We had the good fortune of connecting with Treone Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Treone, why did you pursue a creative career?
I actually ran from being in front of the camera. My degree is in Radio & TV and I wanted to work in radio. I wasn’t able to find a job in the field a few years after I graduated from college, so my career went down a different path because bills were still coming. Fast forward to 2019, I was going through a really wild time. The office of my job was closing down so everyone was offered to either start working from home, transition to another location, or take a severance package. I was also in the middle of a divorce in a city where I barely knew anyone and my family was over 2 hours away. So I didn’t have anyone to entertain at home, and I couldn’t even laugh with coworkers anymore. Some of my colleagues and friends encouraged me to start posting videos, so I did. So in the middle of everything painful that was happening in 2019 and 2020, making videos became a creative outlet for me to both express myself and not feel like I was so much on an island anymore.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think my content has gotten attention because I try to keep it relevant, honest, and positive. I started making content back in 2019, but things didn’t really start taking off for me until 2023. Out of a period of dating fatigue, I created a video called, “Dating Someone in Their 30s in 90 Seconds.” The format came from my time conducting interviews as a supervisor, as well as the repetitive nature of dating and going through the “talking phase” with a new person. I really was thinking about a solid set of questions anyone can use to see if they really want to continue getting to know someone or not. The “Dating Questions” series is now 20 videos long and I’ve started doing live Instagram shows every other Thursday to give guests an opportunity to answer the questions in real time as well as discuss personal dating experiences and perceptions.
Contrary to popular belief, I’m naturally an introvert. The challenge for me is to be consistent with making content while also maintaining my private life and not feeling as if I have to be tied to a camera all the time. I’ve also worked to not limit myself as just “the dating guy,” so I try to mix in other content so people know there’s more to me than the questions. That can be hit and miss at times, but I have to keep doing what feels right and free for me. This has included making videos of “firsts” for me to help inspire others to try new things and get out of their comfort zone too. I’ve also done some videos based around divorce to both encourage those that are going through/have gone through the process, and give more insight to others about how to navigate things with someone that has been divorced.
Ultimately, I just want people to know that my intentions are to entertain, educate, and enlighten in a positive matter. I know controversy and hot takes are what get clicks and engagement, but I prefer to offer solutions to things instead of merely pointing fingers. I don’t want to add to the noise of social media- let it all come from a healthy place with positive intentions.
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?
I’m still fairly new to the Fort Worth area and still figuring things out, so my scope is still a bit small. I’ve been to two Cidercade locations and have enjoyed myself each time. You pay once to get in, but over 90% of the games are free and you don’t have to worry about quarters. I’ve lost count of how many concerts and comedy shows I’ve gone to at the Texas Trust CU Theater, and I’ve started eyeing the Arlington Improv Comedy Club now too. I’ve been to the Dallas Museum of Art several times and plan to visit the other museums and galleries in the arts district.
Food-wise, I really don’t want to reveal my go to spots. Yes, I’m gatekeeping and being petty. I will say that BB.Q Chicken has seen me a good bit over the last few weeks. They’ve messed up my regimen…but I’m not made about it. Hurts Donuts satiated my sweet tooth cravings, and Fat Shack is clutch on late nights. I don’t drink or smoke at all, so I can’t make any recommendations for any bars or lounges.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I was able to identify and lean on a great support system when I was going through everything. First, my faith in God really helped keep some light in the midst of so much pain and confusion. Toshi, Natalie, and Ms. Lisa were three of my former colleagues that really pushed me to consider creating content instead of keeping my humor to myself. Niki, Courtney, Paula, Avril, and Shemika let me laugh and voice frustration during our Divorce Care meetings and subsequent group chat. Sierra has been helpful with pointing out areas of opportunity for my live shows. My mom has ALWAYS been my biggest advocate, and I’m thankful that I’ve been able to rely on her as both a sounding board and grounding element in my life. Shoutout to Wilson for referring me to this platform also!
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Youtube: TL_The_Professor
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