jersey Shore cast member to parlay TV stardom into a “brand.” Unsurprisingly, she’s taking cues from countless other celebrities by releasing a signature fragrance. The reality star chatted with our celebrity correspondent about her new business venture, her infamous relationship, and why you might actually want to smell like at least one of these crazy party animals.
DivineCaroline: Congratulations on your new fragrance.
Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola: Yeah I am really excited about this. It’s called Dangerous.
DC: Why that particular name?
SG: Not only is it dangerously sweet just like me but I also feel it represents who I am.
DC: How would you describe the scent?
SG: It is a combination of vanilla, almond, and brown sugar. It is really light and not over-powering.
DC: Why the interest in creating a perfume?
SG: It was different than what my cast mates were doing.
DC: What did you know about the perfume industry before getting involved with this project?
SG: Not too much.
DC: So why take on this massive undertaking?
SG: It was something I was always interested in. I thought to myself why not pursue it and learn about it?
DC: Tell me about your role in creating the scent.
SG: I had a hand in creating it. Although I was not in the factory, I did help pick out the scent that would best represent me.
DC: How did you develop the concept for the bottle and packaging?
SG: I worked with an expert named Paul Morrison who helped me through this process and taught me so much.
DC: Prior to launching your own perfume, were there any fragrance designers you were a fan of?
SG: Some of my favorite perfumes were by Paris Hilton and Britney Spears.
DC: How are sales going?
SG: They are great and the perfume is really affordable.
DC: How affordable?
SG: It is $21.00 a bottle and you can buy it at www.Dangerousperfume.com.
DC: How would you describe your experience in the business world?
SG: I studied business in college for a bit.
DC: Do you consider yourself to be an entrepreneur?
SG: Maybe one day although this is the first product I am launching I do hope others will follow if this perfume continues to be a success.
DC: Others? Like another perfume?
SG: I would love to create a men’s fragrance.
DC: Where do you see your life going once the “Jersey Shore” wraps up?
SG: Hopefully the show never ends. But if it does, I just want to be successful in doing something I love. I also want to continue building on my brand.
DC: Given the bad rap you and your cast mates sometimes get, any regrets doing the “Jersey Shore?”
SG: I love the “Jersey Shore.” But this job is like everything else in life. There are ups and downs. Because of the show’s success I got to make a perfume, go to numerous appearances and meet awesome people.
DC: You talk about the pros but what are some of the cons?
SG: There really isn’t much of a private life.
DC: How would you describe your relationship with Ronnie right now?
SG: I am still with Ron and everything with us is fabulous.
DC: Have you been portrayed fairly on the show?
SG: You don’t see everything that gets filmed. We are being followed 24/7 and the version you see is only one-hour. What you didn’t see was how much fun I had with the girls in Italy and the great time I had with Ron. I know I am okay with myself and strong.
