In today’s world, building and nurturing connections—whether romantic or platonic—has never been more important. That’s why BLK, the leading dating and social app for Black singles, has launched its Social Mode feature, a new way for users to toggle between dating and making meaningful connections based on friendship. To celebrate the launch, BLK tapped the one and only Reginae Carter, TV personality, entrepreneur, and advocate for self-love, to host an exclusive Girls’ Night In, bringing this powerful new feature to life.
During a candid conversation with Shine magazine, Reginae shared her thoughts on friendship, vulnerability, and the significance of supportive relationships. It became clear that for Reginae, the connections we cultivate with others—especially with other Black women—are just as essential as the romantic relationships we pursue.
Reginae is a firm believer in the idea that your circle is everything. “As much as people use dating apps to find love, friendships are just as important—especially for Black women,” she says. Friendship, in Reginae’s world, is about more than just fun hangouts—it’s about support, vulnerability, and growth. “Me and my friends, we do devotionals all the time. We always pick each other up when we’re having a bad week or a tough day,” she shared. Her friendship circle is built on respect, trust, and the shared goal of lifting one another up.
But it’s not just about supporting each other when times are tough. Reginae emphasizes that holding each other accountable is key. “We definitely keep each other on our toes,” she says, adding that she’s not afraid to speak up when something isn’t right. “If I feel like something’s wrong with you, I’m gonna say something. But it’s not about what you say, it’s about how you say it.” Respect is essential, she notes, especially when navigating the complexities of being a Black woman in today’s world, where we can often feel disrespected by society at large.
For Reginae, the ability to form real, meaningful connections is vital—both in life and in relationships. When asked about BLK’s new Social Mode feature, she couldn’t help but express her excitement. “The new feature is pretty dope,” Reginae says with enthusiasm. Unlike traditional dating apps where swiping left or right is all about finding love, Social Modeallows users to toggle between “Dating” and “Social” modes, opening up the possibility for genuine, platonic connections.
She explains, “You can actually get to know people. You can see what they’re working on, their businesses, their lifestyles. It’s like a media page where you’re really learning about that person.” For Reginae, this new feature is especially important because friendships should not be an afterthought. Whether you’re looking for a workout buddy, a travel partner, or a brunch friend, Social Mode helps people expand their circle beyond just romantic interests.
One of the key takeaways from our conversation with Reginae was her emphasis on vulnerability. As Black women, we often face the pressure of being seen as “strong” at all times, but Reginae wants to change that narrative. “It’s okay to be hurt. It’s okay to have a little crack in you,” she says. “But you pick up the pieces, glue yourself back together, and keep moving forward.”
Reginae’s commitment to embracing vulnerability was evident when she shared her experience leading up to the Girls’ Night In event. She revealed that she had just finished a fast and was eager to unwind and connect with the women around her. “It was my first day off the fast, and I was so ready for a blast,” she laughed. But more than just the fun, it was the deep conversations and shared experiences with other women that left an impact. “I learned a lot about the women in the room,” she reflects. “I realized I’m not going through things alone—many people shared stories I could relate to. It made me feel like I’m not the only one going through stuff.”
The evening was an opportunity to build that sense of community, something Reginae feels strongly about. “It was a group of Black women doing amazing things in their careers, businesses, and personal lives. That was also inspiring to me,” she adds.
Throughout the conversation, Reginae also touched on the idea of the “soft life,” a concept she’s embraced wholeheartedly. “I keep my village right by me,” she says, emphasizing the importance of surrounding herself with positive influences. This idea of the “soft life” is about taking care of yourself, prioritizing your peace, and knowing who to let into your circle. Reginae is mindful about the people she allows into her life, carefully setting boundaries to protect her energy.
She also spoke about how Social Mode fits into this lifestyle. “With BLK, you have the opportunity to meet new people, but just like in real life, you have to be cautious about who you allow into your space,” she explains. “It starts with knowing yourself first. Be true to yourself, and everything else will fall into place.”
As Reginae’s journey shows, friendships are no longer just a side dish to romance—they’re a key component of a fulfilling life. With Social Mode, BLK recognizes this shift and provides a space for users to nurture these platonic connections, expanding beyond just finding a partner. But even when it comes to relationships, Reginae firmly believes in the importance of boundaries and balance. “In relationships, I don’t ever want to be in a situation where I have to choose between a friend and a partner,” she notes. “You have to set boundaries so that doesn’t happen.”
What’s Next for Reginae?
Looking ahead, Reginae is continuing to shine in both her personal and professional endeavors. In addition to her acting career and the success of her clothing line, she’s working on several exciting projects. “I’m just excited to see what else is in store,” she says. “I’m not done yet.”
And with her constant glow-up, Reginae is showing the world that there’s so much more to her than meets the eye.
BLK’s Social Mode is Here to Stay
To experience Social Mode and start making connections, download or update the BLK app from the App Store or Google Play Store today. It’s time to find not just love, but also friendship, community, and genuine connections.
Photo Credit: Ctrip Productions
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