Trey Haley never believed that was the path.
Instead, he believed in creating opportunities, surrounding himself with people who shared his vision, and trusting God to direct his steps. That mindset transformed a young man from Texas into one of today’s most respected directors and producers, helping build Tri Destined Studios into a powerhouse known for authentic storytelling and uplifting entertainment.
Today, Haley serves as President and Partner of Tri Destined Studios in Los Angeles, where he oversees the implementation of every production. The company has become known for bringing Carl Weber’s bestselling novels to the screen while producing romantic comedies, holiday films, family dramas, and television series that now reach audiences through BET+, Netflix, and other major platforms.
Although his résumé continues to grow, Haley’s journey began with one simple decision.
“I took a chance on myself and didn’t give myself a Plan B,” he says. “I knew I wanted to be a director, particularly a film director, and God directed my path in many ways.”
That decision eventually led him to meet his business partner, Nikaya D. Brown Jones, a relationship he describes as a true game changer.
“We didn’t despise small beginnings and built the company with a big vision.”
Together they created Tri Destined Studios with a mission that still guides every project today.
“Destined To Change The Perception of The World.”
“Our projects have to have a spirit of us ultimately winning,” Haley says.
When asked how he became one of television’s leading directors and producers, his answer has very little to do with titles or awards.
“It’s by teaming up with great people, people who believe in you.”
Success has never eliminated challenges.
For Haley, the greatest challenge has always been consistency.
“To be honest with you, the biggest challenge truly is being consistent and being aware of distractions that can get you off your game. To this day, that still is the case.”
Like many creatives, networking presented obstacles early in his career. Meeting the right people can be difficult, but Haley eventually realized something that changed everything.
“You have to create the lane you want, and people will come to you.”
Instead of waiting for someone else to provide an opportunity, he invested in himself, built a team, and focused on creating his own.
“So the challenge really was, what are we going to do to make our opportunities possible? Are we going to wait for it or are we going to make it happen?”
That philosophy has become the foundation of Tri Destined Studios.
Haley says there wasn’t one defining moment when he realized he was walking in his purpose. There have been many.
Meeting his business partner.
Building the company.
Watching doors open in unexpected ways.
“When God brings opportunities to your door and opens up opportunities for you out of left field, those are signs you’re on the right track.”
His faith continues to shape both his career and the stories he chooses to tell.
Among the many accomplishments in his career, Haley says he is most proud of believing in the vision.
The Family Business began as two independently financed films, largely funded by Carl Weber and based on Weber’s New York Times bestselling book series.
“We knew we could sell this as two movies, but what we really knew is this could be a great TV series.”
As they pitched the project throughout Hollywood, several networks expressed interest. There was only one problem.
“They wanted to change a lot of things that made the book special. There’s a reason why millions of people have bought the book series.”
Rather than compromise the story, Haley and his team stayed true to Weber’s vision.
“We are proud to say BET believed totally in the vision and loved the authenticity of Carl Weber’s book series.”
That decision helped launch one of BET’s most successful television franchises.
Haley is excited about continuing to produce additional seasons of the hit BET series while also celebrating the success of Deb Is Boss on AMC ALLBLK.
“We are proud to say it was the best premiered film in the history of the network.”
The film tells the remarkable story of music executive Deb Antney, portrayed by Lil Mama.
“Deb is a powerful woman, and what she endured as a child and as an adult is quite a story. Lil Mama nailed it.”
Even with years of success behind him, Haley still dreams of creating projects that stretch his creativity.
“I would love to make a project that has a high level of adventure involved in it. Lots of traveling involved. A project that involves unique places around the world.”
There are also artists he hopes to work with someday.
“The list is quite diverse, but I will say the likes of Morgan Freeman, Angela Bassett, Eddie Murphy, Denzel Washington and Reginald Hudlin would be amazing. These individuals have been in projects that shaped how I see filmmaking. Some of their projects have shaped the core of Tri Destined Studios.”
As a director, Haley has learned that leadership isn’t about always having the loudest voice.
“I’ve learned that you have to read the room. There is a time to listen and there’s a time to speak. There is a time to be a leader and there’s a time to be a follower. Timing is everything.”
That same heart for leadership is why he spends so much time investing in future filmmakers.
“I make it my business to speak at high schools, colleges, universities, and technical schools to share any knowledge I can when it comes to this business.”
Tri Destined Studios also provides internships and opportunities on set because Haley remembers where he started.
“I was a PA when I first started. As we were building Tri Destined, that was one of the ways I made money.”
“I know how important it is to just get an opportunity to show someone what you can do so you can elevate in this business. So many people gave us opportunities. We are passionate about giving people opportunities as well.”
When asked what separates people who dream from those who actually accomplish their goals, Haley’s answer is immediate.
“The only difference is that the people who achieve their goals put action into the equation. It’s biblical. Faith without work is dead.”
“There has to be a time where you stop talking about it and you do it. You get up every day, make a plan, no excuses, and you figure out how to make it happen.”
His advice for anyone afraid to take the first step is just as practical.
“Create a plan and stick to it. It’s a day-to-day thing, not an overnight journey. As you take each step day by day, you will get stronger with your faith along the way.”
“Keep the naysayers away from you. Stick to your vision.”
He also reminds aspiring filmmakers that creativity alone isn’t enough.
“This is a business. Learn as much as you can. Go to film festivals, do internships, shadow people, read books about people who do what you want to do.”
Then he offers one final thought that perfectly reflects the life he has built.
“There is no one way to make it in this business. Be a trailblazer no matter what you do. Ultimately, you have to step into it. Why not step into what you love to do? Something you would want to do every day.”
“Take a chance on yourself.”
For Trey Haley, courage isn’t simply having a dream.
It’s having the faith to act on it.
His definition of a courageous man says it best:
And perhaps that is the greatest lesson his journey offers.
Don’t wait for opportunities.
Create your own.
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