Diana Jenkins ranks among the wealthiest Real Housewives stars with a $300 million net worth. The former Bosnian war refugee transformed herself into a successful business mogul through a substantial divorce settlement.
She built her empire with smart investments in ventures like Neuro Drinks and Melissa Odabash swimwear. Her reputation extends beyond business as she dedicates much of her wealth to philanthropic causes.
From Refugee to London Graduate
Sanela Diana Jenkins's path to becoming a wealthy entrepreneur began with extraordinary hardship that molded her resilient character. Her story starts in 1973 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she was born as Sanela Dijana Ćatić. This experience from war refugee to multimillionaire laid the foundations of her remarkable rise.
Life before the war
Diana spent her early years in a concrete-block apartment that defined communist-era Yugoslavia. Her childhood memories paint an idyllic picture. "I grew up in a small town in the former Yugoslavia and had a very happy childhood—the kind every child dreams of," she once recalled.
A middle-class Bosnian family provided Diana stability and comfort. Her mother worked as an accountant and her father served as an economist. The eldest of two children excelled in academics and became an honors student studying economics at the University of Sarajevo.
On top of that, she showed athletic promise as a competitive swimmer, hinting at the discipline that would help drive her business success later.
Unexpected influences shaped Diana's childhood dreams. Some accounts mention her fascination with the American TV show "Dynasty," which she called her "blueprint for life". She couldn't have known this early interest in wealth would mirror her own future.
Surviving the siege of Sarajevo
The year 1992 brought dramatic change as Serbia attacked Bosnia. "Then war suddenly broke out. First, there were gunshots, then bombs, and the next thing we knew we needed to escape our town," Diana explained. Sarajevo's siege violently shattered her peaceful world.
The teenage Diana showed incredible bravery as she fled her hometown—some accounts suggest she walked from Sarajevo to Croatia. Croatian refugee camps became her home for over a year while her parents stayed in Bosnia. The conflict's brutality claimed more than 100,000 lives, including many of Diana's friends and cousins.
Serbian forces dealt the most devastating blow just days before the Dayton Accords ended the fighting. They murdered her younger brother, Irnis, who was only 21 years old. This profound loss changed her life's direction. "I reinvented myself for survival. That year Sanela died and I became Diana," she stated.
Rebuilding life through education
London became Diana's next destination after Croatia. She reported to immigration authorities and received asylum with rights to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom. The language barrier and lack of money created huge obstacles.
Notwithstanding that, Diana's determination proved remarkable. Night school became her path to learning English for two years. She worked multiple jobs to support herself and her parents in war-torn Bosnia. The Telegraph newspaper quoted her saying she "survived on a diet of Toblerone" during this time.
Diana sold silver jewelry on London's streets to make ends meet. She chose mathematics and computer science studies, noting that "English is not a barrier to the language of mathematics".
Her academic commitment yielded results. Diana excelled at City University London in computer science and economics. A BSc degree with high honors crowned her efforts. This educational foundation became vital to her future business ventures that built her substantial net worth.
British citizenship rewarded Diana's four years of hard work in London. She stood out among refugees. "Other Yugoslavian refugees were sent back home, but I was a model citizen—I never took a penny from the government and I was a good student. I was one of the few who were allowed to stay," she explained.
Diana's resilience, intelligence, and work ethic showed clearly during these challenging times. These qualities helped revolutionize her life from a penniless refugee into one of entertainment's wealthiest women.
Building a Business Empire
Diana Jenkins built her impressive business portfolio after settling in London. Her business sense shined through in many industries like fashion, beverages and entertainment. This added substantially to her net worth.
Melissa Odabash Swimwear success
Diana started her business career with a small jewelry stand in London right after graduating from university. This taught her about retail and gave her money to invest in future projects. She bought half of Melissa Odabash swimwear in 2007, which soon became a hit with celebrities.
The swimwear line grew fast under Diana's guidance. Vogue praised the brand and called it "the Ferraris of swimwear". Big names like Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, Elle Macpherson, Heidi Klum, and Lady Gaga loved wearing Melissa Odabash pieces.
The brand grew big and reached more than 250 luxury stores, boutiques, and resorts in 48 countries. Diana moved from London to Malibu and pushed to grow the brand's presence on the West Coast. The company grew beyond swimwear and added cover-ups, peasant skirts, and MO2 – a skincare line with sunscreen products.
Neuro Drinks and wellness branding
Diana's biggest success came in 2009 with Neuro Brands. She still leads the company as Founder, Chair, and CEO. She created Neuro because she saw a gap in the drink market.
"I started Neuro Brands because I saw what was lacking in the lifestyle beverage space. Most drinks on shelves had long lists of ingredients, were mostly energy drinks, full of sugar, and didn't taste very good," Diana explained.
