The Dallas-born, New York-based entrepreneur is currently CEO of his own company Tionne Inc., which stands for “the business and theproduct.” Tionne, Inc. currently offers tmSmith: Creative Direction and Elevated Branding™, launched in 2008, offering All-Inclusive Digital and Print Media Graphic Art/Design (to include Web Development, SEO/Social Media Integration).
In the beginning it started with art. Comic books/sketching/painting, you name it, to winning awards and the next thing I knew, I was leaving Stepford-Land to growing up on my own. I put myself through school/work, survived the “Peter Pan Syndrome” and the next thing I know someone messed around and put the idea in my head that I can turn myself into a product… so I did!
First discovered: by The Kim Dawson Agency. Relocation: NYC after being signed to Wilhelmina Models in 2006. Smith signed across with Ford Models (full network) in 2008. Additional Representation by Innovative Artists. The truth is, Tionne is maintaining one of the most difficult “titles” in the industry to-date… WORKING TALENT.
I moved to New York for 2 reasons… love and other drugs, not so much the drugs but the miscellaneous happenstance (laughing). I needed to be somewhere that creative people thrived, where the living was in finding joy and being creative. It wasn’t so much a struggle, but the hustle… you have to have a passion to live in the city. The energy, the vibe! New York is a part of the man I am today. I <3 NY
Smith is in development’s of a compilation of poetry & prose titled “what you’ve missed of me.” This work offers a template for Smith’s vibrant and emotional journey in life; something Tionne himself, describes as a “metamorphosis.” Well known for being a “Rockstar” – James Grant (J.G. PR), the book is in development and expecting a Summer 2012 release (online and order by print).
The pleasure was all mine to discover that the image & the name (the business & the product) is someone who is beautiful inside & out.
When asked about what’s next, how he feels, and about 3 other questions…
I see great(er) things ahead!
