Paulina Ben-Cohen became a familiar face through the hit Bravo series Shahs of Sunset, but her story stretches far beyond television. Known for her elegance, privacy, and complex personal journey, Paulina has evolved from reality TV castmate into a self-made entrepreneur and influencer. Her net worth today reflects a mix of media attention, smart choices, and resilience in the face of challenges.
Early Life and Background
Although she shares much of her current life on social media, Paulina has kept her early years out of the spotlight. What’s publicly known is that she was born in the United States to Persian Jewish parents and has one brother, Pej Ben-Cohen, a successful trial lawyer in California. Estimates suggest Paulina was born around 1990, placing her in her early 30s. She is fluent in English and Farsi, reflecting her multicultural upbringing.
Shahs of Sunset and Rising Fame
Paulina first appeared on Shahs of Sunset during its later seasons, introduced as Mike Shouhed’s girlfriend. The Bravo reality show followed a group of Iranian-American friends navigating life in Los Angeles. Although she wasn’t a main cast member from the start, her presence quickly became a central part of the show’s storyline. Her engagement to Mike and their often tumultuous relationship kept viewers intrigued.
Estimated Net Worth in 2025
Today, Paulina Ben-Cohen’s estimated net worth falls between $1 million and $1.5 million. While Bravo never released cast salaries publicly, sources suggest recurring cast members could earn thousands per episode. Combined with brand collaborations, boutique ventures, and potential divorce settlements from her former husband, her financial standing has remained steady—even after her reality TV run ended.
Reality TV as a Launchpad
While Shahs of Sunset gave Paulina exposure, she has used the platform to branch into independent business ventures. Her visibility allowed her to build a loyal social media following and grow her own brand. The show may have been short-lived for her, but its impact on her career was long-term. As of 2025, she remains known not just as a castmate, but as a figure who transitioned successfully out of the reality TV sphere.
Instagram Influence and Paid Partnerships
Paulina’s Instagram account is a curated reflection of her personal style, family moments, and beauty collaborations. With over 125,000 followers, she earns through sponsored content with fashion brands such as Fashion Nova and various boutique labels. Her ability to blend luxury aesthetics with relatability makes her a sought-after influencer. These partnerships have added a consistent stream of income, complementing her more public endeavors.
Boutique Business Ventures
One of her more grounded sources of income comes from small business ownership. Paulina has been linked to a boutique clothing brand, Sage & Saddle, which focuses on contemporary, chic designs. In earlier years, she was associated with CO2 Cashmere, a luxury fashion line in Beverly Hills. These entrepreneurial ventures highlight her long-term thinking and desire to build something lasting beyond television fame.
Personal Life and Family Dynamics
Paulina has two young children from her previous marriage to Tal Bahari, a wealthy businessman. After their divorce, she began dating Mike Shouhed, with whom she eventually got engaged. However, the engagement ended in the wake of domestic violence allegations, which Paulina later confirmed through a legal filing. In 2025, she married Dennis DeSantis, who was once married to fellow Shahs of Sunset star GG Gharachedaghi. Her romantic life has been both personal and public, making her a frequent topic in entertainment news.
Legal Disputes and Public Resilience
Her relationship with Mike Shouhed turned serious before ultimately falling apart under troubling circumstances. In 2022, Paulina filed a domestic violence lawsuit against him, which made headlines across entertainment outlets. Then in 2025, she filed a restraining order against GG Gharachedaghi following an alleged physical altercation in a department store. These public incidents, while painful, showed Paulina’s willingness to stand up for herself and protect her peace.
Her Lifestyle in Los Angeles
Paulina currently resides in Los Angeles, where she continues to raise her children and run her business. Her social posts often showcase luxury shopping, family vacations, and moments of self-care. Though she does not flaunt material wealth, her lifestyle suggests a level of financial comfort. Her taste in fashion, real estate, and wellness aligns with someone who has curated not only wealth but emotional balance.
Where the Wealth Comes From
Her net worth is not tied to one source. It’s the result of multiple income streams: television salaries, social media brand deals, boutique ownership, and possibly a divorce settlement. More importantly, it’s built on the ability to leverage opportunity. Paulina doesn’t chase fame—she redirects it. And in doing so, she has created an image and income that’s far more stable than the fleeting attention of reality TV.
Motherhood and Private Priorities
One of the most admirable aspects of Paulina’s public image is how she balances motherhood with business. She often shares glimpses of her children on social media, always protecting their privacy while expressing her love. Her priorities have shifted over time, and while she still engages with her audience, her focus seems more rooted in her family and her future rather than entertainment headlines.
Media Attention and Managing Fame
With fame comes scrutiny, and Paulina has had her share. Yet she’s remained composed, rarely responding to rumors or drama unless it directly affects her or her children. This maturity has helped her stay relevant without overexposure. Whether it’s navigating a public breakup or quietly launching a new brand, she manages fame on her terms—a quality that contributes to her long-term appeal.
A Future Beyond Television
The cancellation of Shahs of Sunset did not slow her momentum. If anything, it allowed Paulina to shift her attention fully to entrepreneurship and parenting. While a return to television is always possible, her current path seems more intentional and private. She may choose to write, expand her boutique line, or explore beauty-related projects. Whatever comes next, she’s likely to build it with the same quiet focus that brought her this far.
Final Thoughts on Her Journey
Paulina Ben-Cohen’s path has not been without obstacles. But she’s shown that public life doesn’t have to define your private worth. Her journey from reality star to businesswoman, from public relationships to legal strength, reflects a woman who understands both visibility and value. Her net worth is just one part of the story—her growth, independence, and resolve are the rest.
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Paulina Ben-Cohen’s Place in the Spotlight
As of 2025, Paulina Ben-Cohen stands as a thoughtful example of how women can pivot their media exposure into meaningful, self-directed careers. She is not only recognized for who she dated or what show she appeared on—but also for the way she rebuilt and redirected her life after the cameras faded. Her story is less about reality TV and more about real life. And that’s what makes her so genuinely compelling.
FAQs
How much is Paulina Ben-Cohen worth in 2025?
Her estimated net worth in 2025 is between $1 million and $1.5 million, reflecting a combination of TV earnings, brand deals, boutique business income, and personal investments.
What does Paulina Ben-Cohen do for a living now?
Since stepping back from reality TV, Paulina focuses on her boutique fashion business, social media brand partnerships, and motherhood. She’s built a steady income outside of television.
Is Paulina Ben-Cohen still married?
Yes, she married Dennis DeSantis in January 2025, following her public split from Shahs of Sunset co-star Mike Shouhed.
Does Paulina have children?
She is a mother of two—one son and one daughter—from her previous marriage to businessman Tal Bahari. She often shares motherhood moments but keeps their lives mostly private.
