Joshua Kissi is not just a photographer; he is a storyteller who uses images to change how people see culture and identity. Born in the Bronx to Ghanaian parents, Kissi grew up with a strong sense of heritage. His work reflects this background, blending fashion, history, and community into powerful visuals. Over the years, he has become a respected creative director, filmmaker, and entrepreneur.
His career began with a simple idea: to show men’s style from a cultural lens. That idea grew into Street Etiquette, a creative agency that has worked with global brands like Apple, Adidas, and GQ. Later, he co-founded TONL, a stock imagery company that focuses on diversity and representation. Today, Kissi is known worldwide for his photography, films, and his mission to amplify voices that are often overlooked.
Joshua Kissi Profession, Age, Wife, Family, Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joshua Kissi |
| Date of Birth | April 25, 1989 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 36 years |
| Birthplace | The Bronx, New York, USA |
| Nationality | Ghanaian-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Profession | Photographer, Filmmaker, Creative Director, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Co-founder of Street Etiquette and TONL |
| Major Works | Black Is King (2020), A Great Day in Accra (2019), For Love & Country (2022), It Takes A Village (2024) |
| Awards | Inc Magazine’s 30 Under 30, Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People |
| Wife | Mekdes Kissi |
| Family Members | Cousins – Nana Hightop Kissi, Maame Yaa Kissi |
| Education | Mount Vernon High School (2007) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $2 Million USD |
| @joshuakissi | |
| @JoshuaKissi/ | |
| IMDb | @nm6290395/ |
Early Life and Background
Joshua was born on April 25, 1989, in the Bronx, New York. Growing up in a Ghanaian household, he was deeply connected to his African roots. His parents instilled in him values of hard work and respect for culture. These lessons shaped his creative journey.
As a child, Kissi was curious about art and storytelling. At the age of 17, he picked up his first camera. This moment changed his life. Photography became his way of expressing identity and telling stories about his community. Despite limited access to the creative industry, he pushed forward with determination.
Education and Formative Years
Kissi studied at Mount Vernon High School, graduating in 2007. During these years, he developed his interest in visual arts. He often experimented with photography, capturing everyday life in the Bronx.
His early struggles were real. The creative industry was not easily accessible for young Black artists. But Kissi’s passion kept him going. He believed that his perspective mattered and that his lens could show stories that were missing in mainstream media. This belief later became the foundation of his career.
The Birth of Street Etiquette (2008)
In 2008, Joshua Kissi and his high school friend Travis Gumbs launched Street Etiquette. What started as a blog about men’s style quickly grew into something bigger. The blog focused on Black men’s fashion, blending cultural and historical references.
Street Etiquette became popular online, attracting a global audience. Soon, it transformed into a creative agency. The agency produced visual content for brands, always with a cultural and urban lens. Over the years, Street Etiquette worked with Apple, Adidas, Puma, and GQ, among others. This success proved that storytelling through fashion and visuals could change perceptions.
TONL – Redefining Stock Imagery
In recent years, Kissi co-founded TONL with entrepreneur Karen Okonkwo. TONL’s mission is simple but powerful: to diversify stock photography. Traditional stock images often lacked representation of people of colour and different cultures. TONL set out to change that.
Through TONL, Kissi introduced storytelling into stock imagery. Each photo is not just an image but part of a narrative. The company also engages audiences through podcasts, essays, and events. TONL has become a platform for inclusivity, challenging stereotypes and offering authentic visuals for media worldwide.
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Filmmaking Journey
Kissi’s talent extends beyond photography. His films often focus on themes of identity, community, and representation. They combine visual beauty with meaningful storytelling, making them stand out in today’s creative landscape. He has directed several films and short projects that highlight culture and identity. Some of his notable works include:
- Black Is King (2020) – Directed in collaboration with Beyoncé, showcasing African heritage.
- A Great Day in Accra (2019) – A video project celebrating Ghanaian culture.
- Grace: Love in 3 Acts (2021) – A short film exploring love and relationships.
- For Love & Country (2022) – A documentary highlighting Black country music artists.
- It Takes A Village (2024) – A short film directed, written, and produced by Kissi.
Awards and Recognition
Kissi’s work has not gone unnoticed. He has been featured in Inc Magazine’s “30 Under 30” list, which celebrates young entrepreneurs making a difference in their industries. This recognition came largely because of his success with TONL, the stock imagery company that challenged traditional ideas of representation.
In addition, Kissi was selected as one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People. This honour placed him among innovators across technology, design, and media. These awards highlight not only his talent but also his ability to use creativity for social change. For Kissi, recognition is not just about fame; it is about opening doors for others and showing that diverse voices matter in the creative world.
Family and Personal Life
Behind the camera and the business ventures, Joshua is a family man. He is married to Mekdes Kissi, who has been a supportive partner in his journey. Together, they balance personal life with the demands of a creative career.
Kissi also shares close ties with his extended family. His cousins, Nana Hightop Kissi and Maame Yaa Kissi, are part of his wider circle. Growing up in a Ghanaian household in the Bronx, family values played a big role in shaping his character. His heritage continues to inspire his work, reminding him of the importance of identity and community.
Net Worth and Professional Success
As of 2026, Kissi’s estimated net worth is around $2 million USD. His income comes from multiple sources, including photography projects, filmmaking, brand collaborations, and his ventures Street Etiquette and TONL.
This financial success reflects years of hard work and creative risk-taking. Kissi has shown that art and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand. His ability to turn ideas into sustainable businesses makes him not only a creative but also a smart entrepreneur.
Social Media Presence
Joshua Kissi is active on Instagram (@joshuakissi), where he has more than 140,000 followers. His feed is a mix of photography, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and cultural storytelling. Through social media, he connects with audiences worldwide, sharing his vision and projects.
Instagram has become a platform for him to showcase diversity and creativity. His posts often highlight African heritage, fashion, and community stories. For many followers, his account is not just about visuals but about learning and engaging with culture.
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