There's a new girl at The Oppenheim Group, and she's ready to shake things up in Selling Sunset Season 5. Chelsea Lazkani is a British-Nigerian realtor who forms a quick bond with Christine Quinn before officially joining The O-Group, but just because she's BFFs with the most divisive woman in the office that doesn't mean she's writing all of her other co-workers off. The most important thing you need to know about Selling Sunset's Chelsea is she's a consummate professional — and her presence on the show is a breath of luxuriously scented fresh air.
Early in the season, Chelsea reveals she met Jason Oppenheim once before when he sold her husband, Jeff Lazkani, a house. When they meet again, Jason doesn't initially remember her, but he is impressed by her straightforward personality and promise to deliver new clients to his business. While the other girls are initially wary of Chelsea due to her tight friendship with Christine, she soon proves that she wants to join The Oppenheim Group to work, not to cause trouble.
Ultimately, what sets Chelsea apart is her business background. While all of the women have impressive résumés, she comes from the corporate sector and it shows. Prior to obtaining her realtor license, she graduated from the University of Birmingham and the University of Dundee in Scotland. From there, she moved into the corporate world where she worked as a business strategist, according to People.
Her business background combined with her no-nonsense attitude makes Chelsea standout, and trust me, you're going to want to know even more about her by the end of Season 5.
1.Her Mom Is One Of Her Biggest Inspirations
In her official Oppenheim Group bio, Chelsea shares that her mother is one of her biggest inspirations. Her mom, Elizabeth Adefioye, who was named Chief People Officer at Emerson in 2021, has long been a trailblazer in the corporate world. Also in 2021, she was named one of "The Elite 100: Extraordinary Black Women" who are changing the face of corporate America.
Chelsea credits both her mother's professional example and her career taking their family around the world for helping her build her own career while also gaining an appreciation for travel.
2. She Has A Connection To Million Dollar Listings
After obtaining her realtor license in 2017, Chelsea went to work for Rodeo Realty Inc. — the real estate agency from the reality series Million Dollar Listing. According to her LinkedIn, she worked there from 2017-2020. She officially joined The Oppenheim Group in July 2021.
3. She Wants To Use Her Time On Selling Sunset To Inspire Other Black Women In Real Estate
Chelsea is not only committed to becoming one of the Oppenheim Group's best agents, she also wants to use her time on Selling Sunset to encourage other Black professionals. In her interview with People, she revealed being a mentor to other Black women is one of the things she values most about her new role.
"But for me personally, I saw this as an opportunity to really open doors in an industry that has lacked diversity and where minorities are underrated," she said. "I feel like with great opportunities comes great responsibility. This was kind of my time to give back and to educate and really mentor and push forward Black women in this luxury sector in real estate. So just knowing that I've got a greater purpose kind of prepared me for this."
4. She's A Devoted Mom To Two Toddlers
In addition to being a total boss, Chelsea is also a mom to two little ones under the age of 4: son Maddox Ali Lavon and daughter Melia Man. A quick glance at the realtor's Instagram page reveals she's enamored with her adorable kids. While she loves a good glamor shot and vacation photos, the majority of her posts are dedicated to her children.
5. She Refuses To Take Sides In The Christine Drama
The Christine drama is at an all-time high in Season 5, and as Christine's new bestie, you would expect Chelsea to be in the eye of the storm. But shockingly, she manages to defend her friend without alienating the other women. Her diplomacy is refreshing, as is the candid way she shuts down gossip when the other women try to tell her how much trouble her new pal has made in the past.
Chelsea tells them she can form her own opinions about Christine, while also forming friendships with them on her own terms. She's not there to take sides or create drama, and the other women seem to respect her for it. In a March interview with People, she revealed she's formed a close connection with Emma and she respects all of the women in the office.
"I'm like a lone soldier," she said. "I ebb and flow, and I don't really move at those vibrations. I understand they may have had drama, but I am here to form my own unique relationships."
So while Chelsea definitely adds a new dynamic to the group, one thing she doesn't bring with her is an excessive amount of drama.
Images: Netflix; Chelsea Lazkani/Instagram