Venita Aspen On Changing The Face Of Reality TV And Serving ‘Southern Charm’ Off-Screen

Reality TV has often overlooked women who look like Venita Aspen — but that’s starting to change. As one of the few Black women featured on Bravo’s Southern Charm, Aspen has become part of a growing wave of representation in the genre, especially following a Love Island USA season where dark-skinned Black women emerged as fan favorites. Her presence on screen has helped push the needle toward more inclusive, joyful portrayals.

That same energy carried over to the Louisville Pickleball Street Festival, where Aspen teamed up with Angel’s Envy Bourbon for its Daycap experience — a sunny twist on the classic nightcap. The event paired the brand’s Peach Smash cocktail with a limited-edition pickleball capsule collection from Short Court, blending Southern charm with laid-back summer fun.

For Aspen, whether it’s filming reality TV or hosting friends at golden hour, it’s all about creating space to slow down, connect and celebrate the moment. Blavity spoke with Aspen about her love for all things southern hospitality, and the charm and confidence she brings to television.

Blavity: How did your partnership with Angel’s Envy Bourbon for the Daycap campaign come about?

This partnership came together so naturally.  Anyone could tell you that I’m someone who’s always loved celebrating life’s little luxuries and romanticizing life, whether it’s thinking about a great conversation that I had, spending time with friends and making it special or capping off the day in style, so when Angel’s Envy approached me about their summer Daycap campaign, it was an easy yes. This campaign’s focus on savoring those well-earned pauses at the end of the day aligned perfectly with how I live my life. And collaborating alongside Short Court, a Charleston-based brand I adore, for their capsule collection of paddles and hats, just made it all feel even more personal and full circle.

Daycap offers a fresh take on winding down and having fun with friends, all with a good drink on the side. What are some of your favorite summer activities that help you put a cap on a great day?

Summer in the South teaches you how to savor every second, so for me, a perfect summer Daycap looks like golden hour drinks with friends. I’m all about porch hangs, a well-styled dinner party, or taking the time to really slow down—music on, shoes off, cocktail in hand. 

The South is often revered for its charm and hospitality. What are your go-to hosting tips for a stylish summer gathering?

Style and ease go hand-in-hand when I host. I pretty much always start with a curated vibe, whether it’s vintage glassware, a thoughtful playlist, or signature cocktails, and build from there. I think the key is creating space where people feel seen and celebrated, but also comfortable. I love to re-use decor, find bargains and prep ahead to make sure that I’m really able to get in it with my guests and laugh, sip, and soak it all in. 

Bourbon is also a staple in the South. Do you have any favorite summer cocktails using Angel’s Envy?

Yes! I have so many, I love a Hot Toddy in the winter. My favorite summer cocktail right now is the Angel’s Envy Peach Smash; it’s light, fresh, and still has that smooth bourbon backbone. We served it at the Louisville Downtown Pickleball  Street Festival sponsored by Angel’s Envy, and it was such a hit. It’s a Southern staple reimagined—peach and Angel’s Envy.

You entered ‘Southern Charm’ as one of the few people of color in that space. What are some of the things you learned from being on the show?

Being one of the few Black women in that environment taught me a lot about owning my space, even when it felt unfamiliar. My mother instilled so much confidence in me at a young age, but I think that I’ve learned to walk confidently in my identity, to speak up when it matters, and to represent not just myself but the women who see themselves in me. It’s been a journey of strength and softness, and I’m proud of the light I’ve brought to that space and how it’s challenged me. 

We’re coming off a season of ‘Love Island USA’ where dark-skinned Black women were some of the fan-favorites. How important is it for you that women who look like you are seen and provide this representation for reality television? 

Representation means everything. Growing up, I didn’t see girls who looked like me getting the love story, the spotlight, the soft moments, and it’s kind of emotional to witness and be a part of this shift. I think that kind of visibility matters. When women who look like me are shown falling in love, living out loud, and being centered in joy, it sends a powerful message. It tells us we belong. Watching more women who look like me be celebrated is powerful, and being part of that shift feels really special. Chelley and Olandria were absolute gems this season, and I think their impact will go beyond the show – they’re showing little black girls everywhere that we deserve to be the main character too. 

How do you balance tuning out negative noise when it comes to fan reception, while also showing appreciation to those who support you?

I mean, I won’t lie that sometimes it’s hard. I focus on the why. I know who I am, and I know why I show up the way I do. That helps me filter out the noise. I’m also incredibly grateful for the people who ride for me, who see me, support me, and understand the heart behind what I do. I make space for them and lean on them when needed.