LEAD
WITH INTENTION

Founded on values of truth, intent, inclusivity, and creativity, TEMBO TONES is a creative studio with one mission: to help entrepreneurs and storytellers of color craft meaningful and deeply personal brand experiences.

Through a variety of creative services, we specialize in building aesthetic and strategic foundations that align with your deepest intentions and highlight the textures that elevate your brand from unique to transformative.

Our story

HUE OF HUMANITY

In order to create the most immersive and personal creative experience, every TEMBO TONES client begins their journey with our HUE OF HUMANITY groundwork. Through this process, we seek to honor, understand and energize (H.U.E.) our client’s vision, and build the foundation we need to create work that is honest and impactful.

Start the Journey

THE PORTFOLIO

Every person, place, and project provides a new opportunity to explore a different dimension of humanity. Each experience is unique and powerful in its own right, and we’ve been lucky to craft a fine art gallery filled with them.

Explore the gallery

HEAD OF THE HERD

As a Kenyan-Indian-American woman, Pooja Shah set out on a mission to show up big and bold in every aspect of her life. In 2020, Pooja created TEMBO TONES – the foundation that would turn her mission into a movement. Today, as creative director, Pooja leads with intention and creative intuition in order to unearth and uplift the light, texture, and beauty of the people and the communities around her.

Meet the Creative Director

ART THAT RESONATES

Bring warmth, light, texture, and soul into your spaces with a consciously-crafted TEMBO TONES original print.

Shop our prints

MUSINGS FROM OUR MUSES

Featured

Neha

The experience shooting with Tembo Tones was one of the most elevated creative processes I've experienced. From the ease of logistics to the caliber of creativity, working with Tembo Tones was a real treat. The logistics of the shoot were just as thoughtful as the creative processes leading up to it. Pooja provided all parties with a detailed run of the show so everyone was on the same page. And by no surprise, the final product was breathtaking. Not only were the shots incredible, but the editing was unbelievable. The portfolio showcased her skillfulness in editing a diverse range of moods, from classic/timeless to sexy/edgy. If you're looking for a creative partner to elevate your brand and bring your unique creative vision to life, look no further.

Alida

I have been a fan and supporter of Pooja Shah for the last three years, and in that time, I've had the privilege of watching her continuously hone her artistic craft. As she was launching Tembo Tones, I wanted to seal my appreciation for her with a collaborative project. Pooja art directed and photographed the full Ethos Team offsite, putting together mood boards, conducting office tours, sourcing and staging props, and working with each of us to make sure we felt comfortable, supported, and confident in front of the camera. Our images are lived in, branded, and organic. We couldn't be happier with the artistic vision she brought, and the attentiveness and client-first focused that characterized her entire approach.

Aana

Pooja has an incredible ability to absorb your light and reflect it out into the world through words and images. Whether professional or personal, the resulting reflection is a celebration and acknowledgment of the most powerful parts of you. Working with Pooja on both professional and personal projects clarified my story and helped to develop a mold-breaking platform to elevate my voice with the intent of creating space for other ambitious and mold-breaking voices.

Erinne

When I first started working with Pooja, she asked me very thoughtful questions about my mission and vision. The way she played back to me what she heard and how she translated that to a mood board made me feel like she really got me! She thought of everything I needed to create a beautifully styled photoshoot and helped me come out of my shell to show off the best of me on camera. I absolutely love the images that came out of our photoshoot, the way Pooja captured the richness of my complexion, and the way she reflected my most beautiful, feminine, and powerful, authentic self.

Abby

Pooja was wonderful to work with! She made it so easy. I am so thankful for the photos she took. She is extremely talented and captured exactly what I had hoped - even though I was halfway across the world!