When actress Jasmine Sargent steps on screen as Keisha in G.R.I.T.S. (Girls Raised In The South), she doesn’t just play the part—she lives it. From her humble Virginia roots to her years hustling in Atlanta’s creative scene, Jasmine embodies the strength, grace, and authenticity of the Southern women she represents. Between mastering a Memphis drawl, roller-skating her way through key scenes, and holding her own alongside hip-hop legends, Jasmine proves that her brand of grit isn’t just a role—it’s a lifestyle.
FEMI: You’re leading G.R.I.T.S. (Girls Raised In The South), which celebrates Southern sisterhood in such a raw and relatable way. What parts of your own Atlanta upbringing helped you connect most deeply with your character, Keisha?
JASMINE: There are so many parts of my own upbringing in Virginia that helped me to connect with Keisha in such a deep way such as my childhood relationship with skating and growing up in a troubled area. Being from an area that’s not really known to have much, skating was always there and pretty much an outlet for me. Whenever I would go skating, I would feel free. Nothing made me happier. It was the one constant thing in my life that I knew I could look forward to multiple days a week all year long.
Now, when it comes to being brought up in a troubled area, this hit home for me for sure because although I grew up in a troubled area, I was never a troubled kid. Despite my surroundings, I never let that get in the way of the type of person I always knew I was meant to be; strong minded, courageous, and compassionate, three characteristics that describe Keisha perfectly.
FEMI: You had to master roller skating and a Memphis drawl for this role — what was that process like? And between the two, which one almost had you saying, “Lord, what did I sign up for?”
JASMINE: Whew, baby. The Memphis accent quickly made me realize that this role was going to challenge me way more than I could have ever imagined. Now see, with me being in Atlanta for almost 10 years, I never thought that I would be so far removed from a dialect that was practically down the road but it was almost immediately that I said, “Lord what did I sign up for?” day one of working with the dialect coach.
FEMI: Since G.R.I.T.S. was shot on location, what was the energy like on set? Any funny or unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments you can share that really captured the Southern vibe?
JASMINE: Oh my goodness! When it came to being able to actually shoot on location for this project, it made the authenticity that much stronger! On top of having the opportunity to share the screen with so many Memphis legends (Slimeroni, 8-Ball, and Co Cash) they made me feel like I was right at home.
We stayed at a well- known hotel in Memphis that was also known for being infamously “haunted.” It even had a pigeon farm at the top floor! Every time we would pass a hotel staff member, they would tell us a different story about something “spooky” happening there.
We were terrified to walk the halls alone and to leave our rooms at night so the girls and I (Ashanti Harris- Ty and Slimeroni- Francis) practically stayed with each other every night with little to no sleep.
FEMI: You’ve worked within the Tyler Perry Universe on Beauty in Black and House of Payne. How did those experiences prepare you for stepping into a leading role — and what’s one lesson Mr. Perry shared that stuck with you?
JASMINE: One lesson I learned from working with Mr. Perry is that time is money and how much being prepared sets you up for success. Having the opportunities to work in the Tyler Perry Universe prepared me for stepping into a leading role because it taught me how to not only work hard, but smart, and efficiently.
FEMI: You’re in the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid commercial with Lil Jon and gearing up for the Netflix debut of Doing Life. How does it feel watching your career expand across TV, film, and national campaigns all at once?
JASMINE: When it comes to watching my career expand across TV, film, and national campaigns all at once, I think the word that best describes my feelings of it all is “Surreal.” I am literally defying what once was my reality and what once was a dream is now my reality. As most like to say…I am truly shook right now!
FEMI: With G.R.I.T.S. premiering and Doing Life on the horizon, what’s next on your vision board? Any dream roles or collaborators you’d love to work with as your star continues to rise?
JASMINE: What’s next on my vision board is to have the opportunity to play a character so outside of myself that I am almost unrecognizable. This career field allows you to live so many different lives, and since we only get one in reality, I want to breathe through as many characters as I possibly can while I can.
As Jasmine’s star continues to rise with G.R.I.T.S. lighting up screens, Doing Life on deck for Netflix, and national campaigns under her belt—it’s clear she’s only getting started. Her journey is proof that faith, preparation, and a little Southern magic can turn dreams into destiny. Whether she’s gliding across the rink or commanding the camera, one thing’s for sure, Jasmine Sargent is rolling full speed toward greatness.
Photography Credit: Jeff Dansby Photography
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