The reality star said she was in a "different position" than other creators leading up to her time on the show
Paige DeSorbo knows how to fake it 'til you make it.
At the Create & Cultivate Festival in Los Angeles on Sunday, July 20, the Summer House alum opened up about her early days as a reality star and influencer.
DeSorbo, 32, appeared on the Business of Being You: Personal Branding in the Creator Economy panel hosted by Lex Niko. Fellow panelists included Jeannie Mai, Cyrus Veyssi and Kamie Crawford.
"I think I was in a little bit of a different position than other influencers and creators because I started on a reality show, so I knew the date of when it was going to air," the Giggly Squad podcast host recalled. "I could be a little bit more strategic of when you came to my Instagram, 'What is her thing?' And I didn't have a thing. I just made it up that I was a fashion influencer and I had like 2,000 followers."
DeSorbo added, "So I give a lot of credit to the creators and influencers who either go viral overnight or have been working at this."
DeSorbo rose to fame as a cast member on Bravo's Summer House, joining the reality series in season 3. In June, she revealed she wouldn't be returning for season 10.
On her Instagram Stories, she shared her decision, which she called a "little life update."
"Being part of this show has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life — the friendships, the drama, the giggles, all unforgettable," DeSorbo wrote. "You've seen me grow up over these last 7 summers."
She added that she'd "always be beyond grateful for the memories, the community, and the opportunities this wild ride has brought me." However, "like all good things (and some bad decisions), it's time for this chapter to close," DeSorbo explained.
"To my castmates, the fans, and my NBCU family: thank you. I never could've imagined what this journey would turn into — and how many of you would be along for the ride," she continued. "And you haven't seen the last of me, I promise. So much more to do together, but for now you know you can always find me and Daphne in my bed."
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, DeSorbo reflected on her time on the series. "Reality TV was so fun, and I feel like I was the perfect age to do Summer House and what the vibe was," she said. "I would never say never, but I think coming off of it after seven years, I would love a break."
DeSorbo reaffirmed wouldn't be returning to reality TV "anytime soon." However, she did leave the door open, teasing, "But again, I would never say never."
