Today we’d like to introduce you to Portia Mazone.
Hi Portia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Minneapolis, MN, to a single teenage mother, and my journey has been defined by triumphing through adversity. Growing up, I split my time between my mother’s house and various family members, which instilled in me resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges, I graduated high school and college with honors.
My educational path led me to Florida A&M University (FAMU), where I earned a B.S. in Journalism and a Master’s in Applied Social Science. I also received a certificate in Music Recording from FAMU and a certificate in Music Essentials from NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. My passion for intellectual property law earned me a Juris Masters from Emory University School of Law. I am pursuing a Juris Doctorate at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, which I will obtain in 2026.
In 2015, I co-founded the Sports, Music, and Entertainment Summit (SMES), a one-day event that has become a valuable platform for education and networking in the entertainment field. The summit offers a range of panels, workshops, and networking opportunities, reflecting my dedication to fostering growth and collaboration among entertainment professionals.
One of my career highlights was serving as the Music Supervisor for Season 2 of the Emmy award-winning show ‘GIANTS.’ My contributions to the show’s soundtrack, praised for its authentic portrayal of the black millennial experience, earned a nomination for Best Soundtrack at the Indie Series Awards in 2019. This recognition underscores my ability to impact the entertainment industry significantly.
As a member of the National Association of Record Industry Professionals (NARIP), the Recording Academy, ASCAP as both a songwriter and publisher, and BMI as a publisher, I am deeply involved in the music industry. My diverse range of clients, from music producers and actors to executives and major brands, benefit from my extensive entertainment, public relations, and intellectual property law knowledge.
In 2023, I joined ForbesBLK, a community dedicated to empowering Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders driving systemic change in business and culture. I continue to grow my clients’ brands, offer entertainment consulting services, and speak globally on African American social justice movements and the role of Black entertainers.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Being a Black woman executive and entrepreneur comes with unique challenges and barriers. Growing up with a single mother and navigating life between various family members taught me resilience, but it also meant facing instability and uncertainty from a young age.
Throughout my career, I’ve had to contend with systemic biases and prejudices that often doubly affect Black women—in the entertainment industry, breaking through as a Black woman meant constantly proving my worth and capabilities in environments that were not always welcoming or inclusive.
Establishing Econtii Music Group and co-founding the Sports, Music, and Entertainment Summit (SMES) were significant milestones, but they came with their challenges. Building a business from the ground up requires immense dedication, overcoming financial hurdles, and continuously seeking opportunities in a competitive field.
In my academic journey, balancing multiple degrees and certifications while managing a growing career was demanding. Earning a Juris Masters in Intellectual Property Law and pursuing a Juris Doctorate required intellectual rigor and managing the expectations and pressures of being a trailblazer.
Despite these struggles, each obstacle has reinforced my determination and commitment to my goals. My journey has been about navigating through adversity, leveraging every opportunity, and paving the way for future generations of Black women in the entertainment and legal industries.
We’ve been impressed with Econtii Music Group, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Econtii Music Group, founded in 2009, is an entertainment company dedicated to empowering industry professionals. We specialize in music supervision, production, consulting, brand management, and intellectual property law. Our notable projects include supervising the Emmy-winning show GIANTS and the acclaimed series Unapologetically Black.
Our comprehensive expertise, personalized services, and commitment to empowering underrepresented groups set us apart. We’re proud of our brand recognition, including a nomination for Best Soundtrack at the Indie Series Awards, and our community impact through initiatives like ForbesBLK and the Sports, Music, and Entertainment Summit (SMES).
We offer diverse services tailored to each client’s unique needs, from legal advice and brand management to public relations and consulting. Our global presence includes speaking engagements on topics like African American social justice movements and the role of Black entertainers. Econtii Music Group is dedicated to supporting and elevating talent in the entertainment industry.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Good and bad luck has significantly influenced my life and business. Growing up moving between various family members presented many challenges that could be seen as bad luck. However, these experiences instilled resilience and adaptability in me, fueling my determination to succeed. Good luck has manifested through unexpected opportunities and valuable connections in my career. While luck has certainly played a role, preparing and seizing opportunities has been crucial. Hard work, dedication, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities have been key to navigating the ups and downs of luck.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.EcontiiMusicGroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/econtii/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EcontiiMusicGroup/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@econtiimusicgroupllc
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/econtiimusicgroup
Image Credits
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