Meet Kenny Vertus

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kenny Vertus. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kenny, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I developed my confidence and self esteem over time. It definitely did not happen overnight. I started out obese, and getting into fitness was the first thing that helped me build confidence. Losing the weight pushed me to challenge myself, work on my self worth, and prove to myself that I could grow.

But the next phase was even harder. I became a Black entrepreneur stepping into spaces where people did not look like me. That came with its own set of challenges. Even when I walked into buildings in a trainer uniform, I still got profiled. I dealt with things that others never have to think about simply because of their skin tone.

But those experiences shaped me. They actually made me more confident, because I realized that if I was going to get judged anyway, I might as well show up as myself. When my business truly took off was when I stopped trying to fit in and started embracing who I was. I wore my hoodies. Hoodies became part of my brand. Now when clients invite me to shoots or meetings, they have hoodies set out for me. Something that was once stigmatized for Black men became a symbol of my identity and my company.

It took time, and I had to go through all of that to get here. But now I walk into every room unapologetically. I show up to meetings exactly how I want, because people bring me in for the experience and presence I offer. And I genuinely believe my superpower is that I am myself. I say that all the time. There is nothing I cannot do, and I believe everyone should feel that way. Every person brings something unique that no one else can. You are one of one.

That mindset is how I move through my life. I know I belong in every room I step into, no matter who is there. And I take that position seriously because I hope the way I carry myself inspires others to feel the same confidence in who they are.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Kenny Vertus, a model, trainer, and the founder of UNRVLD Performance, a lifestyle brand built around the idea of pushing past limits both physically and creatively. What started in my college dorm as a simple personal training service has turned into something much bigger. Back then, people doubted whether I could work with athletes or build anything meaningful, so I leaned into that doubt. I spent nights researching, reaching out to companies, and showing up in places most people overlooked. I trained clients in their apartment gyms, posted on every free platform I could find, and slowly grew my name in Boston.

Today, I work with athletes, professionals, and brands, and my favorite part is how diverse my days can be. One moment I’m training clients, the next I’m shooting campaigns for major brands or collaborating with companies outside the fitness world. Modeling opened an entirely new lane for me, and it’s been exciting to merge that with my work in fitness. I love showing people that you don’t have to be just one thing. Your brand can live across different spaces if you build it with intention.

UNRVLD Performance is still growing, and I’m focused on solidifying it as a true lifestyle brand. Fitness will always be the foundation, but I want people to see versatility when they see the name: creativity, movement, style, discipline, and community. I’ve been collaborating with companies ranging from wellness brands to fashion and consumer goods because I want to show how broad the UNRVLD message is.

Right now, I’m hosting fitness pop ups, doing more creative collaborations, and expanding my modeling presence in and outside of New England. I’m also working on upcoming shoots, new partnership opportunities, and continuing to build relationships with brands that align with the message of UNRVLD which is always strive to be the best version of yourself no matter the lane.

If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s this: I didn’t build any of this by accident. I built it by showing up every day, finding opportunities where others weren’t looking, and trusting that my range, not just my resume, would open doors.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were resourcefulness, consistency, and versatility.

The first is resourcefulness. I didn’t have a traditional setup or a big platform when I started. I used every free space and overlooked opportunity I could find. I posted on Craigslist, Reddit, community boards, trained people in their apartment gyms, and reached out to brands long before I ever had a polished portfolio. That mindset taught me that there’s always a way forward if you’re willing to get creative and put yourself out there. For anyone early in their journey, learn to maximize what you already have before worrying about what you don’t. You can build momentum from almost nothing if you stay hungry.

The second is consistency. I’ve learned that people respect and respond to someone who shows up every day, even when no one is watching. Building a brand, a client base, or a reputation doesn’t happen from one big moment. It happens from a series of small, repetitive actions that stack up over time. If you’re starting out, focus on building habits and routines that keep you moving even on the days you don’t feel motivated. Discipline will carry you farther than inspiration ever will.

The third is versatility. I never wanted to limit myself to just training or just modeling. I knew my strength was being able to live in multiple lanes at once, and that became part of my identity as a brand. Being adaptable opened doors I didn’t even know existed when I started. For anyone just beginning, don’t be afraid to lean into all the parts of who you are. The skills that seem unrelated often end up being your biggest advantage because they help you stand out.

If I had to summarize my advice: use what you have, show up consistently, and trust the qualities that make you different. Those three things can take you further than you think.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I start feeling overwhelmed, the first thing I do is step back and breathe. I’ll take a walk around the city, disconnect, and shift my focus to things that ground me—working out, watching a Netflix show, or just doing activities I genuinely enjoy. I’ve learned to give myself a real pause instead of trying to power through everything.

Earlier in my career, I never stopped. I was constantly working, and it eventually led to multiple burnouts. I didn’t know any different, so I just pushed through. Now, I take intentional breaks. Sometimes I divide my work throughout the day handle a little, step away, then come back to it. I’ve built systems that support that balance, like scheduling emails and spreading out tasks, which helps me breathe instead of grinding nonstop.

My biggest advice is to stay connected to the things you love. Make time for your hobbies and the parts of your life that bring you joy. When you’re caught up in grind culture, it’s easy to forget about yourself and fall into a cycle of work, work, work. But the whole reason many of us choose this path is to create freedom, not trap ourselves in constant hustle. So remember: it’s okay to take time for yourself, to rest, to travel, to live your life. That’s the point of working for yourself in the first place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://unrvldperformance.com/
• Instagram: @KennyVertus

Image Credits

Sarah Liccardi
Andrew Dunne
Dre Tejada
Megan Joy