Runway Goddess Lolita Frazier Continues To Find Purpose In Her Pain

The runway powerhouse is making an impact through the power of runway coaching

Lolita Nicole Frazier, a trailblazing force in the modeling industry, takes us back to the electrifying moment when she clinched her first victory with the distinctive Loco strut. A newcomer to the modeling scene, she boldly entered a competition in Virginia Beach, Virginia, against twenty-five aspiring and experienced models. The nerves, anxiety, and fierce competition were palpable, but destiny had a plan. As contestant number 25, Lolita, also known as Loco, took the stage with a walk that left judges and the audience in awe. The Loco Strut was born, a unique blend of confidence, style, and authenticity. The victory marked the beginning of a transformative journey that would shape Lolita’s career and introduce the world to the powerful art of strutting through life’s challenges.

The Birth of Loco Strut Runway

Over the past decade, Lolita has evolved the Loco Strut Runway brand, not only as a model but also as a mentor. Motivated by the realization of her own power as a woman and model, Lolita began sharing her knowledge and experiences with other aspiring models, especially those battling self-doubt. She became a mentor to guide them through the competitive and often superficial industry, emphasizing the importance of self-belief. Lolita’s dual role as a model and mentor transformed her approach to runway training, focusing on developing character and using runway walking as a form of empowerment. The birth of Loco Strut Runway reflected Lolita’s commitment to authenticity and breaking the mold in the fashion world.

Game-Changing Collaboration

A pivotal collaboration with luxury robe designer Jo Battle led to the creation of the Battle Strut Street runway, featured on Essence’s website. Jo Battle’s signature robe design, the Jo Robe, became a symbol of comfort, style, and empowerment for women of all body types. Lolita and Jo embarked on a mission to take a group of aspiring models from South Carolina to New York City, showcasing the Battle Strut on the streets during NYFW. The reaction was nothing short of magical, with Essence recognizing the powerful display of “Black Girl Magic.” The collaboration marked a significant milestone in Lolita’s career, showcasing her ability to combine fashion with a deeper message of empowerment and inclusivity.

Life’s Unforeseen Challenges

September 28, 2016, became a tragic turning point in Lolita’s life with the loss of her child, Jordan Laylo Stith. The unimaginable pain of losing a child tested Lolita’s strength and resilience. The profound loss reshaped her perspective on life, forcing her to confront grief head-on. Despite the heart-wrenching pain, Lolita drew on her past experiences of overcoming challenges, understanding that the same strength that got her through before could guide her through this unimaginable loss.

Strutting Through Grief

In the face of immense pain and grief, Lolita made a choice to “S.T.R.U.T. Thru It!” The acronym standing for “Standing Tall Revealing Unadulterated Truth” encapsulates Lolita’s philosophy. Strutting through grief became a deliberate and transformative decision for Lolita. She refused to allow the actions of a hurt person to define her life and happiness. By sharing Jordan’s story and turning it into a source of empowerment, Lolita found strength and purpose. She became a living example that healing is possible, even in the face of the deepest sorrow.

Strut Talk’s Evolution

Strut Talk, Lolita’s personal initiative, evolved into a platform for empowering individuals. The first Strut Talk session with model mentees revealed the power of sharing personal truths. Vulnerability and authenticity became the foundation of Strut Talk Runway Therapy, a unique approach to healing through runway walking. Lolita’s own journey through grief and pain inspired her to create a safe space for others to confront their struggles and, ultimately, strut through them.

Strut Talk Runway Therapy

The recognition of Strut Talk Runway Therapy as a 501(c)3 nonprofit in November 2020 marked a significant milestone. Lolita’s vision for the organization goes beyond runway therapy; it aims to become an innovative way to offer hope to the hopeless. Strut Talk Runway Therapy has already impacted lives on a national and international level, reaching individuals dealing with various challenges, from breast cancer thrivers in Portugal to survivors in Mozambique. Lolita envisions the organization as a powerful tool for helping people understand the non-verbal conversation they have with the world and the transformative power of posture.

The Power of Posture

Posture plays a significant role in the Strut Talk philosophy. Lolita believes that changing your posture can be a transformative first step for individuals seeking a new direction in their lives. The power of standing tall, revealing unadulterated truth through body language, can shape mindset and create a new version of happiness. Lolita’s personal experiences have demonstrated that embracing the power of posture is vital to healing, mental health, and overall well-being.

In Lolita Nicole Frazier’s empowering journey, from the birth of Loco Strut to the evolution of Strut Talk Runway Therapy, the common thread is resilience. Lolita’s commitment to authenticity, empowerment, and healing shines through every step of her career and personal growth. As she continues to strut through life’s challenges, Lolita inspires others to do the same, standing tall, revealing their unadulterated truth, and embracing the transformative power of posture.

Photo Credits: Terrell Maxwell Photography