For example, when asked how he ended up in Chicago from Panama, he simply answered, “My life.” When asked where he sees his future, he said, “As high as it can be.”
He did elaborate, though, that he didn’t plan things when he moved here a decade ago. When asked why he has stayed, he answered, “Chicago has a lot to offer. I have stayed here and I’ve seen it grow. I work in the beauty and fashion industries, and have seen how the city has grown in every aspect.”
Barsallo works for Salon 1800, which is in Lincoln Park. However, he also does private events such as weddings, fashion shows and work for television and magazines (e.g., Chicago Social), among other things. “I love high fashion and working with professional models,” he said.
He is also involved in body painting, stressing that he is “an artist before” being a makeup artist. “Body painting is something I really enjoy.”
Barsallo—who is extremely amiable, by the way—said that he came from an artistic family, adding that “artists find a way to express their skills.”
However, he is man of many talents and positive attributes. Some are hidden and some are not so hidden, as the body he sports—one that helped him win a gold medal in bodybuilding (pairs) at the 2006 Gay Games. He is humble, though, saying of the Games result, “That’s how it came out.”
To contact Barsallo, see OrlandoBarsallo.com.
THE STATS
Age
44
Relationship status
Single—”100 percent”
Job title
Makeup artist at Salon 1800; body painter; model
Neighborhood
Bucktown
Hometown
Panama City, Panama
Favorite snacks
Pepper jack string cheese and yogurt