Mia Thornton

Thornton studied neuromuscular massage therapy at Southeastern Institute in North Carolina. After graduating, she began working as a clinic director in Charlotte, North Carolina, and later entered a five-year partnership with a Fortune 500 company that led to her ownership of Massage Envy Spas.

She subsequently developed Joint Chiropractic offices across North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland and New York. She has also been described as an independent investor and operator of multiple franchises in the Washington, D.C., region.

Thornton joined The Real Housewives of Potomac for its sixth season and remained a main cast member for four seasons. Her storylines combined her entrepreneurial work with her family life and relationships with cast members including Karen Huger, Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, Wendy Osefo, Stacey Rusch, Keiarna Stewart, Jacqueline Blake and Jassi Rideaux.

Her later appearances focused heavily on her separation from Gordon Thornton, co-parenting their children and the complicated dynamics involving radio personality Incognito, known as Inc. A paternity-test storyline concerning her son Jeremiah became a major subject of discussion during the show's ninth season. Gordon said a DNA test confirmed that he was Jeremiah's biological father, while the program also documented Thornton's efforts to address the uncertainty publicly.

Thornton's relationships with other cast members also shaped her time on the show. She defended Jacqueline Blake during conflicts with Karen Huger and clashed with Gizelle Bryant over social-media posts and comments involving their families. Her friendship with Wendy Osefo and disagreements with Stacey Rusch were also featured during the ninth season.

Thornton and Gordon Thornton have three children, Joshua, Jeremiah and Juliana. During their separation, the family appeared in storylines about co-parenting, living near one another and explaining the changes in their marriage to the children.

Thornton and Gordon served on the board of the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and sponsored families through the organization. Her philanthropic support has also included A Better World, the United Negro College Fund, Autism Speaks, A Child's Place, Elizabeth City State University, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Charlotte Angels and Foster Love.

Before filming for the tenth season, Thornton announced that she and her family were relocating to Atlanta and described the move as the beginning of a new chapter. She later explained that she traveled between Atlanta and the Washington, D.C., area and maintained a condominium in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia region.

Her move was also connected to her family arrangements and her relationship with Inc, whose earlier connection with Thornton dated back to their high-school years. The relocation became part of the transition following her separation from Gordon.

Thornton was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on a larceny charge. Police said the case involved furniture and a television removed from a furnished condominium after she moved out, and the property owner filed a police report.

She marked her birthday afterward with photographs and a message emphasizing composure, accountability, gratitude and rebuilding.