Golnesa "GG" Gharachedaghi, the familiar face from Shahs of Sunset and current star of The Valley: Persian Style, has taken a decisive step into the digital dating world. During a candid conversation on Scheana Shay's popular podcast Scheananigans, the reality television personality confirmed she has applied to Raya, the exclusive dating platform known for its celebrity clientele. This marks a significant milestone for Gharachedaghi, who admitted it represents her first foray into online matchmaking. The revelation came during the January 23 episode, where she opened up about her current relationship status and evolving perspective on love and commitment, offering fans a rare glimpse into her personal life beyond the manufactured drama of reality television.
The process hasn't been instantaneous, however. Gharachedaghi finds herself in a peculiar position—accepted but not quite admitted. "I joined Raya, but I'm on the waiting list," she disclosed to her Vanderpump Rules alum host. This limbo status places her among countless others vying for entry into one of Hollywood's most selective digital dating spaces, where acceptance is often determined by factors beyond fame and follower counts. The impetus for this modern approach to romance came from an unexpected source: Jeff Lewis, the interior designer and radio personality known for his straightforward, sometimes abrasive advice. His direct challenge to Gharachedaghi about her single status prompted her to reconsider her traditional methods of meeting people. "Jeff Lewis kind of threw it in my face. He's like, 'Why are you single?' And I was like, 'Well, I don't know how to date. Where do I go to date?'" This exchange highlights a common dilemma for successful, independent women navigating the complex landscape of modern relationships, where traditional meeting spots have given way to digital platforms.
Scheana Shay, who found her own happily-ever-after with husband Brock Davies, expressed surprise that someone of Gharachedaghi's profile would be waitlisted. More importantly, she offered strategic geographic advice that caught her guest's attention. "You go to San Diego. That's where I found mine," Scheana suggested, referencing her Australian husband whom she met outside the Los Angeles bubble. This recommendation resonated with Gharachedaghi, who immediately saw the potential in expanding her search radius beyond the congested dating pool of Hollywood. "Scheana, you didn't share this with me," she responded with genuine interest. "So San Diego's where it's at? Well, that's where I'm going then." This exchange underscores a growing trend among reality stars seeking authentic connections away from the pressures and pretenses of their primary filming locations, where every interaction risks becoming content.
What makes Gharachedaghi's dating journey particularly noteworthy is her unconventional path to motherhood. The proud parent of five-year-old Elijah Javad Gharachedaghi conceived her son through IVF using a sperm donor, a decision that reflects her fiercely independent nature and forward-thinking approach to family planning. This deliberate choice allowed her to build her family on her own terms, free from romantic complications or co-parenting negotiations that often accompany traditional relationships. "I got a [sperm] donor, so I don't have to have any connections to anyone from my own kid," she explained matter-of-factly, highlighting the empowerment that comes with taking control of her reproductive choices. This approach to motherhood has shaped her entire perspective on relationships, freeing her from the traditional timeline many women feel pressured to follow and giving her the luxury of time to find the right partner rather than any partner.
Despite her independent streak, Gharachedaghi isn't closed off to love. She simply rejects societal expectations that dictate how women should approach commitment and family building. "I'm not really the relationship type," she admitted without hesitation or apology. "I think a lot of women think they have to get married and follow this path. And it was never really painted for me, that path. It was a little bit different. I always wanted to be the boss of my life, you know, in control of the direction." This candid assessment reveals a woman who has consciously chosen to write her own rules, challenging the narrative that marriage and traditional family structures are the only valid destinations for a fulfilling life. Her honesty provides a refreshing counterpoint to the often-scripted nature of reality television romance, where engagements and weddings frequently drive storylines.
Gharachedaghi has a clear vision for her ideal partner, one that aligns with her autonomous lifestyle and established family unit. "I want someone who's just really busy with their own life, so consumed with their own business," she detailed, describing a relationship dynamic built on mutual independence rather than codependency. This preference for a partner with their own passions and priorities suggests she's seeking a complement to her life, not a completion of it—a modern approach to partnership that values individual growth alongside shared experiences. The dating experience has proven challenging—she acknowledged it "been hard"—but her resolve remains strong and her standards remain high. "I would like to be in a relationship," she affirmed, signaling that while she doesn't need a partner to feel complete, she's open to the right connection that enhances her already full life.
This personal update arrives as Gharachedaghi navigates her highly anticipated return to Bravo television through The Valley: Persian Style, which premiered its first season to eager audiences craving more Persian-American representation on reality TV. The series reunites her with fellow Shahs of Sunset alumni including Mercedeh Javid, Tommy Feight, Reza Farahan, and Adam Farahan, while introducing fresh faces to the network's reality roster and expanding the franchise's cultural footprint. The show documents the cast balancing their personal relationships with their friendships, creating the dramatic tension reality fans crave while exploring themes of cultural identity, family expectations, and personal evolution. Notable storylines include Gharachedaghi's complex reunion with Dennis DeSantis, Mercedeh and Tommy's marital struggles (they separated after filming concluded), and Amir Boroumand's emotional revelations about his first marriage. New episodes air Thursdays at 9/8c on Bravo, streaming next day on Peacock, keeping viewers current with these evolving narratives and personal developments.
Golnesa Gharachedaghi's journey represents a modern approach to love and family—one that prioritizes personal fulfillment over conventional expectations and challenges traditional narratives about women's roles in relationships. Her willingness to explore digital dating while maintaining her independence offers a relatable narrative for many viewers who find themselves balancing career, motherhood, and personal desires in contemporary society. As she continues her search for a partner who respects her autonomy and matches her energy, fans can follow both her romantic adventures and her reality television escapades, witnessing a woman who truly embodies being the boss of her own life and refusing to compromise her values for the sake of conformity.