Tonya Moore’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tonya Moore. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Tonya, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think many people are quietly struggling with feeling overwhelmed while trying to keep everything together. There’s a lot of pressure to be strong, productive, and “okay,” even when life feels heavy. What often goes unsaid is how much people crave permission to slow down, be honest about their emotions, and feel supported without judgment.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Tonya Moore, a filmmaker, creative producer, and the founder of the Freed Up Experience. My work centers on storytelling as a pathway to healing, particularly around childhood trauma and emotional freedom. Pinky Swear is a deeply personal short film that explores the lasting impact of unspoken pain and the power of finally telling the truth. What makes my work special is that it doesn’t stop at the screen—I create spaces for conversation, reflection, and community, inviting people to feel seen, heard, and less alone as they begin their own healing journeys.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
In my own life, I’ve seen how silence can quietly break bonds—especially when pain goes unacknowledged or emotions are buried just to keep the peace. I learned early on how easy it is to disconnect while still showing up on the surface. What restores those bonds, for me, has been honesty and compassion—first with myself, and then with others. When I allowed space for truth, without shame or blame, I experienced how connection can be rebuilt and relationships can soften and heal in ways I didn’t think were possible.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—there were moments when I felt emotionally exhausted and seriously considered giving up, especially during seasons when I was carrying unspoken pain and trying to push forward anyway. The turning point came when I stopped asking, “Can I do this?” and started asking, “What happens if I don’t?” I realized that staying silent was costing me more than the discomfort of telling the truth. Creating Pinky Swear became a way to choose honesty over hiding, and that choice reminded me that healing—both mine and others’—was worth continuing.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the creative and film industry tells itself is that success has to come at the expense of well-being. There’s an unspoken belief that struggle, burnout, and silence are just part of the process. Another is the idea that deeply personal stories are “too much” or too risky, when in reality those are often the stories that create the strongest connection. I’ve learned that sustainability, honesty, and emotional care aren’t weaknesses in this industry—they’re what allow meaningful work to last.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I created space—for honesty, healing, and meaningful conversation. That I used storytelling not just to entertain, but to help people feel seen, understood, and less alone. More than anything, I hope they say I was brave enough to tell the truth and generous enough to invite others to do the same, leaving people freer than I found them.

Pinky Swear was selected for The Urban Short Film Festival’s 3rd Annual Atlanta Tour (2026), allowing that message to reach even more people.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedupexp?igsh=MTJlMzdibzJuZDVlcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/HVL5Ki3v_VI

 

Image Credits
Wymon Cook