Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jim Telli. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jim , thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?
My first Paid gig was me headlining a comedy night in Fort Lauderdale last year. I made exactly $280 that night and I felt incredible.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
A year ago, I woke in a hospital bed after being unconscious for almost 48 hours. I had a tooth extracted that got infected, developed an abscess which of cutting off my wind pipe. I couldn’t eat, I lost a lot of weight and was hella feverish.
It could have been over.
This lead to me geting an abscess surgically drained/removed.
While in the hospital, I told myself that I would commit to Comedy.
I looked and felt like shit and was skinny af…but I knew what I had to do.
So I started hitting open mics, taking “class” whenever I could(watching more seasoned comedians) going on stage wherever I could weather it be at the improv or in the backyard of a bar. I kept writing, bombing, ripping, improvising and improving. I’ve performed for black, white, French, Hispanic crowds… I’ve met so many great comedians! I’ve opened for Preacher Lawson, I’ve performed not only in South Florida but in St. Louis, Phoenix, North Dakota and many more places to come!
I knew since getting on stage the very first time that this is what I wanted to do.
It’s not easy… but it’s what I’m good at.
A lot can change in a year.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Well I just started posting on TikTok and after a few viral videos, I currently have amassed a following of 20k on the platform that is growing daily. Consistency, figuring out the algorithm and what folks like is the main key. Taylor it to whatever your niche is and just go for it!
Don’t be scared to try new thing and or ideas.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jim_telli?igsh=MTd0bHN2NWxvcHB1aw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jimtelli4912?si=KtTgdZYzxh73ErmC
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jmtelli?_t=8jCNMyEFXyt&_r=1