Meet Randall Porter | Culture + Style Expert & Columnist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Randall Porter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Randall, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
I know I am not the only one who feels this way, but 2024 is truly the year of ‘Stepping into your purpose.’ Self-doubt, it’s tired. Waiting for someone to give me permission? We’re done with that. Waiting until we have the perfect resources and things in place? That’s old news. The time is now! We’ve been waiting… waiting for people to give us permission. Waiting for everything to be in alignment. It’s go time! I feel that so deeply every day. I feel this level of focus that I’ve never felt before, this motivation that I’ve never experienced. I truly believe my time is now. Your time is now. And if you don’t feel this way, I hope that you sense this energy soon. I don’t want to let another year pass by. I don’t want you to let another year slip away, just waiting for things to fall into place. You make them fall into place. We are making them fall into place.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Style + Culture Expert, best known for my column ‘A Man About Town’ on soul-grown.com. What sets me apart is my passion for showcasing style and my love for my city, Birmingham. Initially conceived as a platform to spotlight stylish trends and local talents, my column has evolved into a dynamic online experience for consumers, featuring the most intriguing brands and artists from both near and far.

So, what exactly do I do? It’s a bit difficult to pinpoint, but essentially, I’m a multifaceted professional. I organize events, support local artists and businesses, and serve as a marketer, brand strategist, and event planner when needed. If I had to sum it up, I’d say I’m a Cultural Curator—a modern-day tastemaker, if you will.

At the heart of everything I do lies fashion. I firmly believe that personal style holds tremendous power, more than people often realize. Through my Instagram and column, I aim to showcase this power and inspire others to embrace their unique style.

My journey to where I am today professionally hasn’t been easy. Like any path worth pursuing, it’s been filled with challenges. However, I’ve overcome these obstacles through perseverance, creativity, and a relentless passion for what I do. Along the way, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Ultimately, what I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: I’m dedicated to bringing people together and exposing them to the rich tapestry of experiences that Birmingham + Southeast has to offer. Whether it’s through fashion, art, or community events, my mission is to foster connection and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of The South.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Birmingham, I’d want to show them the absolute best time and give them a taste of everything this vibrant city has to offer. Birmingham is a complete gem, always evolving and growing, with new bars, restaurants, and events popping up all the time. You’ll often find me at the latest and newest spots, seeking out the most exciting experiences.

For a week-long trip, I’d craft an itinerary that embodies the essence of Birmingham’s energy and diversity. We’d start by immersing ourselves in the city’s culinary scene, dining at places where the food, drinks, and chefs are intentional about their craft. Essential, Adios Bar, Bottega, The General, and Lady Bird are some of my go-to spots for a memorable dining experience.

Of course, no trip to Birmingham would be complete without some retail therapy. We’d explore shops like Basic and The Summit, where we can discover unique finds and support local businesses.

But it’s not just about where we eat and shop—it’s about being intentional with our time and the energy we surround ourselves with. We’d start our mornings with invigorating workouts at Battle Republic or Fit Facility, followed by relaxing strolls through Railroad Park to soak in the city’s natural beauty.

And when it comes to self-care, nothing beats a visit to Arcadia, my favorite salon, for some pampering and rejuvenation.

To satisfy our cultural cravings, we’d spend an afternoon exploring The Birmingham Museum of Art, where we can marvel at incredible works of art and immerse ourselves in the city’s rich history.

Throughout our trip, I’d aim to manifest meaningful connections by choosing places and experiences where the people are intentional and curious. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with fellow art enthusiasts at the museum or bonding over cocktails at a trendy bar, I believe in creating moments that are both memorable and meaningful.

In essence, my goal would be to curate an unforgettable experience that captures the spirit of Birmingham—dynamic, diverse, and full of endless possibilities.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve had many female inspirations in my life, such as my grandmothers and aunts that deserve the credit. However, honestly, there weren’t many people like me or shown representation as Gay Black Men growing up. So, it is my goal to be an inspiration to others. Every queer person reading this is a role model to someone without realizing it. You don’t need a million followers, an article in Out Magazine, a famous sibling, or to be on the next season of Drag Race. You are a strong and substantial representation of what it means to be queer every day. You help people who are scared and confused about their queer identity realize it’s amazing to come out. You show people outside of our community why we’re so magical. Please continue to hustle, thrive, and live out loud. People are depending on you.”

Website: https://www.therandallporter.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randallporter/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-porter-6a358233

Other: https://soul-grown.com/?s=randall+Porter

Image Credits
Prestley Bramlett @prestleybphoto