Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenya N. Redd.
Kenya, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Runway 1on1 began over 20 years ago; actually, the love of fashion began 33 years ago. I fell in love with fashion at the young age of 15. I did not try to make it a career until I was in my mid 20’s and that is where it all began. Having been bullied in school and then being in an abusive relationship in my very early adult years, I found it to be a release and it empowered me to go after more in my life. So I began to follow the dream.
I started walking the local runways in DC, MD, VA and then pushed out into New York. While in NYC, I worked for a fashion house to learn both sides of the industry. I walked the catwalk, did photoshoots on my days off and set up a meetings for buyers when working. I began training models on an as needed basis in 2000.
From there, I found an affinity for the behind the scenes portion. I moved to Atlanta for a few years in 2005, where I began doing more runway coaching and directing fashion events. I began to make that a sole mission. That is when I began to use the art of runway as a tool to boost self-confidence and self esteem. I practiced what I preached. Runway 1on1 had its mission and I was off and walking. I then moved to Charlotte for seven years still pushing Runway 1on1 and now I am back in Atlanta. I went from Model To Motivational Speaker. Runway 1on1 is a complete movement.
Has it been a smooth road?
We are celebrating 20 years of being in the fashion industry. Our name has evolved, the services we offer has expanded, we have grown so much. No, it has not al ways been an easy road. Runway Coaching itself is the easy part. Getting individuals to take the class was the hard part lol. Because we started as a service oriented business and I was the only employee, it was hard to get the buy in sometimes. That and life would happen. What I mean by life is the economy tanking and loss of income in the home, illnesses, etc.
I am a serial entrepreneur so there was and is always another side hustle happening simultaneously, at times that could be distracting especially when that other side hustle flopped.
One of the hardest challenges came when we lost everything, life just happened and it happened hard. we were homeless, literally living in my vehicle with my fiance. I wanted to give up. I was going to scrap it all. That had to be one of the hardest moments of my life. I had to survive and my dream had to take a back seat. Then I received a call from a company called I want to Be A Model Too their mission coincided with mine. And we have been blazing a trail ever since.
We’d love to hear more about your company.
Runway 1on1 is a Fashion Company. We are a resource for individuals in the fashion industry—those who are aspiring or just curious. We specialize in Runway Coaching, Runway Show Production and our Official Runway 1on1 Workshops. We have expanded the company and we are now a TV show which airs on Indie Central TV in which I am the CEO. For our 20 years on the business, we have evolved into Runway 1on1 Online. We offer Online Workshops, Shopping, Onsite Workshops and much more. We are now launching our new site. We are known for our ability to help a person walk their very best life and being a go to resource as it pertains to the fashion industry. We are proud of our longevity and our ability to expand and evolve with the ever changing times. We can extend our mission across the united states. We love partnering and helping others thrive.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is a prime location in the SE for a company like a Runway 1on1. I would recommend Atlanta to someone starting in the fashion industry. It is known as Hollywood Of The South for a reason. So many celebrities, events and productions. This is our second time around here in Atlanta for a good reason.
Pricing:
- Group Runway Coaching Session $35
- One On One Coaching Sessions $65
- Online Workshops Pricing Info Coming soon
Contact Info:
- Website: www.runway1on1online.com
- Phone: (704) 412-1548
- Email: info@runway1on1online.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runway_1on1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Runway1on1
Image Credit:
DS Photography
Wright Design
James Helms
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
