Long before she captured audiences’ hearts on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Miami, Marysol Patton was already carving out an impressive career—and living a life of adventure—rooted in family tradition, entrepreneurial drive, and international flair. Born into a multicultural household in Miami and raised by a Cuban mother and an Irish father, Patton’s early years provided the foundation for her later successes in public relations, event planning, and broadcast media. This in-depth profile explores her journey from the daughter of a yacht builder to the founder of The Patton Group, and ultimately, to one of Miami’s most recognized socialites and media personalities.
Early Life and Family Heritage
A Multicultural Childhood
Marysol Patton was born on January 9, 1967, in Miami, Florida, to Elsa and Don Patton. Her mother, Elsa, was a proud Cuban émigré whose warmth and vivacity helped shape Marysol’s outgoing personality; her father, Don, was of Irish descent and worked as a yacht builder.
Growing up alongside her brother, Thomas, Marysol’s childhood alternated between the shores of Biscayne Bay and international ports of call. Don’s yacht-building business frequently took the family on voyages across the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and beyond, instilling in Marysol a lifelong appreciation for global cultures and an ease with high-profile social settings. Whether splashing in hotel pools or sampling street markets in Europe, she learned the art of blending elegance with adaptability—skills that would later become hallmarks of her professional brand.
Influence of “Mama Elsa”
Elsa Patton, affectionately known to viewers as “Mama Elsa,” was a fixture of the Miami social scene long before reality cameras rolled. Her signature leopard-print wardrobe and unfiltered commentary made her an instant fan favorite when she appeared on RHOM, but she was equally renowned for her entrepreneurial spirit—most notably the creation of her Havana Elsa Coffee brand. Elsa’s reluctance to fly—rooted in genuine fear—did little to dampen her adventurous spirit; with encouragement from Andy Cohen’s production team, she even boarded a plane to join Watch What Happens Live in 2011. Elsa’s passing in May 2019 deeply affected Marysol, who delivered a heartfelt eulogy calling her mother “an angel watching over us now.” That tribute underscored the profound bond between them and highlighted how Elsa’s legacy would continue to guide Marysol’s personal and professional choices.
Education and Formative Experiences
St. Thomas University: A Shared Alma Mater
Following her globetrotting upbringing, Marysol pursued higher education closer to home, enrolling at St. Thomas University in Miami Shores. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 1997—coincidentally the same year her best friend and future RHOM co-star Alexia Nepola graduated (class of 1990). Their shared alma mater cemented a friendship that would later translate into both on-screen camaraderie and joint business ventures.
While specifics of Marysol’s academic focus remain private, her success in launching and managing a high-profile PR firm suggests she honed a strong foundation in communications, marketing, and organizational leadership during her collegiate years. St. Thomas University’s intimate campus environment likely provided Marysol with the opportunities to develop personal confidence and networking skills—attributes she parlayed into her post-graduation ventures.
Early Professional Forays
Upon graduation, Marysol quickly translated her classroom knowledge into real-world initiatives. She immersed herself in Miami’s event-planning circles, working behind the scenes on galas, charity fundraisers, and luxury brand activations. Her firsthand exposure to the logistics of large-scale functions—combined with her intuitive understanding of media relations—laid the groundwork for what would become her flagship enterprise, The Patton Group.
Founding The Patton Group: A PR Powerhouse
Origins and Vision
In the late 1990s, Marysol took a leap of faith by founding The Patton Group, a Miami-based public relations and events firm. From a modest office near Biscayne Bay, she envisioned a boutique agency that combined personalized client service with the flair of a major metropolitan PR shop. Her early clients included local philanthropists and fashion designers; her ability to secure coverage in high-end magazines and place products in coveted media placements quickly distinguished the firm from its competitors.
Blue-Chip Brand Partnerships
Under Marysol’s leadership, The Patton Group expanded its roster to include internationally renowned luxury houses. Over the years, the agency has orchestrated campaigns and events for Gucci, Oscar de la Renta, Harry Winston, and other top-tier brands. Whether producing runway presentations during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami or intimate VIP dinners at waterfront estates, Marysol’s team has demonstrated an uncanny ability to generate buzz and craft enduring narratives for luxury clients.
Signature Style: Leopard Print and Oceanic Backdrops
The Patton family’s love of leopard print extends beyond fashion statements into the agency’s branding, where it symbolizes boldness, confidence, and a touch of playful extravagance. Marysol often stages events at oceanfront venues—continuing the family tradition of honoring her father’s maritime heritage—seamlessly blending nautical motifs with high-fashion aesthetics. This distinctive fusion has become synonymous with The Patton Group’s reputation, making the agency the go-to choice for clients seeking Miami’s unique confluence of sun, sea, and sophistication.
Breakthrough on Reality Television
Joining The Real Housewives of Miami
In 2011, Marysol and her mother Elsa were cast as part of the inaugural season of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Miami (RHOM), joining original core cast members such as Lea Black, Adriana de Moura, and Alexia Echevarria. Marysol’s on-camera persona—polished, candid, and unapologetically bold—resonated with viewers and critics alike. Her tagline, “I put others in the spotlight, but somehow it keeps finding me,” perfectly encapsulated her dual role as a behind-the-scenes PR expert turned reality star.
