Runway2Life gives renewed hope through its podcasts, classes and fashion shows
By Kristi K. Higgins, Staff Writer
Alicia Amsler found her calling in a most devastating way.
Amsler, who owns Alicia’s Salon and Day Spa in Chesterfield County, founded the nonprofit Runway2Life after a former employee committed suicide..
“I fired her and she came back a couple of years later to say she was sorry for how things were left and to make amends,” Amsler said. “She took her life three days later. I never knew the signs, and I now know she was demonstrating many signs of someone that was suicidal.”
She also lost a friend who was a bartender to suicide.
“It took our whole community by storm,” she said.
Amsler said she did not have to look very far for material. She said her mother has battled depression for five years, adding that “she was always the strong one in our family.
“Sickness and surgery brought on Mom’s depression,” Amsler said. “Not understanding what was going on, I struggled with not knowing how to help her. So, I decided to start understanding it and getting educated on mental health.”
So she started Runway2Life. Runway2Life’s mission is to encourage people to engage in conversation on mental health and suicide awareness, provide resources, and education.
Runway2Life partners with beauty product maker Redken, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,
“With the resources donated from our generous sponsors, clothing from top brands, local talent, and an audience of up to 1,500 supporters, our goal is to provide resources to help enlighten each and every individual who struggles to find the light in their darkness,” Amsler said,
Runway2Life has sponsored shows the past two years. Its third show is set for Oct, 11 at Main Street Station in Richmond. Models of all ages will be taking part.
One of those who has modelled in the past is Nikki Goss, who was crowned Mrs. Virginia in 2017.
“It was one of the top moments of my reign, raising awareness for mental health by walking in the Runway2Life Fashion Show,” Goss recalled. “This opportunity meant the world to me. As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran who suffers from severe PTSD, I was honored to walk and call attention to the mental health crisis in America so those in need may have access to the resources available to them.”
“We have different designers that will, also, sell the items that spectators see on the runway, and they donate the proceeds to Runway2Life,” Amsler added.
This year’s show will feature dancers from the Tri-City area
Amsler said past participants in the fashion show have dealt with their own suicidal thoughts. When asked if she thought her project was helping to prevent suicides, Amsler said more than 13 lives were saved in the first year of the program because Runway2Life was able to help them get the counseling they needed.
“We have lost count on how many people we have rescued ... the numbers have been staggering; there are so many reaching out for help in our community,” Amsler said. “Some that struggled and gained help through us became models and volunteers for the show.”
Colonial Heights resident Suzanne Spearman shared her reasons for helping out.
“I volunteered last year and intend to help again this year,” Spearman said. “I stuffed loot bags. Runway2Life means young people have a safe place to know they’re loved and special, but most of all beautiful. The organization helps folks who are at their emotional end by providing peace and encouraging support. This world needs a lot more of this kind of love.”
Runway2Life’s proceeds go towards training instructors to teach classes, materials for classes, marketing materials to provide to people that are in need of help and resources among other things. Amsler said Runway2Life is also working on a phone hotline this year for people to reach out and provide them with help with finding resources, doctors or just to listen to them.
Amsler also hosts a podcast on the topic, and provides a three-hour class called “SafeTALK” that trains people to recognize the signs of suicidal thoughts.
“Everyone is welcome to take the class,” she said. “Many bartenders and hairdressers have taken the initiative. Some of the classes are free by being sponsored by nonprofits and businesses. Interested parties can go to our website to sign up. They can sign up to receive our monthly newsletter as well.”
Amsler admits to being in awe of how much the project has grown in such a short time. She credits her faith with providing her the strength to see it through.
“I can see Runway2Life growing at an amazing pace with the needs of the people,” she said.
“I could write a book on the lives that we have touched, the stories of how their darkness turned to victory and how they are doing great today,” she added. “I had a lady that tried to take her life, and now, she is a teacher and advocate for helping others for suicide. Being educated on suicide prevention and mental health can and will help save lives.
Visit www.Runway2Life.com to purchase tickets for the 2019 fashion show, to view the podcast, sign up for a “SafeTALK” class, or to learn how to become a model or volunteer.
Kristi K. Higgins may be reached at 804-722-5162 or khiggins@progress-index.com.
