Meet Tone | Entrepreneur & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tone, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I do not feel I initially pursued an artistic and creative career; however, i feel that it found me. It found me in the noise and chaos of my thoughts, pain, and sorrow, and I utilized it not to escape but to heal in ways that my voice couldn’t reach. Art became my sanctuary, my mirror, and my liberation. It whispered to me in moments of despair, offering light where shadows reigned. It transformed my wounds into wisdom and my silence into symphonies. Creativity called to me not as a choice but as a necessity—a lifeline to express the inexpressible and to find meaning in moments that felt void of it. Through the brushstrokes of vision and the rhythm of storytelling, I discovered a language through words and beyond, one that connected me not only to myself but to others. In this divine dance of creation, I found my purpose: to heal, to inspire, to illuminate the hidden beauty within pain, and to remind the world that even in brokenness, there is extraordinary art. I just happen to wake up doing what my soul called me to, to sustain me in other areas of my life as well, and I’m grateful because not everyone is afforded the opportunity to have both their passion and purpose align.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art, for me, has always been a means of storytelling—whether through spoken word and poetry, short films, photography, or videography. Each medium allows me to capture emotion, perspective, and raw human experience in different ways. My spoken word pieces and written poetry explore themes of identity, love, and introspection, often drawing from personal experiences and late-night thoughts that find their way into my work. In film, I’ve worked on short projects that highlight authentic storytelling, where every frame is intentional. My degree and background in Cinema and Media Arts Production from Georgia Gwinnett College and the Georgia Film Academy, along with my internship at RDK Studios, gave me a foundation, but I’ve also learned a lot through hands-on experience—experimenting with lighting, composition, and editing to refine my style. Photography and videography have become an extension of this, allowing me to freeze moments in time and bring stories to life visually. Beyond that, cooking is another form of creativity for me. There’s an artistry in flavors, in the way ingredients come together like poetry on a plate. It’s something I enjoy not just as a skill but as another way to express myself. The journey to where I am today hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced challenges in gaining professional experience, finding opportunities, and sometimes doubting my own path. But I’ve learned that perseverance, continuous learning, and staying true to my voice are key. Nonetheless, the overall lesson I have learned is to keep going and keep growing as my late and now deceased aunt, Larreyl Porter, would always say to me. She literally engrained that into me because every decision, choice, word and move, I am reminded to keep going and keep growing. I want the world to know that my art—whether in words, visuals, or even food—is a reflection of my perspective, my passion, and my belief that every story deserves to be told in a way that resonates. My goal is to create work that moves people, sparks thought, and leaves an impact.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d make sure they got the full experience—good food, great drinks, and plenty of fun: spots like brunch at Gocha’s breakfast bar, thumbs up diner, or Atlanta Breakfast Club, some chill and relax at piedmont park or sweetwater creek state park under the sun and on the lawn or fishing with some picnicking next to or atop the water on boats, and then drinks and a turn up at Happy Hour ATL or My Sister’s Room. In my early 20s, I would hit Ubar twice a week with my homeboys for a really great time and sports. They had .25 vent wings and $10.00 pitcher specials then.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I have to give all glory to God. Through every high and low, His guidance, grace, and strength have kept me moving forward. My faith has been the foundation of my journey, shaping my purpose and resilience. Next, my family—who have supported me unconditionally, encouraged my dreams, and reminded me of my worth even when I doubted myself. Their love and belief in me have been a driving force in everything I do. My close friends also deserve recognition. They’ve been my sounding board, my biggest cheerleaders, and the ones who remind me to laugh, breathe, and keep pushing forward. Their presence in my life is invaluable, and I wouldn’t be where I am without their support and motivation. Finally, my community—the people who have poured into me, whether through mentorship, collaboration, or simply offering a kind word. From my church family to creative peers, each connection has played a role in shaping who I am today. Success is never a solo journey, and I’m beyond grateful for every person who has walked alongside me, uplifted me, and believed in me.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_4fortone?igsh=b2xwZjl4ZnpvMmg0&utm_source=qr

Twitter: https://x.com/_4fortone?s=21

Other: TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@_4fortone?_t=ZP-8thS52t10e6&_r=1

business Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/cmefamily?igsh=MWVrYWJyenJwdTE5OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
all shot by:
Tone (me)
Comeback Media and Entertainment (my business)