Orissa Kelly is popularly famous as one of the world’s only fire-foot archery performers!
All the way from Watford (England), Orissa started her journey as a gymnast at the age of 3 and went on to compete for Great Britain. At the age of 17, she canceled her university application just months before starting and followed her heart by joining the circus! After performing aerial silks professionally for a few years, Orissa still craved for something even crazier – even more unique.
She has amassed a strong following of over 1 million across her social media platforms and has been featured on Supercar Blondie, Ozzy Man Reviews, and named ‘The Queen of Archery’ by the Lad Bible.
Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up with Orissa Kelly, an international foot archer, and creative artist as she talks about her fitness routine, diet, and her success story.
Namita Nayyar:
You began your journey as a gymnast at the age of 3 and at the age of 17, you canceled your university application and joined the circus! share the series of events that led you to take a shift in the decision.
Orissa Kelly:
At 17 there aren’t many kids who know what they want to do with their lives and I was most definitely one of them. I never found myself inclined to study or sit in a classroom, yet all my teachers were pushing me to apply for university. Around this time I received a phone call asking if I’d like to travel to Beirut to perform aerial silks for X Factor Arabia live finals. Thankfully my Mum covered for my time out of school, claiming I had caught ‘tonsillitis’ and I flew alongside other performers to Lebanon, for my first-ever live show. Whilst my fellow circus performers were drinking champagne on the plane, I was doing my homework. When the moment finally came for me to perform I was told by the producer ‘there are 8 million people watching this life. Don’t mess it up. The only thing worse than being told this was being told I had to study for the next three years at university. As the music began and I climbed up the long white ribbons to perform my act and something magical happened – the fear was replaced with a desire to excel and my heart soared as the studio audience exploded with excitement.
After a successful performance, I took my bow and then ran backstage to my phone. With ten minutes left of free wifi, I logged onto my university application and canceled it immediately. I knew from that moment on I wanted to be a performer and I would do whatever I needed to make it happen. I never had a backup plan or any other job since that moment, it was all or nothing. Ironically after my teachers found out about my decision they told me I would ‘fail at life’ for not going to university. 7 years on and I’ve performed on every continent twice, been in Hollywood blockbusters and most importantly – found a career that I love.
Namita Nayyar:
Besides being a Foot Archer you are also a Contortionist and Aerialist. Building talents and excelling calls upon a lot of sacrifices. Share your talent list with us.
Orissa Kelly:
As well as foot archery, I have a passion for aerial silks, contortion, and most importantly handstands! I feel most myself when I’m upside down and the art of balancing on your hands does just as much for the mind as it does for the body!
Namita Nayyar:
In April 2015 you bought your first bow and arrow and began teaching yourself foot archery. After training every day, 6 hours a day for 6 months you set out to create history. What motivated you to take up something different? Also, share the challenges that you faced and managed to overcome.
Orissa Kelly:
After performing aerial silks for around three years I found myself struggling financially. The circus industry had become saturated with talented aerial performers and therefore was competition and undercutting of fees. I realized that if I wanted to continue being a performer I needed to stand out. I was always trying to be the best – whether it was in gymnastics (going to the European championships at the age of 12) or winning the UK’s aerial silks championships at 17, it seemed it was never enough. I learned – why be the best if you can be the only one? Be so different that no one else even compares to you.
The reason I chose foot archery was that it was unique and a ground-based act – meaning it could work in almost any venue and would always be in demand. I had no archery knowledge, no space to train, and no teacher – so I bought a bow and arrow and went to a local cricket field, and started teaching myself. It was winter in England and I would get so cold my toes would freeze and struggle to even hold the bow. The rain would make my handstand platform slippery and my toes suffered intense cramping. Yet I pushed through over 6 months and after training every day for 6 hours, I finally hit my target. Now when I perform at outdoor events and the client asks me if the weather will be a problem I laugh!
