Background information:

Where are you from? 

New York and South Philadephia

What do you do? How did this “role” come about? How and why are you best known by others?

I am known as “Coach” or “Mr. Runway” in the modeling and fashion show arena. I am the highly trained Head Runway Coach and Creative Director of Stampede School of Modeling. I hear that I am the pillar of my community because I am more than a Coach but an Influencer.

Did you attend college and/or have formal training in your respective field or industry? If so, please elaborate on the year you graduated and from what institution.

I received all my training from multiple coaches and teachers. I have done some form of modeling, coaching, producing or assisting for the past 12 years and have been apart of 3,922 Fashion shows. No degree can teach you this craft, it is in you or it isn’t.

What factors of your upbringing influenced your career goals? 

Her name is Miss. Stephanie Cain and she is the Queen of Fashion Show Production. I began modeling for her company at the age of 9 and I attached on to her and my instructors who have now become family. I pray that “Aunt Steph” see my work and know that it all started with the first half turn she taught me over 2 decades ago.

How long have you been in this career? What did you do previously?

I have been a runway/model coach and fashion show producer for 12 years as of this past October. Wow, I can’t believe I’ve been doing this that long. I guess its true when they say, “time flies when you’re having fun”!

What long-term goals do you have? What steps are you currently taking in this direction?

My long terms goals are simple, smart, realistic and obtainable to my reaching. I would love on behalf of my company, Stampede school of Modeling to one day be the Creative Directive for New York and Paris Fashion Week. I would love for my team and me to be the #1 College/university model coaches and Homecoming Fashion Show Producers.

Tell us about your social media presence. Do you use it in your line of work? Why or why not, is it important in your day-to-day responsibilities, platform or career?

 Social media is extremely critical in my entrepreneurial profession. My team and I use our social media to attract and engage models from all over the country. Through our social media, we have gained a clientele base in over 16 states and our modeling school is only physically located in 2 areas (Atlanta and Washington DC). We also use social media to scout new talent as well as send motivational notes to those that think life is getting the best of them when in all reality, they just need a break from their surroundings but can’t quit.

Which public figures, role models and or historical figure shaped your goals as a child and in adulthood? Any that embodies your personal values?

There are several figures that helped shaped me to become the man and community figure I am today. However, there are two that will forever stand out to me when I look back at my younger years. First is my mother, my Queen and the reason I fight so hard. She instilled a pure set of values and ethics in me when the streets were supposed to be my only option. She taught me to be a man, a strong man, a strong black man. She taught me how to tie my shoes, how to tie a necktie and the importance of opening the door for a woman. She gave me everything she wasn’t forwarded as a child. She loved me beyond measure and that alone taught me that love is real and it exists. Secondly, my father, who was never present and that was the greatest gift. In his absence, I learned not to be that man. He taught me the value of taking care of responsibilities and no matter how far or how fast you run, your problems will still be there to face. In his absence, I learned to be the man that you are reading and writing about today.

What does it mean to you to be a millennial? How do you share that with others in your life, those you meet and with your peers?