Let’s be real: when you think of Golnesa Gharachedaghi—better known as Gigi or GG—you probably think of "knives out" and explosive Bravo reunions. For a decade, she was the fiery center of Shahs of Sunset, a woman who didn't just walk into a room; she detonated it. But that was then. This is 2026. If you haven't checked in on her lately, you might be surprised to find that the woman once infamous for her temper is currently navigating a world of toddler tantrums, cannabis entrepreneurship, and a very public health battle that never really went away.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how much the narrative has shifted. While some fans are still stuck on her early-season antics, the actual reality of GG’s life today is way more nuanced. She isn't just a "Bravolebrity" anymore. She’s a single mom, a CEO, and, as of January 2026, a returning star on the new series The Valley: Persian Style.
The Evolution of the "Persian Princess"
Remember when GG first hit our screens in 2012? She was the girl who had a $7,000 monthly allowance from her dad and a penchant for starting fights in high heels. It made for great TV. But that image has been a hard one to shake, even though she hasn't been on her father's "bankroll" in years.
People love to talk about her money. Specifically, where it comes from. There’s been a lot of internet chatter lately about her credit issues and her living situation. In a recent raw interview, she actually cleared the air, confirming she’s moved out of her massive six-bedroom place into a slightly "downsized" five-bedroom home in Los Angeles. She’s doing it on her own terms, which is a massive leap from the woman we met over a decade ago.
Motherhood and Elijah
The biggest pivot in her life happened in April 2020. That was when she welcomed her son, Elijah Javad. If you followed her journey, you know it wasn't easy. We're talking multiple rounds of IVF, a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, and the removal of both fallopian tubes. She literally risked her life to become a mother.
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Today, Elijah is five, and he’s basically her entire world. She’s been open about the fact that she’s a "one and done" mom. She’s not looking for a husband to help raise him, either. In fact, she famously joked recently that she’s only looking for "husband number three to divorce." She’s fiercely independent, and while she’s open to love, the white-picket-fence dream isn't her priority.
The Reality of Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2026
You can't talk about Gigi from Shahs of Sunset without talking about her health. She was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) back in 2010. For years, people—including her own castmates—accused her of faking it or exaggerating for a storyline. It was brutal to watch.
RA is a chronic autoimmune disease. It doesn't go away. In early 2026, she’s still dealing with "rough" days where she has to undergo joint extractions—literally having fluid sucked out of her knees with a needle just so she can walk and play with her son.
- The Treatment: She’s used everything from chemotherapy to infusions.
- The Cannabis Connection: This is where her business, Wusah, comes in.
- The Cost: She recently admitted to spending thousands of dollars a month on weed.
She wakes up at 4:00 AM, and by 5:30 AM, she’s usually started her first joint. Is it a lot? Yeah. But for her, it’s not about getting "high" in the recreational sense; it’s about managing the "fire" in her joints so she can function.
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Wusah and the Business of Wellness
GG didn't just become a consumer; she became a founder. Her brand, Wusah, was born out of her need for high-quality cannabis products that actually helped with inflammation. She’s moved way past the "hair extensions" phase of her career (though GG’s Extensions was a solid hit for a while).
Wusah is her legacy project. It represents the transition from the girl who turned to "the bottle" to numb her physical and emotional pain into a woman who uses plant medicine to maintain her "queen" status. She’s been very vocal about how she used to down a bottle of vodka just to stop feeling the RA pain, but those days are long gone.
What's Next: The Valley and Beyond
With the premiere of The Valley: Persian Style in January 2026, GG is back in the Bravo mix, but the vibe is different. It’s more about emotional growth and the complexities of adulting in your 40s.
She’s even faced her ex-husband, Dennis DeSantis, on camera—a reunion she admits was one of the most vulnerable moments she’s ever filmed. She’s not pretending to be perfect. She’s still got that signature GG edge, but there’s a softness there that only comes from years of "self-work" and the reality of raising a child.
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Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Critics
If you're following GG's journey or dealing with similar health hurdles, here is what her story actually teaches us:
- Advocate for Your Health: Don't let people "gaslight" your pain. GG stood her ground when her castmates doubted her RA, and she’s still standing today.
- Pivot with Purpose: It's okay to change your brand. You don't have to be the person you were in your 20s or 30s.
- Find Your "Wusah": Whether it's a literal product or a lifestyle change, finding a way to manage chronic stress and pain is vital for long-term survival.
The "Gigi" we see now is a far cry from the "Shahs" star of the past. She’s a survivor who’s turned her struggles into a business and her mistakes into a roadmap for a better life. Whether she’s spending $2,500 a month on cannabis or downsizing her mansion, she’s doing it with her head held high.
Next Steps: If you’re curious about her latest business moves, you can check out the Wusah website for their updated 2026 product line. For the latest on her return to TV, The Valley: Persian Style airs Thursday nights on Bravo.