Reality shows have a way of showing the worst of their stars, oftentimes creating false perceptions of ironically, reality, in the eyes of millions. Over the last five seasons of The Real Housewives of Atlanta we’ve certainly seen our share of the bad, but beneath the woman to woman drama; there is a ton of good that often goes unnoticed. Meet again Atlanta socialite, Marlo Hampton, the self-proclaimed diva who made her big splash on our screens during season four of the hit bravo show.
It is said that those born under the Aquarius sign have a social conscience and are humanitarians, interested in making the world a better place. As an Aquarius myself, I could not agree more. I had the pleasure to speak with fellow Aquarian, Marlo Hampton, on how she gives back and her story is one that is not often told. Marlo grew up in the foster care system, having a mother on drugs and facing many of the trials and tribulations you only see in movies or read about in fiction novels. A true triumph thru tragedy story Marlo rose above and is now a well known socialite and business woman on the Atlanta scene, that loves her fashion.
Often misconstrued as an escort or gold digger, she is in fact, none of the above. Through all of her experiences, Marlo has defied the odds to become a capable, independent, motivated, college educated, entrepreneur and someone who desires more than anything to bring opportunities to young girls starting out in life, just like her.
Two years ago Marlo created “Glam It Up” a charity organization for young girls currently in the foster care system.
“I remember the loneliness and isolation of shuttling from one foster home to another, never feeling as if I had family or refuge. In many places I was not even provided a key to the door; hugs and attention were reserved for others. I always felt like a stranger, an outcast. I remember hopelessness and not seeing a way out. I remember the despair of thinking that the future would, for me, not become brighter. I stand here today a version of myself I had never dreamed possible,” says Marlo.
Marlo says she could never have envisioned arriving at a place of gratitude, for through her hardships, her pain and endless difficult times she has become the woman she is today.
She created Glam It Up to help young girls build their self-esteem, to give them a platform from which to create their dreams, to teach them the fundamentals of life that often are overlooked when you are growing up amidst such turmoil. Glam It Up serves as a resource for young girls, a place where they can ask questions and can be inspired, where they can learn, dream and realize that despite the circumstances they may find themselves in today, there is always a tomorrow.
Since it’s inception, Glam It Up, as the name suggests, has given young girls GLAMOROUS life experiences! Including providing 25 young girls a day of pampering – hair, make-up, nails and more. The girls have enjoyed attending A-list concerts and events including having the once in a life-time opportunity to not only attend a Kerri Hilson concert, but get this, go on-stage with Kerri to sing and dance.
I was so impressed to learn about Marlo’s work with Glam It Up and her true love of giving back. 
As stated by Marlo, “Giving is like breathing, you have to do it.”
And giving she is this holiday season in the city of Atlanta. Last year Marlo teamed up with Publix Grocery stores to feed families in need and is doing so again this holiday season. Her efforts are affectionally titled Marlo Hampton’s 2nd Annual “Simply Giving” and Marlo hopes to feed at least 20 families.
Marlo says there is much more in store as it relates to her philanthropic efforts, but mostly her heart is in the right place, the love, high hopes and commitment to others, especially the young ladies she serves will never waver. She hope that one day these girls will look back, feel sexy, glamorous and recognize the amazing women they have become , when they look back at their lives and all they have achieved.
For more information on Marlo’s Glam It Up visit www.simplymarlo.com.
I think that is wonderful to give back and inspire so many girls to give them motivatigo to never give up on being successful . Keep up the great work !