Today we’d like to introduce you to Darrell Walker Jr.
Darrell, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am from Wyandotte county Kansas (Kck)
I went to Washington high school, shortly after I went to Fort Scott Community College. Played football and graduated in a year and a half in 2011.
Shortly after, in 2012, I ended working at Arrowhead Middle school as the In School Suspension Teacher. Guiding students to get back to a positive path and finish school.
That same year I got a football and academic scholarship to Missouri University of Science and Technology, studying civil engineering. I finished up at Rolla, and move back home in spring of 2015,
I didnt finish my degree so I attempted to get into the civil program at UMKC. That didn’t work out due to program being full. The classes I needed were full so I would have had to wait until the following spring to get enrolled.
So in the mean time I worked at the temp agency, working at anything I could do. I worked in security, health care, warehouses, child care, to janitorial jobs.
Eventually, I got a construction job as field technician. Testing concrete and dirt samples for jobs sites. I worked at Geotechnology Inc and then Clarkson Construction.
In the midst of this, I got the opportunity to work in a private engineering firm (HNTB) as a CAD Technician. Making design plans for roads and highways. A great change versus being out in the field and in the elements every day. I believe that my field experience is what got me the job because I didn’t have my degree. Technically, I needed a bachelors degree in civil engineering or cad design, as well as the field experience that I already had. So I thought that was cool that I got in without having my degree..
So in the meantime, I went and got a certification and Cad technology so I could keep the job.
While being there learning and experiencing new things I still felt empty. I felt like a zombie and I was surrounded by zombies. The lack of ambition, the lack of creativity was draining me and was physically making me sick.
So I listened to my body and made changes. and became a personal trainer while still working in the office. Working 8-5pm and then training clients from 530-9 or 10pm.
I did this for 2 in a half years.
At the same time— I started modeling and acting. Living four different lives every day. A lot of long days and early mornings. But I will say I never missed a deadline or a submittal that was due for work.
I worked for the engineering firm for four years. January 17, 2023 I resigned. And put all of my focus on personal training. Modeling and acting.
It’s 2022. I tried to for my first fashion show nervous but enjoyed it a lot so it opened my eyes to that realm. The same year I got signed by the Next Paige agency. Working as an actor and a model.
Since working with them, I have worked with Google, ASAP Rocky, T-Mobile shelter insurance, Quicktrip, Community America and I got the pleasure of being in three movies. And starring in one of them called “My Cheri Amor”.
All this was able to happen because I took a chance on myself and believed in my abilities. But also explored the possibilities that I didn’t even know were available to me.
Now I’m doing all these things full-time: a personal trainer actor and a model.
I own a concierge fitness business call Peak Vitality. I help individuals build confidence through intentional listening and fitness.
I provide in-home and studio fitness services. Meaning I travel to you to provide a training services. Providing a safe space for individuals to be vulnerable and to grow.
I also offer youth training and mentoring, giving an opportunity for the entire family to reach their fitness and lifestyle goals.
It’s a pleasure to help adults and kids feel safe. Safety is rule number one for me.
I help guide my clients through nutrition, lifestyle, habits, and stress management.
Providing a concierge service as a personal trainer has opened many doors in the modeling and acting world.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The fear of leaving stability and becoming an entrepreneur.
Becoming an entrepreneur and realizing there is no safety net. It all relays on me.
Learning how to market myself to gain clients as well as find acting and modeling gigs.
The struggle with social anxiety to go out a promote myself for my fitness business and to find photographers to work with to build my portfolio.
Learning that certain friends and women are distractions and dead weight.
Learning not to allow my big heart to over-give. And learning to recognize it.
Learning that I was self sabotaging my gifts. And how to stop doing that.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Peak Vitality ?
I own a concierge fitness business called Peak Vitality. I help individuals build confidence through intentional listening and fitness.
I service healthy conscious professionals, families, and growth-minded youth who seek more than just physical transformation—they crave clarity, resilience, and personalized care. While, based in the Kansas City metropolitan area, I provide elite concierge wellness experiences in-home, in-studio, and virtually.
Services I provide;
• customized fitness programs
• Nutritional coaching
• Check-ins/accountability
• Stress management
• Youth mentoring
• Travel care – vacation services (travel with the client and provide fitness services)
I am known for being intentional when listening to others. This aspect allows me to help guide individuals to healing physically, mentally and spiritually.
I believe the mind and body are not separate. Fitness affects and influences the mind in many ways.
This aspect of listening allows me to connect with kids so easily and are able to help them because most kids do not feel like they are heard. This small aspect of listening and providing a safe space allows adults, and children to feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable but also to grow from it.
I provide my services to multiple families in the Kansas City metro area. This has helped families grow within themselves, while also grow as a family.
I want people to know that my brand is built on listening. I cater to what your body and mind needs. I want people to know that they have support every step of the way.
I am also a working model and actor in Kansas City, Mo.
I am signed to the Next Paige Agency. I have been signed for 3 years. I have worked brands such as; Quick Trip, T-mobile, Asap Rocky, community America, shelter insurance, Google and Life time and many more. I’ve done commercial and editorial work for these brands.
I also do editorial work for fitness, lifestyle and luxury clothing brands.
Through all of this, I have build my portfolio showcasing my work and creative ideas.
When I put together my own photoshoots for my portfolio, I focus on intentional work. Bringing a message and being the art itself.
Through fabrics, textures and scenery I can create so much of what I do not put in words.
The next goal is to be signed by an agency outside of Kansas City. Traveling the world as a model and actor.
I bring excitement and dynamic energy to film sets. The ability to adapt in real time when collaborating.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My Mom! She is my biggest supporter. She has seen and experienced every version of me. And has loved me through all of it. She does not and has not miss a moment! She wants to be apart of and experience my growth with me. I am grateful for her support.
My family: (Dad, Grandma and Uncle Stephen) these are the core people who have played a role in my growth. Each of them are essential another aspect of myself.
My dad is the aspect of structure, grandma is aspect of protection, my uncle is the aspect of fearlessness. All of these things are shown within me and my business and my arts.
Jeanean and Mike Mitchell: These two are like another set of parents. Collectively they are my business mentors and model coach, as well as my clients. They help me see and understand the aspects of business that I never knew or understood. They provide the space to listen and teach. Great source to discuss ideas with.
Contact Info:
- Website: Portfolio: https://darrellwalkerjr-portfolio.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suchastand_out
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CAE6uUchH/
- Other: PV Booking: https://calendly.com/staminakeepup/60min
