Today we’d like to introduce you to Tre’Vion Horne-Smith.
Hi Tre’Vion, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was always ambitious as a child from Jersey City, NJ. From as early as I can remember, I wanted to be great at something.
I used to watch a ton of music videos, movies, etc & be inspired by the creativity of it all. I knew I wanted to be in the entertainment industry but never knew how or what it would look like. My mom instilled love, morals, hustle & respect in me. Whereas my step-father nurtured the business/ entrepreneur spirit upon me.
I didn’t have my Biological Dad in my life. Growing up, through my adolescence, that caused a void within me – it made me want to be a better version of myself. I went through a series of emotions: Depression, anxiety, resentment, lack of confidence, no self-love & more throughout my younger years.
Over time, I’ve learned that I was dealt with the exact cards I needed to push through adversity & strive for greatness.
In elementary, I tried what I was allowed to: Music, painting, drawing & more. I wanted to play football, but my mom wasn’t here for me doing any sports that could get me injured. I remember my grandma buying me a piano that I never used & even further back, my mom buying me a T-Pain microphone (I thought I was Trey Songz at the time). I started a YouTube channel as well but never proceeded to post anything. My mom and step-father got married & we moved to Delaware when I was 10 years old (2013) – EVERYTHING changed for me.
In Middle school, I began to plant the seed for what I do today. I would edit Flipagram videos with emoji backgrounds, create a cartoon page with a friend & edit cartoons from my phone as well. I would even do funny Dub Smashes & Musically all the time. I desired to work badly at McDonald’s because I wanted my own money. My mom told me to slow my roll & that it wasn’t the time (she wanted me to focus on school).
High school is where everything began to unfold for me. Summer of 2017 I officially got into sports – I boxed at MVJ Athletics for two years. That same summer, I filmed & edited my first prank on my cousin but never posted it. My freshman year, I wanted to be a plastic surgeon after watching tons of Dr. Miami videos… Once I have seen the amount of years it took for school, I pivoted expeditiously.
Summer of 2018, going into my Sophomore year, I officially started my YouTube Channel in June 2018 which consisted of Vlogs, Pranks, Challenges & Public Interviews. For the rest of the summer & all of my Sophomore year, I was creating content & gaining tons of momentum on my channel. DDG even commented on one of my highest viewed videos “WAVE CHECK: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION!! (Flyest Waves in AMERICA)🌊”. I always knew I wasn’t going to college, so doing YouTube was in alignment for me. I always had good grades, nonetheless.
Starting my channel was a whirlwind of success – I grew my channel to over 59,000+ subscribers in roughly six months & proceeded until about January 2019. The foundation was unstable though.. Just when I thought I knew myself & that everything I prayed for would sustain… Things began to come crashing down. I noticed that I was extremely introverted & the personality I had on camera was me, but I would have anxiety when people would ask me to “perform” in person.
Fast forward to 2019, those voids from my childhood started to appear. My depression phase that lasted for over three years began. I started to rage & self-sabotage it all. I slowly started to shy away from YouTube.
I knew I didn’t want to be in front of the camera, but I also didn’t want to completely detach myself from YouTube & content creation. On March 13, 2020 I created my Creative Agency RoyalTMadeIt.
RoyalTMadeIt I’ve started & have been running for the past three years. It was my way to heal & grow through what I was going through behind the scenes yet still contribute to content in a massive way. I design Thumbnails, YouTube Intros & Outros, Banners, and Flyers. I worked every day to build relationships & improve my skills because I SUCKED in the beginning.
As I continued to improve, I gained a huge list of clientele & made a name for myself. Working with Entrepreneurs & Content Creators such as Queen Naija, Clarencenyc, David Shands, Donni Wiggins, Neo Davis, Terrica Lynn Smith, Deshae Frost & we’d be here for hours if I continue.
Creating this business has taught me a lot about myself. Understanding that communication is not confrontation & customer service is essential to have longevity. Not communicating to your clients is a form of self-sabotage. Lack of time management & procrastination is a form of self-sabotage too. These were all things I had to continuously unlearn, all while trying to heal myself in the process & maintain a sustainable business. There were so many times of burnout because I was eager to keep going no matter what.
Fast forward again to 2023, & I’m officially overcoming my depression. I moved out to ATL at 19 years old & into my God-parent’s house in January 2023. I couldn’t WAIT to move; I was excited for the next chapter!
Shortly after moving out here: My Mentor, David Shands, granted me the opportunity to start a podcast with two other hosts that I had no relationship with. We began filming in February & released our first “Growing Painz Podcast” episode in March 2023 under the ‘Social Proof Network.’ We’ve grown tremendously ever since. I’ve grown a sincere relationship with God & it has helped me communicate better, be confident in my voice, & public speaking!
As of now, I am grateful for where I am & where I’m going. I know RoyalTMadeIt will be a household name alongside Tyler Perry Studios & Teyanna Taylor, Aunties Production. Growing Painz will continue to thrive individually & together.
Everyone has a sad story, but you’re the common denominator of it all. Adversity builds true character. You must grow through what you go through & trust that God’s character & promises is worth experiencing every season.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely has not been smooth! I believe a smooth road creates a foundation that will eventually need maintenance.
My Challenges:
– Depression
– Anxiety
– People Pleasing/ No Boundaries
– Lack of Confidence & Self Love
– Body Dysmorphia
– Unhealed Triggers/ Wounds
We’ve been impressed with RoyalTMadeIt, 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?
RoyalTMadeIt is a Creative Agency, EST March 2023. We design graphics & edit for Content Creators to help create amazing first impressions for their audience.
Our Services that we’re known for: YouTube Thumbnails, YouTube Intros & Outros, Banners, Flyers, & Video Editing. As of now for the time being, we’ve niched down to Thumbnails, Video Editing & Flyer/ Event Branding Designs.
What sets us apart from others is our endless mission to thrive for greater results. Improving skill, maintaining passion, & living up to the name – making all clients feel serviced like Royalty.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the clientele we’ve built over the years. When people think of RoyalTMadeIt they think of quality.
Readers should know that the service & experience they’re paying for is worth it. We have monthly retainer rates to be serviced all year round! We desire to form your vision from your mind & into the world! We shall only continue to evolve.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood was being a true kid. Not having to worry about bills, finances, nothing! TAKE ME BACK: adulting is ghetto (just kidding)!
On a serious note, my favorite childhood memory would be anything involving family. Whether that’s with my parents, grandparents, aunts/ uncles, siblings, cousins & more.
I’m a family-oriented man, so any trips, vacations or time I’ve spent with family in my childhood makes me reminisce on how things used to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/royaltrevion
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royaltrevion/ | https://www.instagram.com/royaltmadeit/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RoyalTrevion/videos
Image Credits
Ronzell Teague (@Legendaryzell) @Legendary.lani
