Today we’d like to introduce you to Renadda Wiggins.
Renadda, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I come from a family of eight. Six girls and two boys I am child number five. I love to travel, learn new ways to improve a better version of me. Both of my parents never stopped at what they wanted out of love and because of that I’ve learned a valuable lesson. I was taught to always keep God first in all that I do and to love people no matter what.
After touring with Ebony Fashion Fair I started directing a modeling agency in Memphis, Tn. A lady by the name of Miss Thomas brought her daughter into the agency (Leah) and Leah had Down syndrome. Miss Thomas wanted her daughter to learn runway modeling, so I created a one on one session with Leah.
The 101 class was consistent with Runway, posing, self-confidence, affirmations, workout regiments, social skills and public behavior. Leah Thomas improvements were amazing to the point she was placed in the classes with the other models that were apart of the agency.
Leah started dating this young guy named Timmy, and she also joined Jenny Craig and lost weight. After training Leah for four years I moved to Los Angeles and created a program called WITHOUT LIMITS for individuals with Down syndrome, Autism, DHH and ADHD. This is an ongoing six weeks program that enhances the confidence of individuals with those disabilities listed above. I currently run three locations which are in North Hollywood, Rancho Cucamonga, and Newport Beach. We do my workshops, fashion shows, and we’re currently expanding with our Rocking My Extra Chromosome Fashion Show city to city. We have already successfully hosted this show in Memphis, Tn and now Atlanta and other cities are on the list.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely, this had not been an easy ride. There are many things to take into consideration like, the industry tries to determine what beauty looks like. Then you have some parents are not 100% ready and willing to trust others around their kid/kids and I do understand. Let’s not talk about literally knocking door-to-door? agency to agency, brand to brand, family to families, organizations to organizations and companies to companies only to get to no. I know things will change and I’ve been told easy is normal and hard lasts a lifetime. Just know I’m in this for the long haul and I do enjoy every moment.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I wear many hats as the founder. From teaching the ongoing classes to the workshop and one on one private classes. I produce fashion shows and travel with some of the fashion shows that we have. I ran all of the model casting calls, work with families and most of all love on each individual.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, I feel like our city is a good place to start anything as long as your heart and soul is in it. I’ll recommend someone to start anywhere because soon or later things will work out.
Contact Info:
- Address: 10816 Burbank Blvd,
North Hollywood, CA 91601 - Website: The Art of Runway
- Phone: 3233777203
- Email: theartofrunway.mail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Art-of-Runway-1490694787890841/
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/the-art-of-runway-los-angeles
Image Credit:
Nick Joyner
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