HE HUSTLES

I started Big and Tall modeling at the end of 2019 when a friend who was a plus-size model pulled me in I began working with local photographers in the DMV area and my career started taking off I got my first official modeling gig with a denim company out of NY in the summer of 2020, right before I went viral from a beach shoot that I did in Ocean City, Maryland. It’s been moving ever since

As a Big and Tall model, you represent a large part of our population that often goes overlooked Can you share the message you hope your platform is teaching other Big and Tall men?

Sure! Most big men deal with confidence issues that stem from trauma from their past. I think that the important thing to do is to heal internally first and then work on the external We gotta love ourselves first! Once you learn to love yourself you will be more willing to step out of your comfort zone and live your life the way you envision it in your dreams!

Tell us about your "What's Up Lil Bro?" platform. What are you hoping young men are taking away from your organization?

What's Up Lil Bro? is a movement created to help young men navigate through life by teaching them fundamental lessons that will propel them to live productive lives I want young men to understand that I get that life is hard and that there are some who understand and will help them move through it What's Up Lil Bro? will teach them confidence in areas like chivalry, respect, anger management, hygiene, selfconfidence, and more.

You grew up in Dayton, OH. How did your surroundings growing up impact the way you mentor and lead today?

Dayton, OH was a place of survival; everyone around me was just trying to make it in any way they knew how Growing up in a place like that teaches you how to make things happen even when you don’t know how You also learn how to not make excuses; there was always someone doing worse than me That life has given me a positive outlook and perspective today I lead with that

What is next for Darryl? What can we expect from your platform in the next 2-3 years?

In the next 2-3 years, you can expect to see tremendous growth in the support of Kholo Lifestyle

(https://wwwinstagramcom/khololifestyle/; my modeling, acting, and design brand) and What's Up Lil Bro? You will see more accolades on the modeling, acting, and singing side What's Up Lil Bro? will be an official nonprofit and will be highly recognized in the community with programs in schools and outreach programs

What is your definition of a "Man Who Hustles"?

A man who hustles… A man who has a vision and goes for it despite the obstacles he may face If something stops him, he finds a way to get around it and keep pressing toward that goal He provides for his family while setting an example of how to get it done. He leads with action!