OWN’s unscripted series “Bell Collective,” which follows black businessmen in Jackson, Mississippi, is being adapted to series, and the network has greenlit “Bell Collective: Birmingham,” starring Stormy Steele.
Additionally, the original “Belle Collective” will return to OWN for its seventh season on February 13th.
Steele is the founder and CEO of the multi-million dollar brand Canvas Beauty. According to the official logline, “Belle Collective: Birmingham” follows her as she connects with “a circle of ambitious and successful southern belles in Birmingham’s emerging cultural hub who are determined to transform Birmingham into a thriving destination of beauty and influence.” Stormi must navigate Birmingham’s deeply connected social and business scene and forge alliances with fellow power players, including her smart CFO Amber Jones, entrepreneur Tiffany Jones, and marketers.” Strategist Funmi Ford, model and marketer Sinetta Hawkins, and talent manager Cla Inman. ”
The “Belle Collective” series “redefines what it means to be a modern Southern Belle, unapologetically carving her own path by spotlighting dynamic women who embody the strength, ambition and pride of black female entrepreneurship,” OWN reported. The original series stars Kelly Paul, Latecia Pearson, Latrice Rogers, Marie Hamilton-Abston, Selena Johnson, and Tambura Cheri. Season 6 was the most-watched original series on cable TV among African American women ages 25-54.
In Season 7, La’Tecia reaches a breaking point in her marriage to Glenn and makes the courageous decision to put herself first. Marie also learns of Cedric’s infidelity and is reeling from a shocking betrayal. Meanwhile, Latrice and Cliff are riding high as their restaurant Taste emerges as the most popular restaurant in Jackson, but Latrice soon faces a serious health scare that threatens everything she’s built. Her long-awaited wedding to Mike is just around the corner, but the pressure mounts as plans fall behind schedule, the house search is complicated by Mike’s reluctance to give up his bachelor pad, and the third location in Kelly’s restaurant franchise, Brick and Spoon, struggles to regain momentum. Then, on Selena’s 50th birthday, the smoldering feud between Latecia and Latrice erupts into a major confrontation, and tensions reach a boiling point. A celebration was held, shocking the entire Collective and throwing the group into chaos. ”
“Belle Collective” and “Belle Collective: Birmingham” are produced by Kingdom Reign Entertainment.
“Since its debut, ‘Belle Collective’ has become a defining series for OWN, captivating viewers with authentic storytelling and celebrating the strength, ambition and brilliance of Black women in the South,” OWN President Tina Perry said in a statement. “We are proud to expand this powerful series and introduce fascinating new stories and dynamic personalities from Birmingham.”
