Skinnygirl Cocktails: Skinnygirl CEO Bethenny Frankel, who built a brand worth $100 million, knew she made it when she was on the cover of Forbes - but she still didn't feel it

Diane Bondareff/APBethenny Frankel realized she was successful when she was on the cover of Forbes in 2011 after selling Skinnygirl Cocktails for $100 million.Still, it took her some time to start making expensive purchases.Before "Real Housewives" and Skinnygirl, Frankel said she only had $8,000 to her name.Bethenny Frankel, the New York "Real Housewife" turned millionaire brand mogul, didn't achieve success overnight.Frankel was hesitant to join the cast of "Real Housewives of New York" back in 2008, she said on an episode of Business Insider's podcast "This Is Success" (formerly "Success! How I Did It").See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: Dividing expenses with your significant other can be infuriating - here's how these couples do itSee Also:Here are your favorite TV shows that are coming back for another seasonThe CEO of Nasdaq asks herself two questions to keep her career and her company moving forward11 painful moments CEOs and founders thought their business was sunk - and how they turned it aroundSEE ALSO: Skinnygirl CEO Bethenny Frankel explains how she used 'Real Housewives' to build a brand worth $100 millionDON'T MISS: When Bethenny Frankel was cast on 'Real Housewives of New York,' she had $8,000 to her name