Brennah Black, a model, entrepreneur, and content creator, first stepped into the public eye at just 10 years old as a plus-size model.

“I loved being in front of the camera,” she recalls. “It wasn’t until I started modeling alongside other child models that I realized I was the plus-size model. Looking back, this sparked some insecurities about my size, though I never let it affect my work. I was always working. But by the time I entered 7th grade, I had grown out of my ‘baby weight,’ and bookings became scarce.”

During her teenage years, Brennah shifted her focus to athletics and academics, but her modeling career gained renewed momentum in college. Her work with the CHIVE, a popular entertainment website, propelled her back into the spotlight. As social media platforms like Instagram began to rise, Brennah quickly adapted to the changing landscape.

“I found myself gaining popularity on social media. My following grew rapidly, which led to more modeling and influencer opportunities. At the time, I was studying broadcast journalism. In my junior year, I received a life-changing offer: to be a sideline reporter for the Legends Football League in Los Angeles. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, so I packed my car, grabbed my dog, and with my mom by my side, we drove to LA.”

Once in LA, Brennah threw herself into acting classes and auditions. She landed small roles in films and became a go-to model for swimwear and lingerie brands—all while her social media presence continued to soar.

Brennah’s content creation has always centered on high-end photo shoots, creative direction, and polished presentation—setting her apart from many influencers who rely on casual, phone-shot content. This strategic approach helped her build a substantial following and paved the way for her next venture: Black Heart Lingerie.

Brennah has taken her decade-long experience in the fashion industry and launched her own lingerie brand. She challenges industry norms and creates designs prioritizing comfort and versatility without sacrificing elegance. Her debut collection, set to launch in early 2025, promises pieces seamlessly transitioning from the boardroom to the bedroom, offering women a perfect blend of sophistication and sensuality for any occasion.

Reflecting on her journey, Brennah shares insights into brand building, influencer marketing, and the delicate balance between creative control and collaboration in the digital age.

Launching Black Heart Lingerie

Black Heart Lingerie aims to disrupt a market saturated with white-labeled products. Initially, Brennah considered following the industry standard of rebranding wholesale items but quickly realized it wasn’t the right path.

“That didn’t fulfill my creativity,” she explains. Instead, she collaborated with her mother to develop original designs and self-funded the venture to maintain complete creative control.

“By then, I was an established lingerie model, and I knew I wanted to create something of my own,” Brennah shares. “Together, my mother and I launched Black Heart Lingerie in 2020.”

Although their initial plan was to purchase and resell lingerie, they shifted to designing their own pieces, embarking on a steep learning curve.

“Entrepreneurship came with its own challenges. I had to learn everything from design to pattern-making to manufacturing—a world completely new to me. At one point, I lost $18,000 to a manufacturer who scammed us. After months of waiting for patterns and samples that never came, I was devastated. But my mother pushed me to keep going.”

Despite the setbacks, Brennah remained committed to creating lingerie. The brand’s inaugural collection features eight luxurious silk pieces in black, with a special color variant to be introduced.

Transitioning from model to brand owner has felt natural for Brennah, whose years of promoting lingerie on social media gave her unique insight into creative direction.

“I’ve spent years modeling and influencing other brands, constantly thinking of new ways to highlight their pieces,” she says. “So, it felt natural to apply that same creative energy to my own brand.”

Balancing the roles of brand face and business owner comes with its own challenges. To manage her growing responsibilities, Brennah has built a team, including a business consultant and financial management team, to help her navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.

“The journey has taught me so much about resilience and perseverance. I’ve realized that entrepreneurship isn’t about reaching a final destination—it’s about constantly growing, learning, and pushing beyond your comfort zone.”

Empowering Women Through Versatile Lingerie Design

Black Heart Lingerie is more than just a brand; it’s an embodiment of women’s empowerment.

“Our lingerie is designed for all women—whether you’re a confident, independent woman or someone who values comfort and elegance,” Brennah explains. “It’s about feeling comfortable, elegant, and sexy in your own way.”

The debut collection emphasizes versatility. Each piece is designed to be convertible, offering multiple ways to style and wear it.

Brennah looks to trailblazing women entrepreneurs for inspiration, citing Eloise Monaghan of Honey Birdette as a key role model. “Eloise built such an iconic, woman-owned brand. It’s incredibly inspiring, and I hope Black Heart Lingerie can follow a similar path to success.”

Brennah’s designs prioritize seductive luxury and everyday wearability. “While modeling for many lingerie brands, I noticed some pieces were uncomfortable due to heavy embroidery or thick elastics, making them unsuitable for daily wear. I wanted to create lingerie that’s as comfortable under your clothes during the day as striking for a night out.”

Leveraging Influencer Marketing in Luxury Lingerie

With her deep industry experience, Brennah has crafted a strategic marketing approach, particularly in leveraging influencer collaborations.

“Influencer marketing is going to be a huge part of our success,” Brennah says. “As part of my strategy, I’m partnering with select celebrity influencers—our ‘Lovies’—who will be the faces of Black Heart Lingerie. These ambassadors will showcase our exclusive, limited-edition corsets and lingerie pieces, embodying our brand’s luxurious craftsmanship and bold elegance. With the Lovies leading the way, I’m confident we’ll captivate audiences and solidify Black Heart Lingerie’s place in the luxury market.”

While recognizing TikTok’s influence on beauty and fast fashion, Brennah asserts that Instagram remains dominant in the luxury space. “Instagram is the modern-day fashion magazine,” she observes. “It’s where you discover everything now, replacing traditional newsstands.”

Creative Control and Collaboration in Brand Building

Brennah reflects on the balancing act of maintaining her personal brand while fostering collaborative relationships in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of “working harmoniously with others while ensuring everyone involved has the creative freedom to express themselves.”

Looking forward, Brennah remains committed to balancing her entrepreneurial goals, modeling career, and growing online presence.

“Building strong relationships with those who help bring my lingerie vision to life is crucial,” she says. “At the same time, I need to nurture my other creative outlets and keep pushing forward in all areas to make my dream a reality.”