Meet Stephen (Sabali) Salmon | Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephen (Sabali) Salmon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephen (Sabali), can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I come from a family of entrepreneurs. My grandfather, who was born in Lucea, Jamaica, owned several businesses. My grandmother also supported the family by running a family owned convenience store in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Personally, I have a passion for creative expression and a strong desire to work for myself. Self reliance is important to me, especially in an ever changing world like the one we live in.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Music was a big part of my childhood. I was exposed to many different genres including reggae, soca, jazz, blues, r&b, & hip-hop. I watched a lot of movies as well. This fusion of audio and visual art created a desire to create. In high school I learned photography, videography, & video editing. After graduating I used these skills to cultivate a brand. In 2014 I created Sabali Media. This was not an easy process. In the beginning I was traveling quite a bit. In the first year I learned the importance of having patience. My brand was built from the ground up with the goal of providing media services to my community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I recently started a graffiti podcast, The 4th Element ATL. Since the start of the podcast I’ve been on the search for the best murals and graffiti art in the city. This has brought me to neighborhoods like Little Five Points, East Atlanta Villiage, and Old Fourth Ward. I would recommend all of these neighborhoods if you’re into art. Ponce City Market is a nice place to shop or have lunch. My favorite restaurant is Bone Garden located in West Midtown. Piedmont Park is perfect for an intimate picnic or just a casual walk in the park. There is always something to do in the city, especially in the summer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife has been extremely supportive of my creative endeavors. I couldn’t do anything without her encouragement. My late mother was a huge supporter. She was always willing to give me advice and love. My father has played a major role in understanding the business side. I graduated from Osborne High School in Marietta, Ga in 2004. This is where I learned how to edit video.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabalimedia?igsh=MWVxaWVlZzl3Z3hxeg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@the4thelementnyc

Image Credits
Sabali Media