Today we’d like to introduce you to Raymond Turner.
Hi Raymond, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I always say my life could be a Tyler Perry film. As a child, I didn’t have it all and I had to grow up fast! Growing up in Baton Rouge, LA was not easy but it molded me so well. I dealt with mental abuse, abandonment, parent with drug problem, and overall chaos. In addition, I had a life and standard presented to me on daily that I could have chosen. I have to thank God because he literally kept me and guided me through it all.
I’ve been dancing and entertaining going on six years. Thankful for my aunt who now rest in heaven for seeing my gift, and then my mentor in 2015 Janesa Richardson for carrying out my aunt’s legacy and prepping and preparing me for my dance career.
My life helped me understand that when things fall apart, they fall in place. In addition, God has a plan for me and he just needs to build my testimony.
I’ve seen big stages and big artists. I also witness my mom become ten years sober and back on her feet stronger than ever. If my journey showed me anything, it’s definitely faith without works is dead.
I’m still fighting to not only be a success but a story. I will never reach my peak because there is no ending to my ability.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My road has been bumper then the roads in Atlanta. I had to face sleeping in my car, not having a place to stay, barely having money for food or gas, no sleep, and etc. in addition, my childhood was filled with good times but had a huge share of its bad times, from drive bys, parent drug addiction, mom getting abuse, mental abuse from family member, exposure to street life (that was always my reality even if I didn’t participate), a lot of moving, and etc.
Therefore, through it all I’m still alive and that goes to tell me God isn’t done with me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an entertainer/influencer! With my craft, I do more of dancing and choreographing. One of my biggest accomplishments is being the first black man and man in general to audition for the NBA Pelicans dance team and come out of the process with them creating a whole team catering to my gift. Which then opened doors for my community to be able to obtain a dance job that catered to their dreams and purpose on a professional level.
I just love being able to inspire and break molds and barriers! Being a trailblazer isn’t easy because you have no example to look to. Therefore, you have to be the example and standard.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Crazy thing is Instagram helped me. Instagram can be a very positive tool if you use it correctly. I was able to talk to people that could pour into me and that process continued.
Also, I was also able to create projects that I was able to share with my community.
Contact Info:
- Email: raymondcturnerjr@gmail.com
- Instagram: @raymondturnerjr
- Facebook: Raymond Turner
- Other: Tiktok @raysteps
Image Credits
Josh Meka Nyke Johnson
