The Harder the Fall, the Stronger the Climb: New Centric Docu-Series, "FROM THE BOTTOM UP" Follows the Harrowing Journey of Five Women after Falling from Grace

From Executive Producers Queen Latifah and Nicci Gilbert

Premieres January 16 @ 10pm

NEW YORK -- Centric, the first network designed for Black women, launches "FROM THE BOTTOM UP," a provocative docuseries following five high profile women after a publicized fall from grace. Starring Christine Beatty, Stacii Jae Johnson, Chrystale Wilson, Sara Stokes and Kim Smeadly; the six part series will follow them on the long road to redemption as they strive to change their lives, rebuild their families and live their dreams. The series provides an unfettered view into their world and the organic chaos within their individual lives, tackling real, raw, gritty, emotional and honest issues from women who are smiling on the outside, but two minutes from dying on the inside. From Flavor Unit Entertainment and Executive Producers Queen Latifah; Shakim Compere; Nicci Gilbert; Luchia Ashe; Yaneley Arty and Rene Garcia. "FROM THE BOTTOM UP" premieres on Centric with a simulcast on BET Networks on January 16 at 10:00 pm ET, followed by new episodes every Saturday night on Centric.

MEET THE CAST

CHRISTINE BEATTY

Christine Beatty was once the powerful and well respected Chief of Staff for Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Christine resigned amid a political sex-scandal and criminal charges of perjury. Her hardships have caused her to relocate to Atlanta in hopes for a fresh start.

STACII JAE JOHNSON

Stacii Jae Johnson was one of the best political fundraisers in the city of Atlanta. After being pulled over and arrested for DUI, her promising career began to unravel. She plans to use her wits and connections to navigate her way back to the top.

KIM SMEDLEY

Kim Smedley was administering illegal butt-injection procedures from hotel rooms across the United States and amassing a great deal of wealth and notoriety. These activities ultimately landed her in federal prison. Now she has written a tell-all book and seeks to rebuild herself in a new positive light as a legit business owner.

SARA STOKES

Sara Stokes is known for being a part of Diddy's group from "Making The Band 2." Sara has since struggled in her solo career and has suffered from bouts of domestic violence in her personal life. Recently released from prison, she is headed to Atlanta to work on her music and get a fresh start.

CHRYSTALE WILSON

Chrystale Wilson is best known for her role in the movie "The Player's Club." Chrystale has continued to try and work as an actress, but her career hasn't quite hit its stride. After years of personal struggle, she is ready to find her place in the spotlight.

About CENTRIC

Centric is a 24-hour music and entertainment channel that reflects the lifestyle and sophistication of today's African-American and multicultural adult viewer. With a finger on the pulse of an ever-changing beat, its compelling music content fuses Soul, R&B, Neo-Soul, Hip Hop, Reggae, Gospel, Jazz, Old School, New School and everything in between with today's hottest artists. It is a unique mix of music, culture and lifestyle programming that embodies the lives, tastes and aspirations of the Centric viewer. Centric: What's Good.

About Flavor Unit

Flavor Unit is an entertainment company owned by Queen Latifah and long time partner Shakim Compere. Most recently, Flavor Unit won an Emmy for Outstanding TV Movie for their original film Bessie which they co-produced with HBO. The film also garnered 12 Emmy nominations, SAG and Golden Globe nominations. Flavor Unit began by executive producing Disney's box office # 1 hit Bringing Down the House and then continued with Beauty Shop for MGM and The Perfect Holiday for Paramount. They have produced The Cookout with Lionsgate, as well as the film Just Wright with Fox Searchlight. Also on the small screen, they executive produced HBO's critically acclaimed film Life Support which garnered a number of awards including an Emmy nomination and Golden Globe win for Queen Latifah, as well as Lifetime's Original Movie Steel Magnolias which garnered an Emmy, SAG, and Critics Choice nomination for Alfre Woodard.

Flavor Unit Entertainment made a multi-year deal with BET to create new original programming. Flavor Unit produced Latifah's film Joyful Noise and most recently released their romantic comedy "November Rule" through their multi-year licensing deal with Netflix.