Conversations with Orlando Mendoza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Orlando Mendoza

Hi Orlando, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a Mexican-American LGBTQ+ content creator with a deep passion for creating skincare, lifestyle, and travel content. I strive to promote and encourage others to live authentically, as this cause is very close to my heart. However, this journey of authenticity was not always easy for me. Growing up in a traditional Mexican household, I realized at a young age that I was different.

As I hit puberty, I began to feel different and decided to “tone down” my personality to avoid questions and scrutiny. I continued to wear a facade until I moved away for college. Attending college and moving away from home allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and meet people from all walks of life, including other members of the LGBTQ+ community. Coming from a community where being gay was not accepted, this opportunity was transformative.

During my college years, it took time for me to fully understand and embrace who I was. Despite accepting myself, I chose to live a double life around my family because I loved them and did not want to lose them. My goal was to demonstrate that one could be both professional and openly gay, so I waited until I graduated and became successful in my career before sharing that side of me, or in this case, who I was.

When I eventually came out to my parents and only brother, I was accepted. I came out to my mother first and then to my father by writing a letter. I felt the weight lifted off my shoulders and somewhat felt that I could breathe again. My family lives in the state of Washington, and I live in North Carolina, so there’s a large geographical distance between us.

During the time that I was in the closet and not sharing my true authentic self with the world, I would take photos of myself posing in front of pride flags, making silly faces, and using photography as a form of expression. After I came out, I started posting more on Instagram and stopped worrying about what people think.

Eventually, I started my micro-influencer journey and used my platform as a way to inspire others to just be themselves. I no longer have to hide who I am, but I realize there are a lot of people in the world who still do. The world can be cruel, and I want to help empower people like me to live authentically and be a role model for others to be themselves.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest challenges was being extremely cautious with how I dressed when I visited my family. I would try to pack all my plain shirts and work hard to wear clothes that did not have a lot of bright colors to avoid making them question my attire.

On one occasion, while visiting my grandfather in Mexico, he commented on my 6-inch shorts being too feminine because they were too short.

In college, I remember some family members would ask me if I was dating. My excuse was that I was focusing on my education and did not have time to date. I would also jokingly say that I was dating my education.

Even though I am out to my father, I can’t talk to him about men the way my brother can talk to him about his relationship with my sister-in-law. I still feel that I don’t want to make him uncomfortable and that he is not interested in that side of my life.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Mexican-American male LGBTQ+ UGC creator focused on helping brands create thumb-stopping ads. I specialize in driving sales and cultivating authentic, trust-filled connections with target audiences. My goal is to showcase real people and real results, while representing a unique perspective from a Mexican-American narrative.

I am proud of the journey that led me to feel comfortable in front of the camera and secure large brand deals with companies like Bonobos, OneKind, and Miracle Noodles. What sets me apart from other UGC creators is my selective approach to the brands I work with. I aim to build relationships rather than taking a transactional approach. I believe in growing brands through more than just one-time collaborations.

I view these collaborations as partnerships where I focus on value creation. I love to experience the product or service I am promoting before I create my videos, ensuring authenticity and genuine promotion.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love Raleigh because of its location between the beach and the mountains, both about an hour and a half away. I love the outdoors, and we have a lot of green space. It’s also a great place to live as a millennial, with fantastic restaurants, plenty of activities, and amazing people.

The thing I like least about Raleigh isn’t necessarily a Raleigh thing, but more of a southern thing—I dislike the humidity here. I was told that after many years I’d get used to it, but I have yet to acclimate. Despite this, I think the pros outweigh the cons.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/awrlandoh/mediakit?origin=lib
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awrlandoh