Ming Lee, the self-made beauty mogul and serial entrepreneur behind the multi-million dollar empire SnobLife, exploded onto the reality television scene as a new cast member on VH1’s *Basketball Wives* Season 12, which premiered in 2025. Her arrival brought an immediate jolt of fresh drama, quickly shifting the focus from veteran cast members to her tumultuous personal life and high-stakes business success. This article, updated for December 18, 2025, dives deep into the most current and shocking revelations from her time on the show, including her dramatic split from former WNBA star Ty Young and the public fallout with her co-stars.
Known for her sharp business acumen and no-nonsense attitude, Ming Lee’s journey from a hairstylist in Detroit to a marketing powerhouse has been nothing short of inspiring. However, her appearance on *Basketball Wives* proved that even the most successful entrepreneurs can’t escape the messy reality of relationships and celebrity feuds. The show’s 2025 season became a major platform for her to address her past, confront her ex, and navigate the volatile social dynamics of the wives and girlfriends of professional basketball players.
Ming Lee: Biography, SnobLife Empire, and Basketball Wives Connection
Ming Lee is more than just a reality TV personality; she is a case study in modern entrepreneurship. Her story is one of relentless hustle and strategic brand building, culminating in her becoming a prominent figure in the hair and beauty industry. The details of her life and career are essential to understanding her impact on *Basketball Wives*.
- Full Name: Ming Lee
- Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
- Current Base: Atlanta, Georgia (Moved at age 19)
- Primary Career: Serial Entrepreneur, Beauty Mogul, Marketing Powerhouse
- Company: SnobLife (Founded c. 2010). Started as an online hair boutique with just $500.
- Business Model: Specializes in top-quality virgin hair extensions (Indian, Brazilian, Japanese), offering products and educational resources through SnobLife Studios and Snob University.
- Estimated Net Worth: Self-made millionaire status is widely reported due to the success of SnobLife.
- Basketball Wives Connection: Her relationship with former WNBA player Ty Young.
- Reality TV Debut: *Basketball Wives* Season 12 (2025)
The SnobLife brand is the core of Ming Lee’s identity. She famously started the venture with a mere $500, transforming it into a multi-million dollar virgin hair empire. Her success story is often cited in business circles, emphasizing the power of innovative marketing and dedication. Her move from Detroit to Atlanta was a pivotal moment, allowing her to establish a physical presence with SnobLife Studios and expand her educational platform, Snob University.
The Explosive Breakup with WNBA Star Ty Young
The most compelling and highly-publicized storyline involving Ming Lee during *Basketball Wives* Season 12 was the dramatic end of her nine-month relationship with her partner, former WNBA player Ty Young.
The tension came to a head on-screen when Ming Lee confronted Ty Young over suspicions of an "emotional relationship" with another woman. Ming Lee, known for her meticulous nature in business, even came prepared with "receipts"—evidence she had gathered to support her accusations of boundary-crossing. This confrontation was a raw and emotional moment for the reality star, showing a vulnerable side beneath her tough entrepreneurial exterior.
Ty Young, who had a nine-month relationship with Ming Lee, acknowledged the breakup but maintained her innocence regarding the emotional affair allegations. The drama provided a significant arc for Ming Lee, as she had to navigate the pain of a public breakup while simultaneously dealing with the pressures of reality television. The intensity of their split became a central theme, highlighting the challenges of dating professional athletes, even after their playing careers have ended.
Navigating the Volatile Cast Dynamics: Jackie Christie and Chantel Christie-Jeffries
Ming Lee’s introduction to the *Basketball Wives* cast was not without controversy. She immediately found herself entangled in the long-standing, complex dynamics of the show, particularly with veteran cast member Jackie Christie and her daughter, Chantel Christie-Jeffries.
The Public Apology to Jackie Christie
A major point of contention during Season 12 was an on-screen altercation involving Ming Lee and Jackie Christie. Following the episode’s airing, Ming Lee took the unusual step of issuing a public apology to Jackie Christie. This move demonstrated Ming Lee’s desire to control her narrative and minimize unnecessary drama, a stark contrast to the typical reality TV playbook of doubling down on conflict.
In her post-show commentary, Ming Lee expressed regret over the situation, stating her intention to "stay out of Jackie's drama." This public retraction was a fresh and unique development in the show’s history, showcasing Ming Lee’s business-like approach even to personal feuds.
The Ongoing Feud with Chantel Christie-Jeffries
While she made amends with Jackie, her relationship with Chantel Christie-Jeffries, another new cast member, remained strained. Their clashes were frequent and intense, often stemming from differing perspectives on social etiquette and loyalty within the group. Ming Lee openly called out Chantel in post-show interviews, suggesting that Chantel’s on-screen behavior was not helping her public image.
This ongoing tension between the two new additions to the cast—Ming Lee, the self-made entrepreneur, and Chantel, the daughter of a show veteran—provided a significant subplot for the season, exploring themes of authenticity and generational conflict on reality television.
The SnobLife Brand and Future Endeavors (2025 Outlook)
Despite the personal drama, Ming Lee’s appearance on *Basketball Wives* served as a massive platform for her business, SnobLife. The show provided invaluable exposure to her virgin hair and hair extensions product lines, solidifying her status as a beauty mogul.
Ming Lee has consistently emphasized her role as a serial entrepreneur, using her platform to promote her business education initiatives through Snob University. She frequently uses her social media and interviews to share her journey, from starting with $500 to building a multi-million dollar enterprise. Her focus remains on teaching others the business plan and marketing strategies necessary for success.
A minor but notable piece of recent news in 2025 involved Ming Lee denying rumors that she was the source who provided information to Kenya Moore—a clear indication that her reality TV profile is extending beyond the VH1 universe and into the broader landscape of Bravo and the *Real Housewives* franchise.
As of late 2025, Ming Lee has successfully leveraged her *Basketball Wives* fame to expand her brand visibility. Whether she returns for a subsequent season or focuses entirely on her SnobLife empire, her impact on the show and her status as a successful, self-made woman in the beauty industry are undeniable. Her willingness to be vulnerable about her relationship with Ty Young and her public handling of the Jackie Christie feud has cemented her as one of the most talked-about new personalities of Season 12.
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