Why be the best when you can be the only one? :: Franklin TN's Orissa Kelly Ep 180 MMTBP

Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast

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The scene was Miller’s Thrillers in Spring Hill, TN. I was emceeing the main stage events for David Miller’s annual halloween haunt spectacular, which included jugglers, fire eaters/performers, a pirate high-wire act and then some. One night, a petite woman appeared, swallowed in a large coat.

Earlier that night, I noticed a new performer on the schedule by the name of “Orissa”, so I figured this must be her. I introduced myself and asked if she had a stage name. She said, in a distinct British flavoring, “Orissa” will work just fine.

When it came time for her to perform, she set up what looked to be two small wood blocks on stands about waist high from the ground, unbridled a bow and arrow, shouldered off her coat, lit an arrow on fire, grabbed the bow and arrow with her FEET, and then continued to hoist herself into a perfect handstand onto the wood blocks. Then like a scorpion…she bent backwards and foot-fired the flaming arrow into a target set across from the stage.

The crowd was stunned….then they roared like I’d never heard before.

Fast forward a year or so. I was browsing instagram and came across a similar act in one of the various reels I was watching. As it turned out, it was Orissa. And she had done quite well with her social media audience since then! The kicker was that she was living right in our backyard in Franklin, TN.

I took a shot and asked if she remembered me, would she like to be on the show? I didn’t expect a response, but I ALWAYS ask!

She not only got back to me quickly, but she was more than happy to be on the show.

I love it when that happens….and I knew it would be a great episode.

It was.

Enjoy.

You’re welcome.

About Orissa:

Orissa Kelly is one of the world’s only fire foot archery performers! All the way from Watford (England), Orissa began gymnastics at the age of 3 and went on to compete for Great Britain. At the age of 17 she cancelled 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.

‘Why be the best when you can be the only one?’

In April 2015 Orissa bought her first bow and arrow, went to a cricket field and began teaching herself a skill that was unheard of. After training everyday, 6 hours a day for 6 months she created her foot archery act that would go on to take her around the world.

‘I thought I was dreaming but it was dreaming that made this a reality’

Since then she has gone on to perform for the Queen of England, appear in the Hollywood Blockbuster ‘Wonder Woman’ and travel the world twice over with her beloved Bae (her bow). In 2020 Orissa aimed for the stars and moved to the USA, with her US TV debut on ‘The Go Big Show’

‘I have a license to thrill’

Orissa has amassed a strong following of over 1 million across her social media platforms and has reached over 100 million views through her content. She has been featured on Supercar Blondie, Ozzy Man Reviews and named ‘The Queen of Archery’ by the Lad Bible. As she likes to say ‘the future is bright for those who believe it is!’

3 Facts You Might Not Know About Orissa

She’s an avid peanut butter lover.

She had no previous archery knowledge before 2015 and actually learnt with her feet before her hands!

Orissa is half British and half American! Although she most definitely sounds ‘very bloody British’

Follow Orissa:

www.orissakelly.com

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