About

To book Romi please send an email to bookingtrlw@gmail.com

Born in Los Angeles to a Mexican/Native American father and a German mother and raised in Pasadena, California, Romi Klinger learned early in life to embrace the cultural abundance and the diversity around her. With five brothers, two of which have special needs, Romi has a huge family and is committed to supporting them in any way possible. Her most treasured moments come from spending time with all of them.  Raised by her mother Ann alongside her stepmother who was a music producer, Romi was afforded the ability to be creative on many levels. She enjoyed singing and acting, taking classes and by the encouragement of those around her she was able to move towards her first love, fashion and beauty. The constant support ignited her creativity and inspired her to move forward into the industry.

Growing up in what some would deem as an unorthodox family, Romi faced some personal struggles and challenges, but it was her love for her parents and their confidence in her which helped her to grow into the person she is today. One of her favorite mantra’s in life is “you are who you are because of where you have been.” After high school, Romi attended Pasadena City College where she studied theatre and continued to take acting classes in Los Angeles. It was during this time Romi elected to pursue a career in the field of make-up and styling. She attended Mud, a reputable make-up design school in Burbank, California. Once she successfully completed the course, Romi was able to be a make-up specialist for such companies as MAC, Benefit and began freelancing for weddings, editorial shoots, fashion shows and film. This opened the door to a plethora of opportunities all of which were central to obtaining her long term goals. Her talent was recognized and rewarded in the industry as she was given the opportunity to manage a Benefit Boutique in San Francisco as well as assist in opening one in Los Angeles. Now established, Romi was expanding her roots in the industry and was awarded the position as Apothecary buyer for Kitson in Los Angeles, whilst still working as a make-up artist at a prestigious LA Salon.

Still being recognized in the industry and networking, Romi was a co-founder of PYT, an event planning company which focuses specifically on the niche market of lesbian events. PYT hosted many fund raising events including events for Harvey Milk and various breast cancer charities. During this time, the Showtime series the Real L Word was being shot and Romi participated in Season 1 as a love interest of one of the main characters, Whitney. Once the show was confirmed for a second season, the producers invited Romi back as a main character in the upcoming cast. Romi saw the opportunity and elected to move forward. Exposing her life for the world to see, Romi shared her struggles with alcohol and her commitment to getting sober, her love life and her vision for her jewelry line. The Real L Word helped changed Romi’s life for the better by having her take a look at where her life was, where it was going and helping her to realize she needed to take hold of it. These radical changes in her life afforded her the ability to focus on what was important and rejuvenated her spirit and determination to make every day count and to achieve her goals. As a role model to women, Romi felt it was her responsibility to be a proper and responsible example.

During season 2 we also learned Romi lost her father Richard to cancer in 2007. Romi was extremely close to her father, he was her hero and this impacted her life dramatically. It caused Romi to take stock in the life she was living and her commitment to her father was to care for and be a provider to those in her family. Romi now embraces life and takes it one day at a time, accepting life is far more fragile than we realize. By the end of season 2, Romi was embracing her new sobriety and had just finished designing her first jewelry collection called Hija with Vanessa Salazar. With Romi’s commitment to always “give back”, Hija has specially designed a piece called the “Faith and Luck” necklace whereby 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the charity RISE, an organization focused on assisting the lesbian homeless youth population. This line, hija por vida means daughter for life and the line is dedicated to both of her parents. Romi was fortunate enough to have the line exhibited on the show as well as launch the product line on www.loveandpride.com where pieces are on sale now for purchase.

Romi is now designing the second collection Casa Por Vida which will be launched before the end of 2011. www.Casaporvida.com will include additional pieces paying homage to the Mexican culture and heritage close to Romi’s heart. A portion of the proceeds of each piece sold on the site will be donated to various charities supporting the Mexican communities both domestically and internationally.

Romi personifies the words trendy and is an accessory maven. One day she wishes to be a devoted wife and mother and to be respected in the industry she loves dearly. Her fashion blog http://www.tenderomi.com/ has been well received and followed as well as gives insight as to the creative force and mind behind the jewelry and fashion. Tender is nickname given to Romi by a friend years ago. She wears her heart on her sleeve, and appreciates the kindness and warmth she receives from her fans and supporters. The blog is meant to be simple, visually appeasing and to be light in heart, not to be taken too seriously.

Romi’s vision is not going to be limited to jewelry; Casa will offer clothing and various other lines as it grows in acceptance. Romi’s hope is that those who purchase these pieces share it with those who are dear and close to their hearts. It is for all daughters, “From your mother to your grandmother to you friend and your sister.”