A FORMER reality TV star has swapped the spotlight for scrubs and is now working as a nurse – two years after her show was axed.
The fan favorite shot to fame on a hugely popular series, but after the cameras stopped rolling, she made a major life change and is now saving lives on the frontline.
Cara Gesweli shocked fans with the career U-turn[/caption]
The star, who rose to fame on MTV’s Siesta Key, was known for her fiery rows and love triangles[/caption]
Cara Gesweli, who rose to fame on MTV’s Siesta Key, has ditched the drama for a hospital ward – revealing she’s now working full-time as a registered nurse.
The 30-year-old reality star, known for her fiery rows and love triangles on the Florida-based show, shocked fans with the career U-turn, but says she’s never been happier.
After Siesta Key was axed in 2023, Cara quietly stepped away from the limelight to pursue her dream of helping others, and is now scrubbing in for shifts instead of glam nights out.
She now regularly posts TikToks, giving fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her new life.
And while the drama might be behind her, she’s still got a loyal fan base cheering her on every step of the way.
Flooding the comment section, one fan wrote: “Omg!!! I followed you all through the show I was hoping you followed your nursing dream!
From fellow RN to another you rock.”
Another added: “It’s so weird seeing you go from reality tv to a nurse but good for you.”
A third penned: “Literally so proud of you, the only one who came out of that show with dignity and a purpose in this world.”
SIESTA KEY
Siesta Key launched on MTV in 2017 and quickly made waves as the glam, drama-filled answer to Laguna Beach – following a group of ridiculously good-looking twenty-somethings as they partied, hooked up, and fell out in Florida’s most exclusive beach town.
The original cast featured Alex Kompothecras, Juliette Porter, Brandon Gomes, Madisson Hausburg, and later additions like Cara Geswelli, Chloe Trautman and Kelsey Owens.
With sun, scandal and serious relationship drama, it became a must-watch for reality fans, regularly pulling in over half a million viewers per episode at its peak.
But by 2023, ratings began to dip, and despite a loyal fanbase, MTV pulled the plug after Season 5 – which saw the cast relocate to Miami in a last-ditch attempt to shake things up.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Since the show ended, many of the stars have taken completely different paths.
Juliette launched a successful swimwear line, Alex became a dad and focused on family life, Brandon continued releasing music, and Chloe leaned into wellness and spiritual coaching.
Siesta Key: Where are they now?
Siesta Key launched on MTV in 2017 and quickly made waves as the glam, drama-filled answer to Laguna Beach — following a group of ridiculously good-looking twenty-somethings as they partied, hooked up, and fell out in Florida’s most exclusive beach town.
But by 2023, ratings began to dip, and despite a loyal fanbase, MTV pulled the plug after Season 5 — which saw the cast relocate to Miami in a last-ditch attempt to shake things up.
Since the show ended, many of the stars have taken completely different paths.
Juliette Porter – Boss Babe
Juliette ditched the drama and dived into the business world. She launched her swimwear brand JMP The Label, which quickly made waves with celeb fans and online buzz. While her rollercoaster romance with Alex was Siesta Key’s main storyline early on, Juliette has moved on in a big way — she’s now loved-up with Davis Griffin, and the pair are going strong, often posting glam pics from tropical getaways and luxury events. She’s also hinted at more reality TV in the future.
Alex Kompothecras – Off the Radar
Once the show’s main man — and the centre of all the chaos — Alex was axed in 2020 after past racist social media posts resurfaced. Since then, he’s kept a low profile and focused on family life with girlfriend Alyssa Salerno. The couple share two kids and live in Florida, far away from the reality TV limelight that once defined him.
Brandon Gomes – Music Man
Brandon went from heartbreaker to hitmaker. After multiple cheating scandals and a rocky storyline with Camilla Cattaneo, he turned his focus to music. He’s since released several singles and music videos, gaining traction as a solo artist. Off-screen, he became a dad in 2021 — a surprise to fans — but embraced fatherhood fully. He’s still close with some of the cast and occasionally pops up at Siesta-style events.
Kelsey Owens – Model Behavior
Kelsey’s Siesta journey was all about finding her footing — from modelling to marketing and back again. Since the show ended, she’s stayed in the spotlight, working with fashion and beauty brands and travelling the world with her boyfriend Max Strong. She’s also spoken openly about body image and self-worth post-reality TV, earning praise from fans for her honesty.
Madisson Hausburg – Tragic Loss and Quiet Strength
Madisson’s story took a heartbreaking turn. After finding love with Siesta Key producer Ish Soto, the couple got engaged and later married. But in 2021, they tragically lost their baby son Elliot at birth. Since then, Madisson has been open about grief, healing, and mental health. The couple has stepped back from the spotlight, but she’s praised for her vulnerability and strength.
Chloe Trautman Long – Spiritual Shift
Chloe did a full 180 — going from drama queen to wellness warrior. She rebranded herself with a focus on spirituality, mindfulness and self-care, even writing a book and launching a lifestyle brand. She married Chris Long in 2022 and regularly shares her journey with fans, inspiring others to look inward and grow. She’s said she has no regrets about her reality TV days — but she’s not looking back either.
Cara Geswelli – From Breakups to Bandages
Once known for her icy stare and cutting one-liners, Cara is now winning hearts in the real world as a registered nurse. After Siesta Key ended, she stepped away from TV completely, swapped parties for patients, and is now working full-time in healthcare. She’s also loved-up with a non-famous boyfriend and living a much quieter — but more fulfilling — life.
But it’s Cara who’s arguably made the biggest pivot – trading VIP parties for patient rounds and proving there’s life after reality TV.
DATING LIFE
During her time on Siesta Key, Cara’s love life was never far from the spotlight.
She famously dated co-star Garrett Miller, causing major friction in the group, and later had an on-again, off-again romance with Jared Kelderman.
Her fiery clashes and messy makeups made for must-see TV — but these days, Cara’s love life is far more low-key.
She’s currently dating a non-TV boyfriend, Michael Wheary, and often shares sweet snaps of their life together on Instagram.
Cara traded VIP parties for patient rounds, proving there’s life after reality TV[/caption]
She’s currently dating a non-TV boyfriend and regularly posts loved-up snaps on Instagram[/caption]
