Today we’d like to introduce you to Sasha Reneé.
Hi Sasha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Blackbone Divas is a two-time award-winning model agency and brand headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded in 2016 by visionary creator Sasha Renee’, Blackbone Divas began as a Black Girl Magic movement and evolved into a powerful global brand. The agency has been honored with the SCM Awards’ Model Agency of the Year and the SEA Awards’ Model Agency of the Year, solidifying its reputation for excellence, influence and innovation within the fashion and modeling industry.
Often described as one of Memphis’ best-kept secrets, Blackbone Divas simultaneously enjoys widespread global recognition. The brand has garnered admiration and acknowledgment from prominent cultural icons, including Gabrielle Union, Cardi B, Remy Ma, Rapsody, Sommore and many others, each showing major love and support for the impact and vision behind Blackbone Divas.
Rooted in authenticity yet expansive in reach, Blackbone Divas continues to redefine beauty, representation and empowerment on a global stage.
Working within the entertainment industry exposes both its brilliance and its darkness. Discrimination was one of the harsh realities I witnessed firsthand—particularly colorism. For years, being a dark-skinned woman was frowned upon. Opportunities were often denied simply because we weren’t “light enough.” Some productions openly requested only light-skinned women, while dark-skinned women were excluded entirely from sets.
A few years ago, I was told outright that I was not selected for a modeling gig because I was too dark. That moment was painful,but it was also pivotal.
The motivation behind creating Blackbone Divas came from years of being overlooked, disrespected and denied the spotlight-especially by music artists who refused to acknowledge or uplift women who looked like us. We were made to feel invisible, undeserving and unworthy of celebration. I knew something had to change.
When I started the movement, I had no idea it would grow into what it is today. I never imagined that history would begin to shift. I never anticipated the global response, the emails and messages from women across London, Nigeria, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic-sharing how Blackbone Divas had changed their lives. Many of these women told me they once hated their skin, even considered bleaching it, until they saw themselves reflected in this movement. Through Blackbone Divas, they learned to love their melanin and embrace their beauty fully and unapologetically.
Personally, I never struggled with loving my brown skin. I adored it. Growing up, I was affectionately called a “chocolate doll” and I carried that pride with me. All I ever wanted was for other women to see themselves the same way, to know that we are beautiful, powerful and worthy exactly as we are.
I didn’t start Blackbone Divas to make money. I started it to make a statement. I wanted the world to know that we are here and that we are here to stay. I never expected the brand to expand into multiple
business ventures or become a global force.
In addition to her work with Blackbone Divas, Sasha is currently expanding her creative vision through formal training at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York, where she is honing her expertise in fashion, luxury branding and design. Sasha is actively designing her own high-end luxury handbag brand, working directly with industry professionals and artisans to develop pieces that reflect craftsmanship, elegance and cultural intention. The forthcoming line embodies the same values at the heart of Blackbone Divas—excellence, representation and unapologetic beauty-reimagined through a luxury lens-naturally, fueled by purpose, passion and truth.
At its core, Blackbone Divas is a positive and uplifting organization, committed to spreading the message that “Beauty Comes in All Shades.” Through brand ambassadorships, promotions, digital marketing and creative collaborations, the brand continues to elevate voices that were once silenced.
While many songs and artists have subtly-or openly-disrespected chocolate women, there were always a few who showed genuine love. One of those artists was Young Dolph. He consistently featured dark-skinned women in his videos and paid homage to their beauty without hesitation. He was an incredible soul and always showed love and that kind of respect never goes unnoticed.
Blackbone Divas stands as living proof that representation matters, self-love is revolutionary and melanin has always been magic.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Surprisingly, yes-it has been smooth from day one. Blackbone Divas began thriving immediately, and the support was overwhelming. It truly blew up overnight. I remember crying, because I never expected that level of love. From the very beginning, I’ve never experienced negative feedback or bad business connected to the brand.
Initially, I braced myself for backlash. The brand unapologetically centers dark-skinned women and historically that hasn’t always been embraced. But instead of resistance, I received overwhelming support from women of all shades. Black women across the spectrum showed up, wanted to collaborate and continue to support the movement to this day.
We set out to make a statement-and in doing so, we shifted culture. I’m not claiming to be solely responsible for the increased visibility of chocolate women in the industry and across the globe, but I can confidently say that Blackbone Divas has been a major influence in that shift.
Before I introduced the term Blackbone, we were referred to simply as “chocolate women,” among other labels. The word Blackbone didn’t exist in the mainstream-it wasn’t a phrase people used or recognized. Now it’s spoken worldwide. Artists reference it. Songs have been created in honor of the movement.
I knew the brand was impactful, but I didn’t fully grasp its reach until a Florida rapper, KickKone, released a track titled “KWilly Preference.” Hearing him say “Blackbones” in the song stopped me in my tracks. The record went viral on TikTok, sparking the #Blackbone trend. Seeing countless videos of beautiful women proudly calling themselves “Blackbone” was surreal.
That moment confirmed what I had always hoped for: the road has opened, the message has landed and Blackbone Divas is positioned to continue flourishing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
“Currently contributing to FedEx’s corporate operations, I was recently recognized and advanced into a more senior role with expanded responsibilities and extra corporate perks. I am most proud of how I am able to balance my corporate career and my Blackbone Divas brand and business ventures, it has all worked out for me. What sets me apart from others is I always do something different and I love to do things everyone else is afraid to challenge.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people don’t know that I can sing and sing very well. I have a powerful voice. I can hit the hardest notes effortlessly. Music has always been deeply rooted in my family; it was the glue that held us together.
My parents love to tell the story of me singing “Silly” by Denise Williams at just three years old-apparently like I had already lived a full life. They say people would cry every time I sang. I don’t remember it myself, but those stories stayed with me.
As I grew older, music became my safe space. I was always the lead singer in groups, always drawn to the microphone. My cousin Karen Denise was our “momager.” She was tough, disciplined and demanded excellence, but she was also our biggest supporter and fiercest advocate. We practiced for hours under her guidance and she pushed us because she believed in us.
When she passed away, something in me shifted. I realized my biggest cheerleader was gone and in that moment, my voice went silent.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blackbonedivas.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbonedivas?igsh=bWVvaXhvMjFwZnBr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackbone.divas/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackbonedivas?_r=1&_t=ZP-92PJuaou9RG
