Waltham Designer Stars in New Gypsy Reality Show

If you tune into TLC on your television tomorrow night, you may see a familiar Waltham face.

Sondra Celli, a Waltham native and daughter of former Waltham dressmaker Yolanda Celluci, will star on TLC's new reality television series "My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding," which chronicles the world of gypsies. Starting tomorrow at 10 p.m., the show will run each Sunday for the next 8 weeks. 

Wanting to be closer to family, Celli, a nationally-known designer with many gypsy customers, moved her business from New York City to Moody Street in Waltham 19 years ago. She opened her business 30 years ago in New York City. 

TLC first approached Celli last summer to see whether she wanted to participate in the show, Celli said. Wanting to dispel negative rumors and stereotypes about the gypsy community, Celli agreed. 

“They are the most hospitable people I have ever met,” Celli told Waltham Patch. “I find them to be fun work to for because they love bling and I love bling.”

Celli, who also does business with customers other than gypsies, said she loves working with gypsies because they typically have her design a wide range of dresses.

"As a designer, it's really a blessing,” Celli said.

Despite knowing she would be on television, Celli said she was shocked by the amount of attention the show has attracted. The Waltham News Tribune, Boston Herald, New York Post and Huffington Post.

“I really am shocked,” Celli said. “I'm not somebody who is out there for attention."

For much more information on Celli, check out the Huffington Post.