Tony Marino
“When life isn’t exactly what you hoped for, it’s those around you that help you realize what you have. ”
❤️TONY MARINO @TONYKICKAROCK
🧡LOCATION: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
💛PHOTO BY: S.T.
💜BLACK ”TEARS” ITEM: @EDWARD_GRANGER LOVE SHIRT
💙CAPE BY @INDIE_TRUE_
💚FOLLOW @TEARSANDTAFFETA
🎤IN TONY’S WORDS...
Definitely Not Superman
When my sister first asked me to wear the cape, it totally caught me off guard, but I immediately said yes. I felt honored; I was so excited, then a bit of anxiety set in. "Oh my god, this is a big deal, don't screw this up." This repeated in my head over and over. My sister is an incredible person, and coming off the success of her first book and the Tears & Tulle movement, I was worried about being enough.
I'm the first man to wear the cape. I'm not a novelist or a doctor, and I don't own my own business. I'm a bartender on Chicago's southside. So don't let the cape fool you; I'm definitely not Superman. I'm on the tail end of my thirties, my career isn't exactly what I had in mind, my hair is thinning, and I've never, ever had abs. But I'm happy, really happy, and I mean that when I say it.
Every day isn't picture-perfect, of course. We all have ups and downs, but I am so incredibly lucky to have the life that I do. I have an amazing wife, a fantastic family, friends that are rivaled by none, and quite possibly the world's cutest dog.
These are my colors, my cape, my superpowers. I feel men are usually striving to be Superman, but they feel like they come up short, and that can create stress and darkness, but as long as they are making an effort and trying to do good things, it should be considered a success.
Bad days and constant insecurities just sort of wash away when I come home to my wife; she really is the best. A hug and three kisses from her usually fixes just about anything. When life isn't exactly what you hoped for, it's those around you that help you realize what you have.
I'm a firm believer that life is too short and precious, so I surround myself with love. My father and sister have that quality as well, finding the good in everything, or at least making the most of a bad situation.
Photo by @hildaburke
About Tony...
Tony spends his days and nights cracking cold beers and whipping up cocktails on Chicago's south side. When he isn't mixing drinks, he's usually collaborating with his friends and colleagues at KickARock.com. It's a small production company that creates sketch comedy for online viewing.
Tony loves eating frozen pizza and couching it with his wife. His mom and dad have been his most significant role models.