Evolving Role Across Seasons
Marysol remained a main cast member through Seasons 1 and 2 before transitioning to a “Friend of the Housewives” role in Season 3. While some might have viewed this shift as a demotion, Marysol leveraged the change to showcase new facets of her life—particularly her professional accomplishments and deeper personal reflections. Her enduring friendship with Alexia Nepola provided an emotional through-line on screen, offering fans a glimpse into their shared history and mutual support system.
Impact and Fan Appeal
Marysol’s relatability—rooted in familial devotion, entrepreneurial grit, and occasional vulnerability—endured even when she was no longer the central focus of the series. Viewers connected with her stories of loss (most poignantly her mother’s death), her steadfast loyalty to friends, and her refusal to shy away from confrontation when necessary. By Season 4 and beyond, she had solidified her status as an indispensable member of the RHOM sisterhood, returning to full-time cast duties and earning praise for injecting both heart and wit into the franchise.
Podcast Ventures and Media Expansion
Ay Por Favor with Alexia Nepola
Capitalizing on her broadcast presence and deep friendship with Alexia Nepola, Marysol co-hosts the podcast Ay Por Favor. Launched in the late 2010s, the show blends personal anecdotes, pop-culture commentary, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life on and off camera. Listeners appreciate the duo’s unfiltered banter, genuine chemistry, and the way they weave cultural references—from Cuban-American traditions to Miami’s evolving nightlife—into every episode.
Guest Appearances and Speaking Engagements
Beyond her podcast, Marysol frequently appears as a guest on talk shows and industry panels. She has joined Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live, participated in BravoCon events, and spoken at PR conferences about brand storytelling in the digital age. Her speaking style—infused with practical insights and humorous anecdotes—has made her a sought-after voice on topics ranging from crisis management to building authentic social media followings.
Personal Life: Love, Loss, and Legacy
Marriage to Steve McNamara
After two previous marriages—including a 2010–2012 union with Philippe Pautesta-Herder—Marysol found lasting love with British financier Steve McNamara. The couple first exchanged vows in April 2021 in a picturesque ceremony in Tulum, Mexico, and renewed their vows in Scotland’s Ardgowan Castle in 2023. Recognizing the importance of legal protections—especially after significant personal losses—Marysol and Steve officially registered their marriage at the Coral Gables Courthouse in Florida later that year. As Marysol explained on her Two Ts in a Pod podcast, the decision was driven by “the need to ensure we can care for each other as we grow older” and by the lessons learned from losing close family members.
Honoring Her Parents
Marysol often credits her late parents for shaping her values and guiding her decisions. She wears Elsa’s favorite pieces—particularly a signature leopard-print scarf—at high-profile events, and speaks fondly of Don’s lessons in craftsmanship and integrity. Through her public platforms, Marysol continues to honor their memory by supporting charitable causes that reflected Elsa’s love of community and Don’s passion for seaworthy innovation.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Active in Miami’s nonprofit world, Marysol leverages her PR expertise to raise awareness for local organizations, including the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Little Lighthouse Foundation. She has chaired galas benefiting youth education and women’s shelters, using her signature event-planning acumen to maximize fundraising outcomes. Her philanthropic philosophy—“style with substance”—reinforces her belief that glamour and generosity can go hand in hand.
Style, Influence, and Brand Partnerships
Leopard Print as a Personal Trademark
From her earliest days on RHOM, Marysol’s penchant for leopard print became both a personal trademark and an unofficial Patton family crest. She incorporates the pattern into her wardrobe, event décor, and even podcast branding, signaling confidence and a playful edge. Designers and stylists who collaborate with her often reference the pattern as a starting point for curated looks that balance sophistication with fun.
Collaborations with Luxury Brands
Marysol’s standing as a key connector in Miami’s social scene has attracted partnerships beyond her own agency. She has appeared as a brand ambassador for eyewear, swimwear, and jewelry lines, lending her credibility and influence to product launches. These collaborations typically involve curated photo shoots, live-streamed shopping events, and exclusive VIP experiences—leveraging her combined expertise in PR and broadcast to drive both buzz and sales.
Looking Forward: Future Endeavors
Expanding The Patton Group
Under Marysol’s direction, The Patton Group shows no signs of slowing down. The agency is exploring international expansion—particularly in Latin American markets where Marysol’s bilingual fluency and cultural background offer a distinct advantage. Plans include strategic partnerships with boutique agencies in Mexico City and São Paulo, aiming to bring Miami’s signature PR flair to new audiences.
Television and Digital Media Projects
Beyond RHOM’s upcoming seasons, Marysol is in talks for a potential spin-off series focusing on the operations of The Patton Group—offering viewers an insider’s look at high-stakes brand campaigns and the personalities who make them happen. She is also developing a digital masterclass series on event planning and media relations, designed for entrepreneurs and small-business owners seeking disruptive branding strategies.
Legacy of a Modern Miami Icon
Marysol Patton’s trajectory—from ocean-tossed childhood to corporate boardrooms, from family-focused reality television to global brand partnerships—exemplifies the dynamism of Miami itself. She stands as a testament to the power of bicultural heritage, entrepreneurial vision, and the ability to evolve without losing sight of one’s roots. As she continues to write her story—both on and off camera—Marysol remains a compelling figure whose influence will shape Miami’s social and business landscapes for years to come.
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