Today we’d like to introduce you to Romeo Rios.
Hi Romeo, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started with a dream. Something I’ve dreamt of doing since I was a child. This goal wouldn’t be possible to obtain if I didn’t have the courage and strength to love myself the way I do now.
Back then I was looking for love, any place I could. Which meant I didn’t always pick the right choices. Years passed by, and I was always heartbroken, depressed and honestly not wanting to be alive.
Not only was it hard in my relationships – it was extremely hard growing up in a somewhat conservative, close-minded, narcissistic household.
I wasn’t able to express myself fully and as authentically as I wanted. Instead, I had to be what I was expected to be a “heterosexual Latino male.”
All my life I was playing a role that my family, exes, and even “friends” wanted, a version of me that was never truly me.
A version of me that was fragile and weak-minded, the version of me that allowed anyone/everyone walk all over.
It took until I turned about 19? Where I truly stopped giving af about what anyone has to do or say about me. I just started doing whatever made me happy. Which made a lot of people unhappy and I winded up losing everyone in my close circle. (Oh well 😂)
– I started dressing in a style that makes me comfortable and sexxxy
– I started taking pole dancing classes which eventually led me into getting a dance scholarship, and now I study different forms of dance such as Ballet, Hip-Hop, Partnering, and Contemporary. I’m now working for the studio I dance at -interning on becoming a professional choreographer.
Once I finally started becoming more comfortable in my skin,
I started owning that. I would go take pictures with my friends and model which after quite some time of hard work, I am going to be finally walking my first runway in Portland, OR for the Portland Fashion week. Which I am beyond excited for. I am accomplishing my goals one at a time.
Before I started finding out about all these amazing opportunities, such as my scholarship and fashion week
There was something terrifying and terrible happened to me. That I feel is extremely important to my story.
I was sexually assaulted in July of last year. I met up with someone because I was very lonely and honestly just wanted to be held and just feel loved even if it wasn’t there. Just the feeling of someone holding me is all I wanted. I remember the assaulter held me down, and all I could do was leave my body. I was not there. After this happened, I felt no life within me anymore. No spark and constant dissociation…
If I’m being quite honest, I still feel this way sometimes. I know what happened to me was horrible, but I also know there was a reason for it.
To those of you who have been assaulted and feel as if you lost that purity within you just know that you did not. That purity will always be a part of you, it is your soul. Don’t allow that person to take your power.
You own your power. If I allowed him to take it, then I would not be where I am now.
I’m happy, healthy physically, and learning how to become healthy mentally.
I’m in a position I never saw myself being in and I’m so proud of myself of all the crazy shit I overcame and how far I keep pushing myself. There have been times I thought that I wouldn’t be able to push through anymore.
I did though. I keep it pushing, and I keep hustling to get to where I want to be. Don’t let these people knock you of your grind. Peace out ✌️
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some obstacles and struggles that I faced have been
– discrimination against my sexuality and race.
– I have even homeless twice and started helping my parents pay bills as soon as I got my first job at 17.
– I’ve had family and friends use and abuse me anyway possible.
– I have had plenty of life-or-death moments
– I helped raised my brothers
– grew up at a very young age not giving me the chance to enjoy what it is being a child
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Right now, I am working on becoming a professional choreographer and at the moment we are helping a high school with their school production of beauty and the beast. Outside of creating my own choreography,
I am known for modeling and owning my own vegan lip-gloss company Called celestial lust cosmetics.
I am an Instagram model who worked their way up to walking a runway for a fashion week.
I am a multitasker who knows what he wants and how I want it. I like to dip my toe in everything. Modeling, acting, photography, choreography. No matter what, I’m just excited to try new things and explore and, of course, always ave a blast while doing it.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Although I have had a rocky past with my parents, they have shown me what it takes and how to maneuver through life strategically to get to where you want to be. My father always said “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”
Ever since then, I have moved my way to the top.
I also should give credit to my partner who holds it down for me so that I can go after my dreams and have the reality I desire.
My dance instructor who saw the potential in me and pushes me to train harder, who teaches me to take care of my mental and cleanse myself spiritually.
My 6 siblings, nieces & nephews, I do this for y’all too. To show you that your dreams are obtainable. It’s hard work but don’t give up on it.
Thank you all.
Pricing:
- Lipgloss – $15
- Dance classes – $20
- Tarot reading – $5.55
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/romeoxrios?fbclid=PAAaaQaYGx0V-1optidtZj-iue-Z0zHrpfSgg57L8Hs-bMx2lYSUJ8WoQXgH4
- Instagram: @romeoxrios
- Twitter: @romeoxrios
- Youtube: Romeo Rios
