Meet Carl Carlito J. Windom | Triple Threat Performer, Choreographer & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carl Carlito J. Windom and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carl Carlito J., what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is my happiness. I believe in hard work but it’s important to enjoy every screen or stage performance. Also, it’s important to note, that the process to reach your goals in entertainment can be hard, so you should value EVERY WIN you obtain no matter how big or small…

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an artist, I have been blessed to work in multiple genres of Entertainment including dance/choreography, theater, acting, music/voice, modeling & behind the scenes.

Growing up as a kid, my Nana (Grandmother) & Granddad lived in the Bronx, NY & my other Grandmother & Granddad lived in the South (GA) so I grew up listening & watching all types of art. What sets my art apart from others, are my experiences & connections that connect me to my art. In every performance or creative endeavor, I’m always leaving you with a piece of myself in the Art. I wish I could pick just one piece of art I’m excited about, but the truth is I’m proud of it all, no matter the failure or success of the project. I’ve been able to be on TV networks, movies, stage, work in casting, production, & perform in plays & on runways. No matter how big or small the project, I appreciate all the experiences.

I got to this point in my career through hard work, sacrifice & patience. A friend of mine in the industry always said “Anyone can book a job once, but the goal is to be booked multiple times. That starts with your work ethic & attitude.”.

In this business, I have had a fair amount of success but I’ve also dealt with MEAN, DECEIVING & UNKIND people. On one job during a tour I had to replace a dancer last minute 4 days before the show. They loved my dancing but made me lose 10 pounds in 3 days to fit the old dancer costume because they didn’t want to “alter” the costume size. During covid I was promised a role in a movie musical, but they later denied me of that role because I was “too light skinned and mixed”. Safe to say that movie is flopping at the box office currently…I’ve had an Atlanta production try to USE my name and producers on a show I was front runner than try to replace me without telling me. This is a cruel and mean industry, but no matter what you have to keep moving forward. Watch your back but don’t get distracted by the “noise”.
I want the world to know its ok to be disappointed, just don’t dwell in the disappointment & know you are worthy 🙂
The key to surviving this world & industry is resilience!!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love the ATL and basically grew up from a teenager to an adult in the city, so I battle with the old “Atlanta” vs the new “Atlanta”. Lol If it was the “old” Atlanta, I would tell them to visit Lil 5 points, the Underground, Walters or Lennox for some shopping. Club 112, MJQ, The Peacock or Primetime for some good Atlanta turn up. If you’re LGBT then your turn up was at Atlanta Live, 708 or Bulldogs. If you’re into sports as a former WNBA/NBA dancer I’m going to say the Dream & the Hawks games are always family fun. For shows, I would say 14th street playhouse, the FOX theater or Center Stage. Old Atlanta is unmatched Lol.
“New” Atlanta wise, I would definitely say shopping at Phipps Plaza, Boutiques near Edgewood, Atlantic Station & Stone crest Mall. For entertainment, the Fox theater has amazing shows to check out, Alliance Theater & so does the Southwest Arts center. Clubs wise I would say Loca Luna, Gold Room, & the Royal Peacock. For LGBT, the good turn up spots are Bulldogs, Blakes and Mixx night club.
As a dancer who trained in the city of Atlanta, I would recommend trying out some fun dance classes at some of the local studios around the city.
There is so much beauty & fun in the city, you just have to find your niche 🙂

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate part of my story to past/current agents who have believed in my work in Atlanta, Las Vegas, Denver, New Orleans & Los Angeles. Also, I want to thank my beautiful Father who has always supported me to follow my dreams. I like to thank my incredible circle of friends, every director or choreographer that gave me an opportunity, LGBTQIA community. I like to thank every supporter, artist or colleague who has supported my artistic endeavors.
Thank you to the Universe, Higher entity & the ancestors for making a way.
All these people & entities gave me support, inspiration, & hope to follow my dreams!!!

Website: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm5086096/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artisticcj?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=22624338&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Getty Images, Latin Grammys, BET, Vibe.com, IMDB, The Spark Theater Company