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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2023 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
In 2020 you aimed for the stars and moved to the USA, with your US TV debut on ‘The Go Big Show’. Share more input about your journey on TV.
Orissa Kelly:
I’ve wanted to be on TV since as young as I can remember – I even had a tv clapboard and Oscar statue in my childhood bedroom. It’s amazing that my first-ever performance was in front of 8 million viewers on live TV and even now with over 30 tv appearances and multiple film credits, I still get nervous to be on camera. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to be 100% authentic myself. You can’t fake being genuine – people sense it immediately. I would much rather people fall in love with me than a character I’m playing – and if they don’t love me, at least I love myself!
Namita Nayyar:
What is your daily fitness routine? How do you like to kick-start your day?
Orissa Kelly:
I begin every day by drinking water and taking vitamins. I love my vegan Omega 3 and I swear by saffron! As someone who is usually quite hard on me, it really boosts my mood and self-appreciation. If I’m not performing I will train 3-6 hours per day which is usually a mixture of archery trick shots, handstand training, and fun! That can be making content or simply dancing like no one is watching. I also love to run usually around 4 times per week – whilst most of my training is indoors these days, nothing can replace the joy of outdoor exercise.
Namita Nayyar:
5 key essentials to excel in any sport or hobby according to you.
Orissa Kelly:
- Fall in love with the process. I do it by mixing up my training sessions and always allowing at least half an hour to have fun/be silly.
- Remind yourself that resting is training! I used to feel very guilty taking a day off and lying in bed, but now I realize how important the rest process is for improvement.
- If you’re struggling to motivate yourself – just drive/arrive at your training space. By placing yourself within the environment you’ve already achieved the hardest part, which is getting there.
- Change your identity. If you are going for a jog – you are a runner. If you are trying a new sport – you’re an athlete. The moment you identify as the thing you are trying to become, it will alter the belief you have in yourself and strengthen your actions.
- Learn your body! Learn the difference between pushing yourself and causing an injury. Learn how much you can train before you hit burnout. Learn the diet that gives you the best energy for your activity. You can see all the doctors and nutritionists in the world but it’s down to you to fully understand your own unique requirements. You don’t just want to train hard, you want to train smart, and knowing what works best for you will get you optimum results
Namita Nayyar:
What kind of diet do you follow for optimum fitness? 5 Food you enjoy eating
Orissa Kelly:
I’m a plant-based athlete and for the most part, I’m sugar-free… although you may catch me eating cake a few times a year! Foods I highly recommend for optimum fitness are fruits, and beginning my day with something solid like oats and peanut butter. Actually peanut butter may not be for optimum fitness but it is for optimum happiness.
Namita Nayyar:
You have been named ‘The Queen of Archery’ by the Lad Bible. How does it feel to be rewarded for all the hard work? Share a memorable experience of your own.
Orissa Kelly:
It’s really an honor when I read these things. The internet can be a mixture of light and dark but I’m blessed in that I receive a lot of love and support. I hope I can keep sharing my art and inspire others. My goal in life is to inspire others to do what makes them happy, even if it’s as crazy as standing upside down and shooting a flaming arrow with your feet!
Namita Nayyar:
What motivational quote do you live by?
Orissa Kelly:
‘Never give up on something you can’t go a day without thinking about’ – Winston Churchill.
Namita Nayyar:
5 tips for a beginner planning to take up foot archery as a sport.
Orissa Kelly:
- Fall in love with failing. Every time you miss the target you’re actually one step closer to hitting it
- The toe cramps will get better!
- I call it the art of archery. There’s no perfect way to do it – find what works best for you!
- Get a fabulous costume. That will always make you feel better.
- Remember you’re doing something that most people can’t comprehend! If it was that simple, everyone would be doing it. There’s beauty in being different.
Learn more about Orissa Kelly:
Website: https://orissakelly.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orissakelly/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theorissakelly/
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2023 Women Fitness