Venita Aspen: A Trailblazer in Reality Television
By the time Venita Aspen made her debut on Bravo’s “Southern Charm,” she wasn’t just stepping into a reality show; she was entering a space that had rarely made room for women who looked like her. As the first Black woman to appear on the long-running series, Aspen brought not only style and wit but also the quiet power of representation. However, the challenges of that seat at the table were far from invisible.
The Weight of Representation
In an interview with 21Ninety, Aspen candidly shared the difficulties she faced. “If I’m being really honest with you, it’s extremely hard,” she admitted. “And you think it gets easier with time, but it actually kind of gets a little harder… You start to believe the negative things people say about you.” This sentiment resonates deeply, especially for Black women navigating predominantly white spaces, where the stakes are often higher.
Navigating Expectations
Reality television can be a double-edged sword for many Black women. It offers visibility but often at the cost of authenticity. Aspen articulated this struggle, saying, “I truly can’t fully be myself like my castmates. If I do too much, then I get in trouble, and it’s the end of my entire career.” The expectations placed on her were not only high but also unforgiving. The unspoken rules dictated that she could be fun but not “too much,” poised but not cold, vulnerable but not messy. The weight of these expectations felt even heavier as the only Black woman on the cast.
Behind the Camera
Aspen emphasized that the challenges extend beyond the screen. “We need producers that look like us in these rooms, and we need editors that look like us,” she explained. This representation is crucial for changing the narrative and ensuring that Black women are uplifted rather than stereotyped. Without diverse voices behind the scenes, the portrayal of Black women often falls into harmful tropes.
Finding Peace Amid Scrutiny
As her profile rose, so did the scrutiny, particularly online. For Aspen, preserving her peace became paramount. She took small but significant steps to reclaim her mental health, such as deleting TikTok, stepping away from Instagram, and ignoring negative Reddit threads. “I just made sure that if I felt happy doing something, then that was great,” she said. This approach allowed her to focus on what truly mattered, rather than getting lost in the noise of public opinion.
The Importance of Community
When asked about advice for other Black women navigating public visibility, Aspen acknowledged that she doesn’t have all the answers but emphasized the importance of community. “Make sure the people you’re surrounding yourself with always make you feel comfortable,” she advised. A supportive core group can make the journey significantly easier, providing a safe space to be authentic.
Embracing New Opportunities
Despite the challenges, Aspen is not retreating from public life; she is simply choosing spaces that embrace her. This summer, she participated in the Angel’s Envy Daycap Pickleball Street Fest in Louisville, an event that celebrated community and connection. “We crushed it out there,” she laughed, reflecting on her experience. The event allowed her to see others who looked like her engaging in activities that are often underrepresented in media.
A Meaningful Partnership
Aspen’s partnership with Angel’s Envy holds special significance. “I’ve always kind of been a bourbon girl,” she explained, noting that Black women are often underrepresented in the spirits industry. Being the face of Angel’s Envy at the tournament felt meaningful, as it challenged stereotypes and showcased diversity in a space where it is often lacking.
Crafting a Legacy
Aspen is turning her lived experiences into a call for structural change in an industry still grappling with the concept of inclusion. Her goal extends beyond her own journey; it’s about paving the way for the next Black woman who dares to show up fully and unapologetically. “I hope at some point we get the same freedom our castmates have,” she expressed, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality in representation.
Making Space on Her Terms
Until that day comes, Aspen is committed to making space for herself and others on her own terms. Her journey is not just about visibility; it’s about creating a legacy that challenges the status quo and inspires future generations to embrace their authenticity in every space they occupy.
