Karlie Redd Talks Marriage, Setting Boundaries, And ‘Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta’ [Exclusive]

Karlie Redd says you can expect plenty of drama on this season of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, which airs tonight at 8PM ET/PT on MTV. “I am married this season, and everyone is coming for my marriage [with TLO],” the singer and entrepreneur shares with BrownStyle Magazine via Zoom hours before the big premiere.  

The LHHATL star announced on Dish Nation in September 2024 that she “rushed to the altar” and married NowThatsTV founder Teleau Belton, who will appear on the show. 

According to Redd, her new marital status comes with some learning curves. “I am making a few adjustments. I am learning how to be a married woman as opposed to a single mom,” she tells us during our candid conversation. 

Having the ups and downs of her private life documented for millions to watch has not been an easy feat for the multi-talented star. However, Redd shares that faith and self-care keep her grounded in life. 

I had the pleasure of a thoughtful conversation with my fellow Trini sister to learn how she continues to fulfill her soul despite outside noise and societal pressures. Plus, I learned how she uses self-motivation to find balance and achieve her goals. Keep scrolling to read our interview!

Petrona Joseph for BrownStyle Magazine: Karlie, it’s such a pleasure to chat with you today! I love your song “Lonely” featuring Konshens. Are you from the islands? 

Karlie Redd: So nice to meet you! Yes, I am from Trinidad.

PJ: I am from Trinidad too! I was born in San Juan and went to school in St Joseph! (laughter) 

KR: Really? My family is from Arima! (laughter) Hello, my Trini sister! 

PJ: Hello fellow Trini sister! Without further ado, let’s talk about the upcoming season premiere of Love and Hip Hop ATL. Are you excited? 

KR: Of course, it’s always nice to have another season come out! 

PJ: So, what can we expect? 

KR: Well, I am married this season. I’m a wife and everyone is coming for my marriage. Also, I am making a few adjustments, I am learning how to be a married woman as opposed to a single mom. 

PJ: Congratulations! So the transition is quite interesting…

KR: GIRL, it’s gonna be quite interesting! 

PJ: In today’s world, maintaining peace in your life is important. How do you find balance and nurture your soul? 

KR: God is most important in my life. I pray. I get massages. And I travel a lot! 

PJ: What does travel do for you? 

KR: Travel replenishes me. I love being in another place. Exploring and experiencing different things makes me feel like I am away from the crazy. 

PJ: So, how do you uplift your spirit during challenging times? 

KR: Girl, like right now? As I mentioned before, I like to go inward and ground myself. I turn my phone off and get away from the world. I disconnect and turn to God.

PJ: As a public figure, how do you set your boundaries to protect yourself and your family from the drama that comes with fame? 

KR: Well, my family are not believers in the whole social media thing. Most of my family are in the medical field, so they don’t care for it. They are doctors and nurses and their focus is on helping people. I also love helping people. When I travel, I go to homeless shelters or foster care homes to see how I can help the best. 

PJ: I love that! Philanthropy is commendable and should always be celebrated, so let me give you your flowers. You seem like you have a great support system…

KR: Girl, not really! I am going to keep it real with you, I am my own support system.  It is hard to trust anyone in this industry. And a lot of my friends who are not in the industry have opinions. Everyone judges, and I am not sure who I can trust. I do have friends who are there for me, but it is hard for them to grasp the pressure that comes from the industry. I am my self-motivator.

PJ: I pray that God puts people in your path every day to show you support and kindness. 

KR: That’s what I am looking for. I am very spiritual, so I pray a lot. While some people think that it’s all drama, I am on my knees praying. 

PJ: Love that for you! So, how do you keep your skin so flawless? What’s your skincare routine?

KR: Aww thank you! Right now, my routine consists of Miss Charlotte. I use her soap. Sometimes I use a toner, sometimes I don’t. I also moisturize at night. I use a pearl cream and it replenishes my skin overnight. I also use a vitamin D serum to wake up with glowing skin. People are always asking what I’m using, so I am coming out with my skincare line. It’s called Red Carpet! 

PJ: Will you be releasing it here in Atlanta? 

KR: Of course, of course! 

PJ: Very exciting! Any closing remarks you would like to share with the girlies at BrownStyle Magazine?

KR: Find yourself. Once you find yourself, you find everything. One thing I know is myself. I resonate with myself. I am a leader and not a follower. 

PJ: Great advice. Thank you so much for chatting with us, Karlie.

KR: I love you! 

PJ: I love you, too! 

Watch Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta on Tuesdays starting January 7th at 8PM ET/PT on MTV. Join the conversation on social media using #LHHATL.  

Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.