Today we’d like to introduce you to Orlando Kirby.
Orlando, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a superstar and even though I’m still on that journey my story starts in my 6th-grade chorus class. Some modeling scouts literally walked in and lined all the students up and extended audition invitations to select students. My eyes shined so bright when the scout looked at me turned his head to the side in interest and reached in his pocket and invited me to the audition.
Fast forward to a few nights later at the audition. I walked in, a photographer took some shots of me, I walked a runway and read a script in front of a casting director. An hour later, I was signing a contract to become a part of the agency (well my mother did-I was only 11 years old at the time).
I honestly can’t remember not wanting to be on a stage, in front of cameras; it has always been my dream and I was living it–going on auditions for acting and modeling. As I got older, I started recognizing my many other talents and I realize I was an artist at heart. I could draw, paint, write, design, sing, dance and I’ve always had the gift of speaking at such a young age. I did not want to limit myself to my many talents, so I didn’t.
As an adult, I indulge myself in all of my crafts. At one point in time, I thought that I had to choose just one of my talents but now I know better than to ever limit myself. Today, I spend most of my time creating, loving myself and encouraging others to do the same. I am a light and I try my best to let my light shine; even in the darkest places.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My road hasn’t been a smooth one at all, but it has been mine and any obstacles or barriers I’ve broken along the way have made me into the person that I am today.
What I used to believe was my greatest struggle–my size and weight–has become the one thing that has propelled me forward. I’ve always been a big and tall individual. I am now 6’4 and 350lbs. My journey started in an age where “body positivity” and “big and tall” did not exist. So growing up and wanting to be in the entertainment industry I faced a lot of “NOs” and at a young age that can definitely take a toll on a child.
I begin to doubt myself and second guess myself and never feeling like I was good enough. It was a real confidence breaker, even for a child that had all the confidence in the world. So, for a while, I gave up on my dreams and focused on my talents that did not involve being in front of the camera. I went to college, then graduate school, moved around the country a bit and focused on what I’ve always considered a normal, yet boring life. I became very unhappy, even depressed.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Nowadays, I focus on my art in all its forms. I focus on myself and what I believe is my life’s purpose and journey which is not only to help and heal others with my art but encourage them to love themselves and to know the beauty that they possess on the inside and how to let that beauty radiate on the outside as well.
I specialize in self-love and beauty. I motivate people to become the best version of themselves; whatever that may look like. I know what its like not to feel like you’re enough, being insecure and self-doubting. Whether it’s thru my physical art (painting, drawing), speaking, modeling, acting or creative writing; I use these talents of mine to encourage others.
I am most known for my art and modeling, as well as my social media presence. Because of that, there are many avenues of art and business that are coming this year into fruition for me–and is honestly what I am most proud of. I am relaunching my blog “LET ME LIVE” which brings art and artist together to combat social injustices using their own art. I am also launching a beauty cosmetics line which focuses on spiritual and body healing. I even have some brand new modeling gigs coming up–the one thing that got my started where I am today and I am so excited about that.
What sets me apart from others is that I no longer let fear be a factor in my life. I constantly recreate myself because I understand that I am limitless and I can truly accomplish any and everything that I want.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk taking has always been a part of me. In my honest opinion, how are you really living if you’re not taking risks? That’s what life and LIVING is about. Most people just exist, not live! I believe people (and at some point myself included) focus on intensive planning to be successful. What I’ve found out is that a lot of things never truly go as you plan them, so why waste time trying to figure it out.. just do it!
Whoever coined the phrase “belonging to the wind” must have been speaking of me. I’ve always been told, “I can’t believe you did that” or “how could you do something like that” and I’m like I don’t know I just felt that I should do it so I did. And no matter what that looks like to other people, it has always worked out for me. I have a deep believing that things will always work out in my favor and they have always done just that.
I consistently take risks… everyday, literally. But some of my bigger risks include living in another country (Costa Rica) at 20yrs old by myself. When I graduated college I moved back to New York City with nowhere to live and $800 dollars in my pocket. I was homeless for a few weeks until I acquired some money and was able to stay in a hotel in Wall St. for a few weeks until my refund from grad school (THE NEW SCHOOL) was released. Then I found a small studio apartment in Brooklyn. That was a whole experience in itself. I’ve emptied my bank account a few times to follow my dreams of creating.
In 2021, I had a calling to come to Houston. I’ve never been to Houston or Texas at all for that matter. No family and only a few friends I knew from undergrad. I don’t know why or the reasoning but I just knew I was supposed to be here. My apartment lease in DC was up in at the end of April. Three days before my lease was up I sat in my packed up apartment not knowing what I was going to do. I still had no place or no job. Three days later I hopped in my car with my dog and drove 21 hours to Houston. On the way, I got a job and an apartment and moved in the same day I arrived to Houston.
These are just a few examples, like I said I take risks every single day. Some people may see it as instability but living in the present is the best place to be–you learn from your past and know that whatever will happen in the future will happen.
Contact Info:
- Email: orlandothemodel@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbelloofficial/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BigPapiBello/
