Peace Serenade Squad, and welcome to Feature 2 of our Black Star Segment for Black History Month!
This time around we got to chop it up with the lovely Toccara Scott of Run This Way Productions LLC based out of Jerrrsseeeyyy. If you're from the tri-state area and into the fashion production industry, then you've definitely come across her amazing shows and events. Toccara let us in to the beginning steps of how Run this Way came about and how a special person in her life inspired her journey. Check out the interview below and make sure you show some love by leaving us a comment about what you think!
SSA: What’s up Queen! Let the people know who you are and what you do?
TOCCARA: Hello everyone! My name is Toccara Scott and I am the founder and CEO of Run This Way LLC. A fashion production company that produces fashion shows and other fashion related events.
SSA: We’ll open up with our feature title and ask What does the title “Black Star” mean to you?
TOCCARA: When you have identified “The Hero” in you. When you have forgiven the past and welcomed the future. When you have succeeded through the struggles in life. When you have been more of a giver than a receiver. When you have been a leader rather than a follower. When you have fallen and got back up. That’s what a “Black Star” means to me.
SSA: Whew, THAT is a POWERFUL definition! And Knowing your work, we can definitely say that you have been more than a giver and a leader in your industry. What motivated you to start “Run This Way”?
TOCCARA: The motivation of my company stemmed from my maternal grandmother and a very dear friend. She was the first closest person to pass and coping was hard. One day, I was talking to my friend and he was quite comforting during my grieving period. His advice to me was to take something that I’ve learned from her and apply it. My grandmother was a giver and helper. Always helping, always giving. Whether they asked or not, she just did it. With that and the many years of experience of producing fashion shows for Lord & Taylor, Run This Way came to life.
SSA: Major respect to your grandmother for passing down the gems to start Run This Way.
We love seeing brands with a story and purpose. How have you or how will you use your platform to uplift the culture/people ?
TOCCARA: From the very moment we started, Run This Way has been created as a starting point for individuals. A way to tell their story is what I’d like to call it. From the designs, to the runway walk right down to the sound of your voice. Just as much as a story is being told on the runway, creativity is being made behind the scenes. I’ve worked with many fashion students who have contributed to the creativity of the brand and it has helped them in their journey.
SSA: We can definitely name a brand or two that had Run This Way as a starting point (clears throat lol). What was one of your favorite projects you’ve worked on and why?
TOCCARA: I love that this question was asked of me because it’s the first time, for the many years of being in business that someone has ever asked me. I’ve always had the perfect answer; and that is they ALL are because they happened. There have been shows where I’ve wanted to pull the plug but the fact that I kept going is what made it of great importance.
However, I will state that the show that had a big impact was the “Woman Crush Wednesday” one because I got to celebrate all the women I had the pleasure of working with through the years including a special feature of the one who was the inspiration behind the brand, my grandmother.
SSA: The will to keep going when you want to just pull the plug is definitely a tough battle as a creative. However As we go through the highs and lows of our journey, we come to learn that there is beauty in the struggle (shout out to J. Cole!), what keeps you going through the tough times?
TOCCARA: My faith in my God is what keeps me going. With that, he will help you through it all. Remembering why I started and the people I’ve influenced along the way. This tells me that I’m on the right track. Keep going. Another thing I always tell people when struggling, is to FIND THE BALANCE.
SSA: What’s one lesson you’ve learned that has really influenced the person you are now?
TOCCARA: I’ve learned to forgive the past and really heal from it. Sometimes we tend to hold onto the past and wonder why we haven’t done that “thing” that we were destined to do, or be the greatest version of ourselves. When you forgive, really and truly say ‘GOODBYE’ to it, you’ll see amazing things begin to happen in your life. You welcome the future.
SSA: As a people we have been continuously healing and bettering ourselves from our past and seeing the fruits of our hard work, determination, and passions come to life.
What does Black History mean to you?
TOCCARA: What I feel Black History means to me is the untold and told stories that have paved the way for tomorrow's leaders, influencers, business owners, educators and others alike. Allowing for new history to be written.
SSA: When people look back on YOUR history, what do you want Run This Way’s lasting impact to be?
TOCCARA: I want Run This Way’s lasting impact to be a surprise to me and the rest of the world. When that happens, I pray that it’s the best story anyone's ever told.
SSA: Can you leave our Serenade Squad with a piece of advice you’ve received that has helped you flourish?:
TOCCARA: Your journey isn’t designed to be easy. It will look different from everyone else’s; but if you carry God in your heart, you can conquer it all. Know that when you hit a roadblock, it’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to start over. Always find the balance with what you are doing.
Make sure you follow and show love to Toccara at @runthiswayporductions for all fashion related content