Check Out Habib Telly’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Habib Telly.

Habib, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My creative journey truly began in high school. I couldn’t afford new shoes and didn’t want to wait for my parents to buy me clothes, so in ninth grade I started a sneaker restoration business. It wasn’t much at first, but it sparked a real passion to create , build something from nothing, and for finding my own ways to make money.

A huge influence during that time was my cousin Warren. Growing up African, there were specific paths we were expected to follow in order to “make it” in America. Warren didn’t follow any of them. He was stylish, confident, and driven, and he introduced me to a whole world of fashion and music. Around then, I started experimenting with making my own clothes and selling them around school. I had no idea what I was doing, but I loved it! Especially seeing people proudly wear my hoodies. Over time, I was able to elevate the look and feel of my brand. I bought a camera and pushed myself to get better.

I kept building my brand all the way into college. Then COVID hit, and everything shut down. I wasn’t motivated to do anything, so I just picked up my camera and started shooting things. I spent a lot of time outside documenting what was happening. Eventually, I went to my first underground show—Doomlanta—and it changed everything. I tapped into the underground scene, something completely different from what I knew growing up. The energy, the creativity, the freedom of expression—it all drew me in.

After that show, I took my camera everywhere. I slowed down on the clothing brand and started making videos, interviewing creatives across Atlanta, and just kept going. Over time, I invested in myself—buying new equipment, paying to be in rooms that helped me grow, and sharpening my craft.

After the death of my friend Kennedy, I made the decision to double down on what I was doing. And once I committed, everything went up. That’s when I met my brother Sani Falls, someone who truly changed my life. He opened the door for me to work in the music industry. I got the chance to shoot Young Thug, Lil Baby, Gunna, Latto, and many other artists. Eventually, I even got my photos of Mexikodro on a Times Square billboard and shot my big bro Bugus on tour—some of the biggest moments of my career. Shout out to them.

All of this happened while I was still in college. Even though I didn’t want to be in school, I pushed through and graduated in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations.

Today, I work for a fashion media company called Superline Network and continue to create my own content. My journey is still evolving and I’m figuring out how to make my mark on the world.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been an easy road. Graduating college was challenging, and it was never something I originally planned to do, but it never felt like I had the option to choose anything else. Growing up in an African household, education always comes first, and everything else is secondary. Because of that, I struggled to find my path in college. I changed my major five times, but when I eventually found PR, everything finally clicked.

Along the way, I lost loved ones and watched some relationships slowly fade. Balancing my personal life with what I share online has been difficult. It can feel isolating when people can’t separate the online version of you from who you are in real life. It makes it hard to know who is genuinely there for you.

Learning business, time management, and structure was also a challenge, but I’ve continued to work on them and strive to be my best. I didn’t come from a business background, so earning money for the first time was overwhelming. It takes discipline, vision, and strategy to survive creatively, yet when you’re online, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overspending or trying to keep up with others.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a storyteller, and the way I communicate stories is through directing and photography. I specialize in marketing, communications, and branding. People know that if you see me, I’m doing something cool. Whether I’m hanging out with your favorite celebrity, documenting life in a new place, or interviewing someone interesting, I bring a unique eye to every moment. I’m really an “IYKYK” type of person.

I’m most proud of working full-time in my field as an artist. It’s a dream, and I know the younger version of myself would be proud. Being Guinean Ivorian American is what sets me apart. It has allowed me to experience life through a lens very few people have. I speak multiple languages and can connect with anyone, which motivates me to learn about the world through my background.

I want to do everything it takes to win big, all while keeping my integrity and values.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Life hurts, it can suck, it can steal, it can lie, but it doesn’t excuse you from being a good person to people. People make mistakes, but up its up to you to correct them. Take moments to unlearn behaviors and mindsets that do not connect you to your higher self. Keep your faith and everything will work out.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghriote/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ghriote