Belle Collective returns with new diva energy

Four seasons is a win for any series but it’s even sweeter for Lateisha Pearson and her Jackson, Mississippi sisters, the cast of OWN’s Belle Collective. Lateisha, a married homemaker believed her small southern city had something to say and would make for great reality television. She and a business partner were blessed enough to secure a zoom call with the king of reality television Carlos King, and the rest is history. Carlos saw the potential in the fierce entrepreneurial women of Jackson and put his machine behind introducing them to the OWN network.

Four seasons later, and Lateisha is joined by Latrice Rogers, Tambara Cherie, Marie Hamilton-Abston, Aikisha Holly-Colon and Sophia “So Gucci” Williams as representatives of the 21st century Black southern belle. Carlos and the ladies gathered at Taste, the new restaurant and lounge owned by Cliff and Latrice Rogers, to celebrate the November 1st premiere of season 4. Carlos, realizing the franchise embodied real potential of becoming a top rated series, added Selena Johnson, a former reality star from a hit series on Lifetime and brought back Jackson’s fiesty dentist Antoinette Liles. Antoinette left the series after the first season, but has returned to reclaim her position. “I built this,” she remarked joining her sisters for a brief Q&A after the premiere.

When asked for the definition of a “southern belle” all the women listed characteristics of today’s modern woman; focusing on strength, independence, business savvy—and kindness as identifying qualities.

“When I was growing up I didn’t have my mother or any women around to really look up to. I would envision the woman I wanted to be and I worked to become that woman,” Marie shares. “Today I’m proud to say I’ve become that woman.”

Latrice echoed Marie’s remarks on not seeing role models around her growing up. “I’ve never really looked up to any other woman. I’m my own definition of what a southern belle should be,” she says. Tambra and Selena reference their grandmothers as examples of kindness and strength that they pulled from as young women.

“These ladies are strong, they’re successful and I’m proud of all of you,” Carlos shared sincerely before the screening began. “Who would’ve thought the world would be championing these ladies in Jackson, MS but they bring something that’s special. I think Belle Collective is the most underrated reality show on television.”

Season 4 of Belle Collective promises to bring more sisterhood drama along with family challenges and interpersonal struggles. Audiences are interested in seeing how Selena meshes with the friend group of her ex-husband JJ’s new wife So Gucci. “I’ve been friends with and have history with most of the women,” Selena smiles. “It’s going to be a good time.”

Belle Collective audiences are locked in for the return on Friday, November 1st at 8/7.  WATCH BELLE COLLEVTIVE