On Sunday, December 4, we spoke to Nicolina Royale, one of the contestants on the new Lifetime Television cable series Project Accessory.  Nicolina was eliminated after the third episode, which aired on November 10, but not before she became a fan favorite among the viewers of the series.

Just 30 years old, Nicolina has made a transformative journey throughout her life from her beginnings as a high school student instrumental in helping to pass anti-hazing laws in Minnesota to striking out on her own in Hollywood and starting her own accessory design business.  Nicolina's story is both touching and inspirational, and her never-say-die attitude and strong work ethic are always evident when speaking with her.

Ms. Royale's most recent accomplishment was being chosen as one of the twelve finalists, among thousands of people who auditioned, to appear on the inaugural season of Project Accessory, a spinoff of the successful reality competition, Project Runway.

On the series, contestants are given challenges to make accessories – whether it be a hat, shoes, a handbag or jewelry – in a set amount of time with a given set of materials.  Their creations are then shown to a judging panel which includes Kenneth Cole, Ariel Foxman, and celebrity judges ranging from Debra Messing to Kelly Osbourne.  Each episode at least one contestant is eliminated.

Now that Nicolina has returned home to California, she was free to stop by our show and chat with us about all the behind-the-scenes events and what her experiences were like as a contestant on reality television.

What was her audition process like?  What was it like shooting the series in New York City?  Was she surprised to be eliminated so early in the competition?  Which contestants did she make friends with and which ones drove her crazy?  What would she change about the show's format if she could?  Who would she like to see in the finale?  In contrast, who does she feel does not deserve to be there?  What advice would she give to an aspiring designer just starting out?  Did she feel that the way she was edited for the series was an accurate portrayal of who she is as a person?

Always fun, effervescent, and outspoken, Nicolina dishes about all of that and so much more in our exclusive longform interview that clocks in at just over an hour.  So, sit back, relax, and enjoy Ms. Royale at her most "ah-may-zing."

To learn more about Nicolina Royale and her line of affordable, chic accessories with a rock-and-roll edge, please visit http://www.nicolinaroyale.com.  You can also follow her on Twitter at @nicolinaroyale.

Click on the "play" button below to listen to the interview...