Ariana Madix feels she's earned all of her success.

The 41-year-old star is proud of what she's already achieved in the entertainment business, because she hasn't been able to rely on connections or money to boost her career prospects.

Speaking to Extra, Ariana explained: "When I started out in this business, I was doing sketch comedy videos for $200 a pop. It was about building that resume, and coming out of school with a theatre degree is not the best way to then get a job right out of school in theatre, as much as I wish that it was."

Ariana starred on Vanderpump Rules, the hit reality TV series, before becoming a success on Broadway and hosting Love Island USA.

But Ariana stressed that she's worked exceptionally hard for all of her success.

She said: "Kicking around in New York and showing up to open calls and things like that, it was not gonna be the path for me. And I did that for a few years before I decided that moving to Los Angeles and learning a little bit more about the business and knowing that having television credits, having credits, and building a name for myself on screen was going to hopefully help me be able to return and be on the stage.

"No two people's paths are the same. I'm so grateful that I was able to forge this one, and I encourage everyone to forge their own as well."

The blonde beauty has encouraged other aspiring stars to remain authentic to themselves and to relentlessly follow their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they face.

Ariana - who became the host of Love Island USA in 2024 - said: "Just stay true to what it is that you believe you're passionate about that you wanna do ... Stay true to your dream if it's what you really, really want and don't give up, because sometimes it takes 10 years, sometimes it takes 20 years."