Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Calhoun.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chris. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I’m a Houston native for the neighborhood Acres homes. Growing up I could never find my niché. I never knew where I belonged. A tall chubby kid who had his own interests that didn’t quite a-line with anyone else’s. I was weird, shy, anxious, socially awkward (and in some cases I still am). I got picked on when I was younger, and that created someone I desperately wanted to escape as I grew older.
I played football my 9th-grade year until I tore my ACL early in the season. I worked grueling to make a return to the field only to be sidelined again by more medical issues. I had to have a heart the following year, and that left we with a scar and spelled the end for my football career. I could no longer play my sport of choice but having that new surgery gave me a new lease on life, and for the first time since I was a child, anything felt possible.
I had already established a reputation as someone that could dress and had a nice style, but in that point in time, I was able to push my personal envelope. I never considered modeling as a viable option until after I graduated. My outer appearance started to improve as I found out about my self more I started finding ways to improve my fitness without risking damage to my heart.
Modeling never seemed like a viable option for until one day I was online looking at clothes to continue to develop my personal style more when I noticed that all the models for the clothes were built exactly like me. Weight, height, shoe size all of it. At that moment it sunk in that it may be viable for me, hat I may have a chance.
That was over two years ago, and from that moment on I have been on a roller coaster ride of self-improvement, meeting new people trying new things coming out of the shell and most importantly trying to create a solid career in a city with weak roots in the industry. I’ve heard people say it’s unrealistic but Houston’s where I’m from and anything I want to do I’d rather do here than anywhere else.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
By no means has it been easy. Some people in this industry are born ready to model. I am not one of them. Every Part of this has been an uphill battle. Every part of a model is supposed to be perfect in theory, but I’m not the most physically fit, or have the straightest teeth or the clearest skin. The fact of the matter is It still is
I struggled with working a career job, being a student as if trying to start a professional modeling career in Houston isn’t hard enough. I’m no longer a student but have to put those hours toward work.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Chapo story. Tell us more about the business.
As a model, I am known for a few things. My long slim frame that someone in the industry referred to as European. My long dreadlocks that are naturally more than one color. My incredible work ethic. Having my own style and doing what works best for me.
What sets me apart from others is that I’m purely unique from everyone else. I’m willing to work twice as hard to be half as good, but nothing will stop me from being one of the best.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
It was shear luck that I grew to be this tall. Shear luck that I was blessed with physical attributes and appearance that designers, coordinators, and agencies are looking for. The fact that I slimmed down to be the weight that I did when I did. I also have the awesome luck of having super supportive parents that told me they would support and encourage me in no matter what I do.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 8326653263
- Email: chriscalhoun27@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/chapo_the.model
Image Credit:
@fictionlira, @mariexbland, @paperxhris, @grace.alyse, @jhonniesommer
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