Manifesting the Dream: Kordell Beckham Opens Up in His Most Honest Interview Yet

Kordell Beckham's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since winning Season 6 of Love Island USA, he has navigated the transition from reality TV to the glamorous world of fashion, runway shows, and brand partnerships. His meteoric rise has left fans and critics alike in awe, but for Kordell, it’s been a dream come true.

WORDS BY ANGEL NEAL

PHOTOGRAPHY MALIZEE WILSON

STYLIST ANGEL NEAL

CREATIVE DIRECTOR MARTY MCFRESH

STYLIST ASSISTANTS ANTHONY MUNDLE, TERRA ATKINS, AND CAYLA BAEZ

Reflecting on his journey, Kordell shared, “Man, my journey has been insane. I’ve been making my dreams come true. I’ve been completing goals, from my most wanted deals to walking on the runway, to even making it in Vogue—that’s pretty insane. My whole life has been a 360 or 180, whichever one you want to spin, whichever way.” But even with the spotlight on him, Kordell has never lost sight of the importance of authenticity. “For me, it’s very important, because it’s like, if you’re not being yourself, who are you trying to impress?” he says.

“You don’t have to put on this facade to impress anyone. If they don’t like you for you, they just don’t like you. That’s something I stand by in both my personal life and in front of the camera.”

Being a role model has taken on a new meaning since Kordell made history as part of the first Black couple to win Love Island USA. “Man, that’s history right there,” Kordell says, still in disbelief about the moment. “When they say that no fully Black couple has ever won the show, it’s crazy to me. I think about it every day.” Navigating the pressures of fame while staying true to himself hasn’t been easy, but Kordell stays grounded by focusing on his goals. “I stay focused on what I want to do. I know what to do, what to say, and what not to say. If you drown out the negativity and keep the positive side going, it’s easy to stay focused,” he explains. “It was a bit of a shock when everything started happening so quickly, but I’m staying motivated.” The quiet moments backstage at New York Fashion Week showcased a different side of Kordell. “I was just observing everything. There was a lot going on. I was nervous, but I was also excited,” he admits, revealing the calm behind the scenes as he took it all in. As Kordell’s career continued to evolve, he dove into the world of modeling. “The transition from reality TV to modeling has been surprising. I started out modeling, but now I’m walking in bigger shows, like Fashion Week,” he says. “It’s been insane—coming from the island to high-profile gigs. I’m excited to see where it takes me.”

Beyond the runway, Kordell’s aspirations are expanding into acting. “I’m working on my craft. Even if I don’t get the role, I want to make sure I’m on their mind for future roles,” he says, emphasizing his desire to break into the world of movies, especially action and drama. “I want to be a Marvel character. I’ll do my own stunts, no doubt.” His personal style is another testament to his growth. Kordell’s fashion has evolved from high school to college, and now, collaborating with stylist Marty, he’s found a unique blend of streetwear and prep. “It started in college when I mixed street with preppy. Then, Marty and I started working together, creating pieces that represent both of us,” he shares. When asked about his future in fashion, Kordell reveals, “I’m definitely still working on my own clothing line. I’ve been meeting with manufacturers, and it’s going to take time, but it’ll be worth it.” A visionary at heart, Kordell sees this as the next step in his journey. His influence has also extended to brand partnerships with major names like Samsonite, Target, and Liquor IV. But Kordell isn’t about taking just any deal. He ensures the partnerships align with his values. “The first thing I do is read the contract twice. I want to make sure that everything feels authentic to me,” he says. “I don’t want to sound like a robot or just do something for the money. If it doesn’t feel right, I’ll speak up.” Kordell’s commitment to giving back remains unwavering. He’s dedicated to serving as a positive role model and working with children in his community. “I love giving back to kids. Even if they don’t know who I am, I just love seeing the smiles on their faces,” he says. “I’m going to Dallas soon to do more work with kids, just because it makes their day brighter.” He’s also involved in his family’s business—Odell Beckham’s grooming line. “Yeah, I’m still working on my beard game,” Kordell laughs. “We’ve got some new things in the works, so I’m excited to see where it goes.” In addition to all of his ventures, Kordell has big plans for the future. “I want to align myself with more Black-owned businesses. I’m trying to break into movies, to be a superhero. But I also want to work with brands that I believe in and that represent who I am,” he says. “You have to speak things into existence, and that’s what I’m doing.”

Success, to Kordell, isn’t defined by fame alone. “There are different types of success. You can have success in business, in your personal life, or even in a quiet, meaningful way. Success is about doing what makes you happy and making sure your actions align with your goals,” he shares thoughtfully. As he continues to build his empire, Kordell’s message is clear: “Never settle. Keep going, keep pushing, and don’t live in anyone’s shadow. Listen to your intuition. If something feels right, go for it.” With so many projects in the works and his sights set on even bigger goals, Kordell Beckham is proving that his journey is just beginning. His authenticity, drive, and commitment to lifting others will surely leave a lasting impact for years to come.

To read the full interview grab the Spring 2025 issue of Disrupshion Magazine, available in print and digital --- BUY HERE .