Shivangi Sinha
Friendships sit at the heart of Netflix’s ‘Members Only: Palm Beach,’ and form the foundation on which the show’s drama and emotional stakes are built. Beyond wealth and status, it is these bonds that give the series its depth and meaning. In season 1, one relationship that was truly tested was the friendship between Ro-Mina Ustayev and Maria Cozamanis. Misunderstandings and hurt feelings created distance between them, forcing both women to confront uncomfortable truths. Instead of walking away, they chose open communication and honesty and tried to mediate their differences.
Maria and Ro-Mina Discussed Their Differences and Tried to Understand Each Other
When Ro-Mina spoke about being new to Palm Beach society, she often reflected on how isolating the experience could feel. While several women positioned themselves as guides or mentors, she was careful to keep her distance. The one person she genuinely connected with was Maria Cozamanis. From the beginning, the two gravitated toward each other, attending events side by side and finding comfort in their shared sense of being misunderstood. Both women were frequently labeled as “too loud” or “inappropriate,” and in each other, they found someone who understood those judgments without explanation. The most significant rupture came during a deeply personal moment, when Maria opened up about her childhood and became visibly emotional.
Ro-Mina responded by suggesting that she should not be so openly expressive and the comment cut deeply. For Maria, it echoed painful memories from her early life, when she had been told to stay quiet and suppress her feelings. Rather than letting resentment build, Maria chose to address the issue in therapy. She later invited Ro-Mina to join her, creating space for an honest and vulnerable conversation. It was there that Ro-Mina explained her perspective, sharing that in her culture, emotional restraint had been ingrained from a young age and that her words were never meant as a personal attack. Hearing this allowed Maria to reframe the moment with greater understanding. Through open dialogue and mutual empathy, the two women were able to come back together.
Maria and Ro-Mina Are on Very Good Terms With Each Other
Despite the disagreements they faced along the way, Ro-Mina Ustayev and Maria Cozamanis remain as close as ever and openly refer to each other as best friends. Their bond did not weaken under pressure; if anything, it grew stronger. Both women have often said that what keeps them connected is how much they share in common, like similar energy, similar struggles, and a shared understanding of what it feels like to find your place in high society without losing yourself. This is not a friendship that seems likely to fade anytime soon. Their connection has also spilled into their social media presence, where they frequently make reels together and jokingly call themselves the “Leo and Taurus” duo.
They embrace the contrast in their personalities and laugh about how they bring what they call “chaotic energy” to every gathering. At its core, their friendship is about navigating Palm Beach society side by side. They found comfort in knowing they were not alone, even when they were misunderstood. Another powerful thread binding them is their shared love for music. With Maria established as a DJ and Ro-Mina pursuing her career as a singer and songwriter, they speak the same creative language. Music gives them common ground, deepens their connection, and keeps their friendship evolving.
Maria and Ro-Mina Have Made a Professional Path in the Music Industry
Maria Cozamanis and Ro-Mina Ustayev operate in different creative lanes, yet their worlds intersect naturally through music and fashion. Maria is a DJ and music producer, known professionally as DJ Tumbles, with performances at events such as Palm Beach Swim Week, Mar-a-Lago functions, Art Basel gatherings, and themed showcases like the Fetish Factory Halloween Bash.
Ro-Mina is a fashion designer and recording artist. Through her label ROMi Runway, she creates bold apparel and swimwear, and she has appeared as a judge at Fusion Fashion Events’ Designer Wars. Musically, she has released multiple singles and EPs, including recent tracks like “Dreamer” and “Temptation,” while collaborating closely with Maria herself on a few occasions.
Read More: Maria Cozamanis: Where is the Palm Beach Socialite Now?
