Temi Fágbénlé on Becoming Your Own Blueprint and Owning Space

Out of the 117 billion people who have ever lived, every single soul carries a completely unique blueprint.  The blueprint that is Temi Fágbénlé is that of a true renaissance woman. An Olympian, WNBA history-maker with the Toronto Tempo, and a proud unapologetically confident Black African woman, she has high intention to redefine what it means to take up space. Temi is making her acting debut in the upcoming Paramount Pictures film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel, Children of Blood and Bone. Set for a January 15, 2027 release, she joins a star-studded ensemble cast (Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Damson Idris, and more) directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.  Below is the story of a victorious woman reclaiming her identity, power, and purpose. 

The Origin Story & Reclaiming Identity

You grew up navigating a world that wasn’t physically or socially designed for your height, often dealing with unwanted attention or a sense of “otherness.” What was the turning point for you where you stopped viewing your height as a barrier to belonging and started embracing it as your catalyst for leadership? 

At 13, after being rejected by modeling agencies, I realized something crucial: if people didn’t accept me simply because of my height, I didn’t need those kinds of people in my life. If you can be swayed by the outside, then that shows me you are superficial, have no depth, and are not interested in me past what’s on the outside-you have no interest in who I actually am. Why would I want that kind of person in my life? That was the moment I stopped viewing my height as an issue, a problem, a sign that I was taking up too much space, or that I’m too tall for a woman, or whatever nonsense narratives that were told to me. I realized all of those societal standards were all bullshit, and I refused to let that noise hold me back from moving forward and upward.

Embracing my height as a catalyst for leadership really aligned with my growing presence on social media after turning pro. Realizing I had a platform and a captive audience; I took it upon myself to show up as my authentic self. I wanted to show others what it looks like to be a confident, Black, tall, African woman who walks comfortably and unapologetically in her own skin. Subconsciously, I feel a deep responsibility to use my online platform to show girls who look like me what it looks like to be all I am and confident with it and happy with it and thankful for it, so I can show them they can be like that as well.

Athletic Excellence & Cultural Milestones

Congratulations on making history with the Toronto Tempo! This feature is incredibly timely. As the WNBA celebrates 30 years since its founding, you are making history as a pioneer for the league’s very first international expansion. How does it feel to step into this history-making moment, and what does it mean to you to represent international growth in women’s sports?

Coming off last season with the Valkyries, being on another expansion team feels reminiscent. But this season is also completely different because of the international quality of it, being Canada’s first WNBA team. It feels more like a sense of responsibility and pride and honor to be a part of this kind of history. Showing young girls as well as women who have hoped for or wished for a Canadian WNBA team for many years what is possible —and driving the growth of the game —is such a great thing and fun thing to be able to show. I’m definitely very thankful to be here in Toronto, and just like last year, everything we do here is history-making. There is more of a microscope on us and with that comes the responsibility to hold ourselves in a way that we’d be proud of as well as our families and the country. I’m definitely up for the challenge and grateful to be in this position.

Basketball gives you an elite platform that you’ve consciously used it to champion youth empowerment and visibility. How do you balance the intense physical demands of being an Olympian and a center with the emotional energy it takes to be a role model for the next generation?

The main thing I would say is I definitely get my power from the higher power… God or whatever you want to call it. I truly feel that without it, I am nothing, and I would not be able to move the way I do in this world and be successful and be a top player in my field consistently without God. So that’s where I want to start. At the end of the day, it’s all about balance as well as I can’t pour from an empty cup. I have to really keep in mind where my energy levels are and not overstretch myself if I can help it. Basketball takes a lot of energy from me emotionally, physically, and spiritually. So, the last thing I want to do is accept an engagement empowering youth and be pouring from a low cup. That won’t be fair for the youth, nor would it be fair on me. So, I try and find that balance as much as possible. I prioritize rest, prioritize self-care, prioritize the sun, and if possible, prioritize the beach, so that whenever I step on the court or I’m speaking to or working with youth, I’m able to give my 100 percent.

The Intersections of Body Image & Mental Health

There is an emotional toll that tall individuals often face from social anxiety to body dysmorphia. In a world obsessed with extremely specific, rigid beauty standards, how do you practice self-love daily, and what advice do you have for SHEEN readers who are currently struggling to love the skin (or height) they are in?

Practicing self-love is a daily ritual, whether that’s speaking affirmations to yourself in the mirror or visualizing the kind of person you want to become. As a perfectionist, I am my own biggest critic, so I’m not always the best at it. But deep down, I understand and accept that I am worthy just as I am. Being a tall, Black, African, and a woman is a great filter that sifts out anyone who judges by the surface. It allows me to discern who does not deserve to be in my life—and to that I say good riddance. To anyone struggling with self-worth, I remind you to celebrate your unique features; your kinky, coily, type 4 hair, your dark skin, your curves, and your wide facial features, The Highest Power gifted you with perfection.   

While I once considered cosmetic procedures, I realized going under the knife would tell my younger self I wasn’t good enough. Daily external enhancements like makeup and fashion are plenty; they shouldn’t be about changing yourself to fit an ideal, but rather a beautiful, powerful form of creative self-expression. There’s power in that.

To all the Sheen readers: look in the mirror today and start speaking affirmations to yourself with true belief. Visualize the person you want to become and live in that vision as if it is already your reality.  Each day, you will watch yourself become more confident, self-assured, gentle, and loving.  Speak it into existence, visualize it into existence, and it will manifest.

SHEEN readers love exploring the intersection of lifestyle and culture. How do you navigate the world of fashion? Finding clothes that make you feel confident, stylish, and comfortable when the industry hasn’t always been inclusive of taller frames can be a journey in itself.

I’ve always been interested in fashion and wearing clothes that make me feel great and accentuate the natural features that I like. Recently, or last year, I connected with a stylist from the Bay Areawhen I was playing there. Her name is Lola Faleti, and that collaboration has been one of the most fun things I’ve done in my life to date.

I’m very grateful for the connection that we have and how we work together. It’s a really smooth experience and creative process of figuring out what looks good with the ideas Lola has come forward with. During our styling sessions, we really just get into it ~ She presents the amazing vision she has with the clothes that I have or what she wants me to get. And then when it’s time to style, our beautifully creative partnership yields the coolest results. I am definitely looking forward to seeing it bloom and rise as the years go on. As my life has become busier, I lean on Lola a lot for styling advice and am very thankful for her.

The Mission & Legacy

Fresh off of May’s celebration of International Victorious Woman Month, you truly embody that title as the very definition of a “Victorious Woman.” When readers finish reading this feature in SHEEN Magazine, what is the number one message or feeling you hope they walk away with regarding their own power and individuality?

You are perfectly you. You are worthy as you are. Never forget it.

Where can readers find you? @temifagbenle on IG and Facebook.