Hello 2026, I’m Steel Here,
Sixteen Years Later: The Highlights, The Real, and the Lessons That Shaped Me
Sixteen years. That’s how long it’s been since my first post here on ForeverKirk. In that time, life didn’t just happen — it showed up with full force. I’ve experienced highs, lows, big moves, bold ventures, hard resets, and countless lessons. I didn’t disappear because I ran out of things to say; I stepped back because life demanded I live it fully.
Now I’m back — not with a polished fairy tale, but with the truth.
The Highlights & The Real
When I last posted, I was still discovering my voice as a creative, finding my place as a Black plus-size man chasing big dreams. Since then, the journey has been nonstop.
Atlanta Became Home
I’ve been in Atlanta for almost 17 years, and this city will grow you whether you’re ready or not. It pushed me, challenged me, and opened doors I couldn’t have imagined elsewhere.
XL Tribe Took Off
Building XL Tribe remains one of my proudest accomplishments. What started as a platform for big and tall men in fashion evolved into a full community. Partnerships with brands like DXL and Size Glasses, shopping guides, and representation work proved there’s space for us in style — and we belong there.
XL Shoots Was Born
Photography became more than a passion project. It turned into a tool to help plus-size folks, especially plus-size men, see themselves in a way that reflects confidence, pride, and power.
The Everything Show Came Alive
With Built XL Presents: The Everything Show, I created a space to showcase my personality, conversations, and projects on my own terms. We don’t have to stay in one lane — we can pave our own roads.
New Ventures & Expansions
CK Listings LLC evolved into CK Events 360 with my business partner Cindy bringing 360 photo booths, event production, catering, and more. I learned that growth isn’t always linear. Sometimes it’s about expanding in directions that stretch you.
Travel Changed My Perspective
In these sixteen years, I’ve traveled to 25 countries across five continents — Costa Rica, Italy, Egypt, Morocco, Colombia, Mexico, France, and more. These journeys weren’t just stamps in a passport; they were creative resets, cultural awakenings, and powerful reminders of how much more there is beyond our everyday routines.
The Setbacks & Lessons
Business Isn’t Always Pretty
Behind every highlight were seasons of uncertainty. There were dry months, moments of self-doubt, and times I had to grind harder just to keep the vision alive. Being self-employed means wearing every hat — CEO one day, janitor the next.
Life Got Personal
I’ve navigated personal losses, relationship changes, and seasons of self-reflection. Atlanta will keep you moving, but it will also sit you down when it’s time to face yourself.
The Pressure of Representation
Being a voice for a community carries real weight. People look to you for encouragement, guidance, and representation even when you’re still figuring it out yourself. That’s a responsibility I’ve learned to carry with care.
What These 16 Years Taught Me
1. Your Pace Is Your Power
The slow grind builds a stronger foundation. Brick by brick, every step matters.
2. Take Up Space Without Apology
Stand tall. Dress boldly. Own your presence.
3. Pivoting Isn’t Quitting
Changing direction isn’t failure — every pivot has taught me something I needed.
4. Mental Health Over Hustle
Rest is part of progress. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
5. Your Story Matters — Mess and All
Perfection is overrated. Life doesn’t wait, and neither should we.
Why I’m Back
ForeverKirk is back to share the stories, the lessons, and the truth behind the journey. This time, it’s raw, it’s real, and it’s here to stay.
If you’ve been here since the beginning, thank you. If you’re new, welcome. Either way, the next chapter is worth the read.
Your Turn
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in recent years? Drop it in the comments. Let’s start this conversation.
Because this time? I’m not disappearing.
I’m Steel Here
