By Lauren Means • Photos Courtesy Anthony Lofties
“Growing up I always knew that I was different and anything I did, I would put my all into it,” says Anthony Lofties when asked what drives him to keep moving forward and pursuing his dreams. Lofties is the Founder and CEO of Altrio Entertainment. The self-described country boy was raised by his grandparents on a farm just outside of Jackson, Tennessee in a town called Bolivar. His grandmother is a minister and his biological father is a pastor. He grew up riding tractors, bailing hay, and planting gardens every year. “We always had farm animals like horses, bulls, cows and pigs,” Lofties reflected.
Maybe it’s that sense of hard work that has been instilled in him since childhood or maybe it’s his inner desire to continue to excel that has him pushing forward and always looking to the next venture. Whatever it is, he’s not slowing down. Lofties does it all. He is a singer, talk show host, and can now add fashion designer to his accomplishments as he recently launched an underwear/swimwear line.
“I finalized my new underwear/swimsuit line three weeks ago. Hopefully, I will be able to launch it by the end of December 2021 or the first of January 2022. I sketched all my designs and own all of them. I handpick all of my fabrics. You will never see a line like mine because all of my products are exclusive,” Lofties said about his most recent endeavor.
While Lofties is very confident in his abilities, he acknowledges there were moments in his past that have shaped him. He explained, “What drives me is remembering all of the people who said that I wouldn’t be anything. The people who stole ideas from me. People who wouldn’t give me a chance. The people who bullied me and I was afraid to stand up for myself.” He says he tends to internalize a lot of things that occurred in his life and suppress the emotions so it won’t overshadow what he really wants to accomplish.
He likened it to how Jean Grey, who is a character from the Marvel Universe, tried to suppress Phoenix. “When the time comes all of those emotions will get the best of you and it’s time to unleash the power that can’t be tamed. When you see me working on new projects, I unleash that altar ego that will push me harder to reach my goals and dare anyone to try and stop me,” said Lofties.
Pushing Through
One thing that has not stopped Lofties is the pandemic. He pushed through with his music and his web talk show, “The Industry Outlet.” He released his album “Sincerely, My Fault” on August 1, 2021 and it’s currently available on all digital platforms. “I decided to put my music to the side for now. The music industry is very harsh. I always said that I would quit music when I stop enjoying it. I may do a show one day, but it will be on my terms,” said Lofties.
“The Industry Outlet” is a show that he created to help entrepreneurs promote their businesses. “I created a platform where people can have those conversations that many have become so infuriated to discuss,” he said.
He highlights a recording artist on each episode but also has a large range of guests. “I’ve had professional basketball players, BET Sunday Best contestant Chelsey Barnes, R&B Artist J Howell, Ta’Liyah who owns the business Liyahs Lips. Judge Shelia Calloway, Brandi Johnson who founded the non-profit GOYB, and BMI country artist Preston James. The list goes on,” said Lofties.
He admits, for it to be his first season, he made a lot of mistakes but noted, “It was a great experience and I know what to do next season.” He plans to begin work on season two in January 2022.
Decisions and Setbacks
“The Industry Outlet” wasn’t Lofties first venture into television or film. Prior to the pandemic, he was working on a docuseries called “The G.A.Y.S.”. The show covered a range of personal stories from members of the LGBTQ+ community. “[There were different] coming out stories. I had someone talk about being on the downlow/married with kids who was forced to come out. I had a mother who spoke on accepting her child and shone a light on LGBTQ+ community member Deon Brown who is no longer with us. Deon’s life was taken away at a young age. He was murdered and that was the first time his mother spoke on it,” noted Lofties.
Unfortunately, he was not able to release the show. “Sometimes we are faced with decisions that could challenge our integrity,” said Lofties. “There was one particular interview that didn’t sit well with me. I had a heart-to-heart moment with my team and we all agreed that it felt like we were missing something. I did a little investigating and I’m glad I went with my gut. What I thought was wrong with that interview, it came to light,” he said. He decided to take a financial loss on his investment in the project so everything could end on a good note. He was still able to host a post-production gala that honored members of LGBTQ+ Community.
It’s those types of setbacks that could derail someone’s dreams. Lofties admits he’s hit many roadblocks in his career but he doesn’t let them stop his success. “I always tell people ‘know who you are or the industry will define you,’” he said. Lofties explained the way he overcomes those situations is by knowing how much he values his peace of mind. “If anything interrupts that, it cost too much. Once you learn who you are and know your worth, you will know your limit and what you will not stand for.”
Forging Ahead
The way things are going, the word “stop” doesn’t appear to be in Lofties’ vocabulary. “I will be producing a reality show in Nashville with help from photographer/videographer owner of Exp Imaging, Dairus Corley. I can’t give too many details but the show will surround a full gay cast and each cast member has their own situation going on,” said Lofties of his upcoming project.
He shared, “One LGBTQ+ cast member is going through a bad divorce. Two guys who call themselves friends constantly talk behind each other’s backs but still manage to hang with one another all the time, which I find to be so hilarious. One is an amazing chef and the other tries to make himself more than what he really is. I will be a cast member and will show how hard it is to date within the LGBTQ+ community while trying to balance my personal life while trying to have a regular life. Everyone shares something in common but you will have to wait to find out what it is.”
As for advice for people in the LGBTQ+ community who are pushing to make their dreams reality, Lofties simply says, “Keep pushing, stay focused and never give up.” He further explained, “Yes, there will be times when you will feel like no one understands you. Yes, there will be times you will feel uncertain about the choices and decisions you have to make. Yes, there will be times when you feel everything is going the way you want it and you have no one to share it with. I deal with that all the time. The point that I am trying to make is to KNOW your worth and know that it will all be worth it when you reach your goals.”
You can watch the first season of “The Industry Outlet” on YouTube, find his album “Sincerely, My Fault” on all digital platforms, and keep up with all his upcoming projects via social media.
