Watering What Grows: The Many Lives of Sasha Del Valle

A Strategist in Motion

Sasha Del Valle is not easily defined by a single title. She is a professional salsa dancer, actress, producer, publisher and entrepreneur; But more than that, she is a strategist. Every move she makes, whether in front of the camera or behind it, is rooted in intention, ownership and long-term vision.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Del Valle embodies the grit and resilience often associated with her home state. “Definitely a hustler,” she says. “Growing up where I’m from gave me tough skin. It taught me how to be strong and resilient.”

From the World Stage to the Big Screen

Del Valle’s career began in dance, touring internationally as a professional salsa dancer for six years. From there, she transitioned into magazines and music videos, appearing alongside major artists including Jay-Z and 50 Cent during the height of print and video culture.

That momentum led to a defining moment: Her breakout film role in Before I Self Destruct, a movie packaged with 50 Cent’s album of the same name. Del Valle played Princess, a character audiences loved to hate—central to the film’s conflict and unforgettable in her impact.

Despite having no formal acting experience at the time, she found herself on set alongside seasoned actors such as Clifton Powell. “I was feeding off everyone’s energy,” she recalls. “Once I stepped on set, that’s when I knew this is where I wanted to be.”

Claiming Power Behind the Camera

Del Valle never intended to stop at acting alone.

“I realized the real power is in production,” she says. “Being in front of the camera is one thing, but owning the production company—that’s where control lives.”

In 2016, she launched Overtime Productions, committing herself to learning every aspect of the craft, from shooting and editing to writing and producing.

Nearly a decade later, Del Valle is preparing to bring Princess back to life. This time on her own terms. In 2026, she will begin production on a spin-off project centered on the same character from Before I Self Destruct, produced under her own company OverTime Productions. “Who better to play her than me?” she says. “She’s just older now.”

Navigating a Changing Industry

This return is not rooted in nostalgia, but strategy. With the rise of independent platforms such as Tubi and the continued shift in distribution power, Del Valle sees opportunity where others see disruption.

“Creators can create now,” she says. “The gatekeeping has changed.”

Alongside her work in film and television—including projects on BET+, Tubi and ALLBLK; Del Valle has positioned herself as both talent and executive, navigating the evolving media landscape with intention and adaptability.

Building Legacy Through Literacy

In 2018, Del Valle expanded her creative reach by launching 12 and Under, her children’s book publishing company. Since then, she has authored seven books focused on representation, education and empowerment for Black and Brown children.

Her first book, co-created with activist and artist Mysonne, became a No. 1 bestseller, breaking down the first 10 amendments in a way children could understand. The book gained national attention, with support from figures such as Snoop Dogg, 2 Chainz and Lauren London.

Today, her books are carried in Bronx schools, available in both English and Spanish, and used as tools to help children see themselves reflected in the stories they read.

“I don’t alienate any race,” Del Valle says. “But representation matters. Kids need to be able to see themselves in these stories. They can be astronauts, lawyers, creators—whatever they dream of being.”

Teaching the Next Generation to Create Safely

That belief recently inspired her seventh book, I Want to Be a YouTuber, after noticing that nearly every child she spoke with during Career Day shared the same aspiration.

Rather than dismissing the trend, Del Valle chose to guide it: Teaching children about online safety, bullying, finding a niche and navigating digital platforms responsibly.

“Kids are already driving the culture,” she says. “So let’s teach them how to do it the right way.”

“Watering What’s Growing”

Del Valle’s ability to juggle multiple ventures comes down to what she calls “watering what’s growing.” She focuses her energy where momentum exists, trusting that other seeds will bloom in time.

It is a philosophy rooted in patience, discipline and gratitude. “I don’t take in negative energy,” she says. “I focus on growth.”

Expanding Her Voice in Media

That mindset has also carried her into new media. After multiple appearances on The Joe Budden Podcast, Del Valle leveraged the exposure into brand partnerships and new opportunities. 

She is now preparing to launch Culture Shock, a weekly segment with  Hot 97, where she gives her take on the latest news in music, sports and entertainment. artists and creatives shaping today’s cultural landscape.

A Message to Her Younger Self

If Del Valle could speak to her younger self, her message would be simple: Be fearless.

“Time is short,” she says. “I want to maximize my time here. I want to help. I want to pass the baton.”

Building What Lasts

Sasha Del Valle is doing exactly that: Creating space, opening doors and proving that independence is not a limitation, but a form of power.

In an industry that continues to evolve, she is not chasing trends.

She is building infrastructure.

And she is just getting started.