The company led the way in functional drinks before they became popular.
Each Neuro product serves a specific purpose:
- NeuroSonic for energy
- NeuroSleep for better rest
- NeuroBliss for stress reduction
- NeuroTrim for digestion and satiety
- NeuroImmune for immune support
- Probucha (probiotic tonic)
- Neuro Aqua (premium hydration)
- Neuro Gasm (using L-Citrulline to boost blood flow)
The products are vegan, GMO-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, and certified kosher.
Neuro has grown amazingly since it started. You can find their products in more than 65,000 stores across the country, including Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Albertsons. Stars like Lady Gaga, Kate Hudson, Cindy Crawford, and Elton John love the drinks.
The market for functional drinks keeps growing. Precedence Research expects it to reach $279.40 billion by 2030, with an 8.94% CAGR between 2022-2030. Diana's company sits perfectly in this booming market.
D Empire Entertainment and music ventures
Diana started D Empire Entertainment, a full-service music label. She runs the company that works with both new and seasoned artists.
D Empire Entertainment helps with media strategy, branding, publicity, recording, distribution, and licensing. New artists can submit their songs through the label's website.
Diana proves herself as a strong entrepreneur through her work in fashion, drinks, and entertainment. Her business ventures keep adding to her impressive net worth.
Where Did Diana Jenkins Get Her Money?
Diana's reputation as an entrepreneur comes from her business ventures, but her impressive $300 million net worth stems from three sources. A notable divorce settlement, smart real estate investments, and steady business income have built her extraordinary wealth.
The $300 million divorce settlement
Diana's financial status changed after marrying British banker Roger Jenkins. The couple met during her studies at City University London and married in 1999. Roger became one of the world's highest-paid bankers during their marriage and earned over $100 million in 2005 alone.
The couple separated in 2009 after ten years of marriage and two children. Their divorce was finalized in 2011. The settlement was unusually friendly for a high-profile divorce. The Telegraph reported £150 million (about $195 million), while other sources put the figure at $300 million.
Roger gave credit to Diana's role in his success: "Will she take half my money? Of course. Without her, I would not have had anything like the success I've had". He mentioned her help in negotiating vital deals with Middle Eastern royalty that saved Barclays during the 2008 financial crisis.
The settlement put Diana among Britain's 500 wealthiest individuals right away.
Smart real estate deals
Diana's skill in real estate investments added to her wealth. She bought a clifftop Malibu estate with beach views in the early 2000s for $21 million. She found this home while house-hunting with musician Kid Rock.
Diana listed the Malibu mansion for $125 million in 2020. She ended up selling it to her neighbor—WhatsApp founder Jan Koum—for $87 million in February 2021. This sale gave her a $66 million profit on her first investment.
After this sale, she put $13 million into a 13,000-square-foot mansion on 4 acres in Hidden Hills, California. She listed this property for $20.5 million in May 2023, which could add another big profit to her portfolio.
Diana owns several properties worldwide. She said during a RHOBH interview: "Geographically, I usually have a set of houses that I move around with. Currently, it's L.A., Sarajevo, Hvar. Around five, six houses".
Ongoing business income
Diana keeps growing her wealth through business ventures alongside her real estate success and divorce settlement. Her functional beverage company, Neuro Brands, brings in about $79 million yearly revenue.
She holds substantial ownership as Chairwoman and CEO of this growing company. You can find the brand at major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart.
Diana keeps her majority stake in Melissa Odabash Swimwear, which adds to her income stream. Her mix of business interests, property investments, and divorce settlement have created her impressive wealth.
Diana's business sense stands out in her wealth story. She helped her ex-husband negotiate with Middle Eastern investors and made smart moves in property markets. Her wealth comes from active management rather than inheritance. A financial analyst noted: "It's reasonable to expect someone with such a keen business sense to time markets well enough to earn profits when she sells property".
How Is Diana Jenkins So Rich Today?
Diana keeps her estimated $300 million fortune through smart business management and lifestyle choices that showcase luxury and business acumen. Her continued financial success comes from multiple revenue sources. She doesn't just rely on her divorce settlement.
Diversified income streams
Diana's wealth mainly stems from her role as Founder, Chairwoman, and CEO of Neuro Brands, the functional beverage company she started in 2009. The brand has seen incredible growth, and its products are now accessible in over 65,000 locations nationwide.
Her drinks line has:
- NeuroSonic (energy boost)
- NeuroSleep (promotes restful sleep)
- NeuroBliss (stress reduction)
- NeuroProbucha (digestive cleansing)
- NeuroImmune (immune support)
She holds majority stake in Melissa Odabash Swimwear since 2007, a brand that sells across 48 countries in more than 250 luxury retailers. Diana also runs D Empire Entertainment, a full-service music label that represents both new and established artists.
