Meet DeNika Turner-Stephens of Runway 4 Peace in Compton

Today we’d like to introduce you to DeNika Turner-Stephens.

DeNika, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have a passion with a purpose, from helping young girls follow their dreams to being a beacon of light to the community.

I had been introduced to community activism at an early age through the passion of my father, Michael Turner and mother n law, Vicky Lindsey.

The push for stop the violence cause came about in 2010, after my 10 year old niece survived being shot 3 times in Compton, while playing basketball outside of her home. She was struck in the leg, stomach, and lower back. It was devastating for a young girl to have to experience something so tragic. I’ve also had many friends murdered due to gun violence and it was just time to reach out to the youth in efforts to stop the violence.

So I incorporated that with my love for modeling and started hosting fashion shows and free modeling classes.

When I was growing up, the city of Compton lacked many programs that were offered elsewhere, and modeling was one of them. As I traveled to Beverly Hills to inquire about their modeling agency, it was nearly $2,000 to join the group. Unfortunately, my parents weren’t able to afford that. I got old enough to travel on my own, I went to casting calls and was rejected many times because I didn’t fit the criteria. It became very frustrating and at one point lowered my self-esteem. Then the ones that I was selected for, it was mandated for the model to sell a minimum of 10 tickets in order to participate. Although, majority of the time, it was only my husband attending, I paid the rest because I was so anxious to be in the show.
Then one day I was watching super model Tyra Banks, and she said “You should never have to the company, the company is to pay you” and I realized those shows were probably get rich schemes.

Great, 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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but one thing I’ve learned as an entrepreneur is to never allow the absence of someone or the lack of support, determine the success of your event.

Most times we expect for EVERYONE to support our vision because WE KNOW it’s great, but the truth is, not everyone is interested in our vision.

My first fashion show in 2012, all 3 of my designers dropped out. My husband gave me the idea to do a t-shirt line and we literally heat pressed every shirt! However, I still needed more clothes for the models, so I was forced to purchase clothes Downtown LA in order for the show to be a success. After doing so, a designer named Da’Chic contacted me to showcase her line, which was a blessing.

When I relaunched Runway 4 Peace in 2015, I was not yet incorporated which made it very difficult for me to pitch sponsorship letters for venues. Until, I came across City Banquet Hall, who were willing to work with me. After this experience, I did what was needed to become a nonprofit and I can say it helped me along the way but it doesn’t cancel out the fact, that its still about who you know.

Luckily my mother-n-law had a small building, in which she allowed us to rehearse in until we our grew the space. After looking for new venues in Compton, I met with the building director of the Shiekh Community Center, Isaac Walker who was moved by our cause and welcomed us with open arms.

Runway 4 Peace has been the underdog in the city of Compton, and even through adversity, it has tremendously grown to be one of the biggest and most anticipated event, through the support of local citizens and business owners, including Mayor Aja Brown, Congresswoman Nanette Barragan, America’s Next Top Model Naima Mora, MLB Player Hunter Greene, and the Los Angeles Sparks, just to name a few.

The road will not be easy, but the results are definitely worth it.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Runway 4 Peace – what should we know?
Runway 4 Peace was created to raise awareness for the STOP THE VIOLENCE cause by gathering the youth to create and showcase posivity through fashion events. As well as giving the youth opportunity to experience life on the runway through our signature program called, W.E.R.K!

A free Women’s Empowerment Runway Klass for ages 4 and up aimed to create a dynamic influence on young girls by presenting the fundamentals of uplifting, self-love, and great confidence through a fierce catwalk.

Unlike many model agencies, we accommodate everyone, no matter the weight, height, or ethnicity. We want every girl/woman to feel beautiful the way she is.

Our Women’s Empowerment Runway Klass has had a tremendous influence over 200 girls and women in regards to their confidence level and breaking out of their shy zone to be more vocal in embracing their beauty.

We are also know for our annual Runway 4 Peace Fashion Show, which has given mothers and families of murdered victims a platform to display how violence ill-affected their families. Since 2012, our fashion show has increased from 50 attendees to a record of nearly 550 attendees, April 2018, based on its unconventional segment. The Runway 4 Peace Fashion Show is so impactful that it has even brought together rival gang members to respect the cause.

Aside from modeling, Runway 4 Peace, Inc is dedicated to giving back to the community. Each year we host back to school giveaways, Christmas Toy giveaways, and Vision Board Parties to families who are in need assistance and to encourage young girls to dream BIG.

Overall, I am proud that Runway 4 Peace, Inc is a great asset to the community, our youth, and our future.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I am a firm believer in what I do. There are days when I don’t know how it’s going to get done, but I always have faith that God will guide me to what is needed.

Patience has allowed me to understand that timing is everything. Although we want things right away, most times it’s best to be patient because God’s time is the best time.

Also, being dedicated to my cause has lead me to success. Many are called, yet only few are chosen and I believe I was chosen to bring hope to the community.

Pricing:

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Runway4Peace.com
• Email: runway4peace@yahoo.com

   

Image Credit:
“Derrick Cleveland” for the photo with the girls holding up their fist and the families holding a photo of their loved ones.