Ro-mina Ustayev, one of the stars of Netflix’s new series Members Only: Palm Beach, has shared a heartfelt description of her bond with fellow cast member Maria Cozamanis. In a private moment during the show’s first episode, Ro-mina said she sees a “true friendship” with Maria, whom she affectionately calls “Mama Bear.” This glimpse into their connection provides a genuine anchor in a series focused on navigating the complex social world of Florida’s elite.
The new reality series, which became available for streaming on December 29, follows five women as they manage friendships, rivalries, and social ambitions in Palm Beach County. The central question driving the show is, “Who is the true queen of Palm Beach?” Ro-mina and Maria’s supportive relationship offers a contrast to the competitive atmosphere often shown in the series.
The “Mama Bear” Confession That Defined Their Bond
The defining moment for Ro-mina and Maria’s friendship happened during a party in the show’s premiere episode. After a private chat away from the other guests, Ro-mina spoke candidly in a confessional interview. She explained the unique dynamic she shares with Maria, who is also known by her DJ name, DJ Tumbles.
“Me and Maria have a true friendship, and I like to call her Mama Bear. And I think she sees me as, like, the younger version of her, and she just wants me to succeed in this Palm Beach society,” Ro-mina confessed.
This “Mama Bear” nickname suggests a protective and guiding relationship. Maria, in turn, has expressed her strong loyalty to Ro-mina. In a later episode, Maria directly told Ro-mina, “I donโt fight for a lot of people. You, I will fight for.” This statement underscores the depth of their alliance within a social scene where alliances can be fleeting.
Shared Outsider Perspectives in a World of Rules
A key reason Ro-mina and Maria connected is their shared status as relative newcomers navigating a tightly knit society with unspoken rules. Ro-mina has lived in Palm Beach for four seasons, while Maria has been there for three. Both women have expressed a degree of skepticism about the social hierarchies and performative traditions of the area.
Maria has described Palm Beach society as having “layers, upon layers of different circles, different classes, different types.” She likened it to a mille-feuille, a French pastry with many layers. Ro-mina has been openly critical of what she perceives as hypocrisy, stating, “One thing that Iโve learnt about Palm Beach is that thereโs hypocrisy, double standards, fake people.” Maria agreed but emphasized that in Palm Beach, these traits are “on steroids”.
Their similar viewpoints were evident from their very first meeting. Maria recalled that when Ro-mina first visited her home, Maria had just burned some chicken. Instead of being polite, Ro-mina enthusiastically said it looked good, and the two sat together “crunching on” the charred food. Maria described this imperfect moment as the foundation of their bond: “thatโs how we bonded”.
Clashing with Palm Beach Social Expectations
Despite their friendship, Ro-mina’s bold personality has sometimes clashed with the expectations of Palm Beach’s established social figures. During a party in the first episode, Ro-mina’s exuberant behaviorโlike cheering loudly at a pool tableโdrew side comments from other cast members.
Taja Abitbol, a member with six seasons of experience in Palm Beach, implied that Ro-mina lacked knowledge of the social codes. “If Palm Beach society was a high-rise building, Hilary and I are definitely in the penthouses. Maria is on the third or fourth floor, and Ro-mina’s in the basement,” Taja said. She added that Ro-mina, as part of a newer generation, wasn’t yet aware of rules like keeping your voice down or dressing a certain way around “real wealth”.
Ro-mina herself seems aware of her rebellious image. Her personal Palm Beach rule, as stated in her cast bio, is: “I believe rules were meant to be broken.” This attitude contrasts with the more traditional rules other cast members live by, such as Rosalyn Yellin’s guideline: “Darling, donโt show your boobs and your knees”.
Ro-mina’s Personal Background and Drive
Understanding Ro-mina’s personal history adds context to her determination to succeed in Palm Beach. She was born in Uzbekistan to Bukharian Jewish parents and moved to Philadelphia when she was five years old. Her family’s start in America was difficult. In a deeply personal moment in episode 7 of the series, Ro-mina reflected on her parents’ sacrifices as immigrants.
“They came here as immigrants and I was five years old, and they had absolutely nothing,” Ro-mina shared. She explained that her father started working in America by cleaning bathrooms and delivering pizza, and the family relied on food stamps and welfare.
Ro-mina has built her own fortune through business ventures with her brother. She is also an aspiring singer and fashion designer. She sees herself as the first in her family to build a foundation of wealth and is determined to create her own place in high society. This self-made drive is something she likely shares with Maria, a former tech entrepreneur who reinvented herself as a popular DJ.
Also Read:
Where to Watch Their Story
Members Only: Palm Beach, featuring the evolving friendship between Ro-mina and Maria, is available to stream globally on Netflix. The entire first season, consisting of multiple episodes, was released on December 29, 2025.
The series documents a full season of events in Palm Beach’s social calendar, from glamorous charity galas and exclusive parties to more intimate personal moments. Ro-mina and Maria’s alliance continues to develop throughout the season, facing tests as they both pursue their goals within the complex social landscape they describe.
Also Read: 9 K-Dramas Premiering in January 2026 That You Canโt Miss