Brand partnerships and global reach
Diana's business empire grows through strategic collaborations with major chains like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. The functional beverage market should reach approximately $279.40 billion by 2030. It grows at 8.94% annually between 2022-2030.
She explores innovative opportunities beyond traditional markets, including NFT investments. "Although this world is relatively new, I think that it's the wave of the future," she says.
Maintaining a luxury lifestyle
Diana approaches personal luxury with the same efficiency as her business ventures. "I don't go out shopping," she explains. "I have clothes sent to my house by designers. I keep what I like, and I send back what I don't like, and then I pay for it."
Her travel arrangements match her high standards. "When I travel, I send my team before me to check the place, set me up, and they make it better." This careful attention covers "safety, views, bedding and sheets, and general coziness" so every place feels like home.
Giving Back: Her Philanthropic Legacy
Diana Jenkins has dedicated much of her estimated $300 million fortune to humanitarian causes around the world. Her own experiences as a refugee have shaped her philanthropy, which tackles both immediate crisis response and rebuilding institutions for the future.
Bosnian humanitarian efforts
The death of her 21-year-old brother Irnis in the final days of the Bosnian war pushed Diana to create the Irnis Catic Foundation in 2002. This foundation gives crucial funding to medical facilities at the University of Sarajevo. Her support for her home country grew through the
Sanela Diana Jenkins Foundation for Bosnia and Herzegovina, which became the largest private Bosnian organization of its kind.
"My message, and the driving force of this foundation, is simple: The world must not forget Bosnia," Diana firmly states. Her foundation helps rebuild hospitals, donates modern medical equipment, funds schools, repairs roads, and runs an international justice center that holds war criminals accountable.
Disaster relief and global aid
Diana teamed up with actor Sean Penn to create the Jenkins-Penn Haitian Relief Organization right after Haiti's devastating earthquake in 2010. She flew to Port-au-Prince and helped thousands of displaced families. "Not even the experience of living in a war zone prepared me for the ruins of Port-au-Prince," she said after seeing the destruction firsthand.
She had earlier co-hosted a fundraiser with George Clooney in London's Mayfair district in 2008, which raised over £10 million for Darfur victims. On top of that, she created the UCLA Sanela Diana Jenkins Human Rights Project—the first endowed program on international justice at any western U.S. law school.
Her work fighting AIDS stands out too. She has hosted many fundraisers for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The Sunela Foundation came next in 2022, starting with her $100,000 donation to help Lion Air Flight 610 victims' families.
Recognition and awards
Diana's humanitarian work has earned her several prestigious honors:
- The 2009 Mostar Peace Connection Prize for promoting peace and human rights
- The Elton John AIDS Foundation's 2012 Enduring Vision award
- The 2013 Isa-beg Ishaković award for Patriotism
- Recognition for one of the "World's Top Three Justice Innovations of 2012" by The Hague Institute
Conclusion
Diana Jenkins' remarkable trip from Bosnian refugee to $300 million business mogul has proven all doubters wrong. She built her wealth through a major divorce settlement and smart real estate investments, while her company Neuro Drinks became a soaring win.
Her extensive philanthropic work continues to help humanitarian crises around the world. Diana's story shows how resilience, business acumen, and compassion can turn personal tragedy into extraordinary achievement.
FAQs
Q1. How did Diana Jenkins accumulate her wealth?
Diana Jenkins built her $300 million fortune through a combination of a substantial divorce settlement, successful business ventures like Neuro Drinks and Melissa Odabash swimwear, and smart real estate investments. Her diverse income streams and business acumen have been key to maintaining and growing her wealth.
Q2. What is Diana Jenkins' most successful business venture?
Neuro Brands, founded by Jenkins in 2009, is arguably her most successful business venture. The functional beverage company has experienced significant growth, with products available in over 65,000 locations nationwide and generating approximately $79 million in annual revenue.
Q3. How does Diana Jenkins' net worth compare to other Real Housewives stars?
With an estimated net worth of $300 million, Diana Jenkins is one of the wealthiest cast members in the Real Housewives franchise. She ranks among the top three, behind only Nina Ali and Kathy Hilton in terms of net worth.
Q4. What philanthropic efforts is Diana Jenkins known for?
Diana Jenkins is known for her extensive philanthropic work, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She has established foundations to support medical facilities, rebuild infrastructure, and promote justice. Additionally, she has been involved in global disaster relief efforts and AIDS activism, earning recognition for her humanitarian work.
Q5. How does Diana Jenkins maintain her luxury lifestyle?
Diana maintains her luxury lifestyle through efficient management of her wealth and business interests. She opts for designer clothes to be sent to her home, employs a team to prepare her travel accommodations, and focuses on comfort and safety in her living arrangements. Her approach combines luxury with practicality and business efficiency.
