We had the good fortune of connecting with Ikea Turner and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ikea, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m originally from the southside of Chicago, Illinois. I was raised in a low-middle class upbringing, my parents were married, and I am the fourth oldest out of five siblings (middle child). Being the first born daughter I would say my parents spoiled me. Both of my parents normally worked 2 jobs to provide for the household so I learned early on that you have to work hard to have a certain lifestyle. During my adolescence years the family decided to move to central Illinois (Bloomington/Normal) for better work, home and educational opportunities. My environment shifted from the projects (“hood”) to farm land which quickly changed my perspective on how I saw the world. I went from attending predominantly African American schools to Caucasian at some point. My hobbies did not change which I am very thankful for. Playing video games has always been a huge part of my upbringing due to the fact my entire family played them. This is why I will always appreciate video games even though I made a career out of it. Schools that I attended even had gaming rooms on the campus where students could socialize during breaks. Unfortunately we are still faced with the stigma of “women playing video games” for leisure or even professionally. Regardless I continue to represent with content to showcase women & people of color can have a career path in the gaming industry. Video games will continue to bring people together for many years to come. I want to say thank you to my parents for allowing me to experience different people, cultures and environments. Now at 28 and a mother myself (Ameya; 8 years old), I always encourage my daughter to try new things. It’s alright if something is different because nothing on this planet is the same. It’s okay to set out of your comfort zone and live your life.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I create video gaming content as a profession. I LIVE streamed & partnered on platforms such as Mixer, Twitch and Facebook Gaming. Since 2017 I’ve played numerous games throughout the years showcasing the perspective of a black woman who enjoy video games. As stated before video games has always been a part of my upbringing. The first video game I played was an Atari with my mother. When I started in 2017 LIVE streaming for me was merely a hobby. I was a full time waitress, mother and college student. I rarely had a social life so I thought it would be fun to LIVE stream whatever game I was currently playing. Suddenly a community formed, I was partnered, competing in tournaments and working with brands such as Wingstop. As a black woman it is hard to maintain a career within the gaming industry. My family, community and myself have been put in many situations where we were harassed, threatened and discriminated against, Even thought we fell on many hard times within the five years none of it was in vain. I enjoy video games at the end of the day. I’m grateful that I can share what I love with like minded individuals including my daughter and create revenue at the same time. As we continue to create gaming content we will always be faced with some battle unfortunately it’s life. But for the love of gaming this community will not stop.
Resources of my work: https://linktr.ee/MsFUNSiZ3
Text Definition: The live streaming of video games is an activity where people broadcast themselves playing games to a live audience online. The practice became popular in the mid-2010s on the US-based site Twitch, before growing to YouTube, Facebook, China-based sites Huya Live, DouYu, and Bilibili, and other services.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My daughter and I just moved here January of this year so we are still new to the area. But we have been outside since the moment we moved in due to the nicer weather of course. Texas believe it or not is where many gaming headquarters, content creators and businesses are. My relocation was based off of all the business opportunities that would be presented to my community if I was physically here. As of this summer 2022 my favorite places are: Farm and Feed, Cidercade, Six Flags Over Texas, Hurricane Habor, Velvet Taco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pressed Roots (hair salon) and Kitchen & Kocktails, Allen Premium Outlet Shopping Center and ANY POOL.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Mixer (Microsoft streaming platform) and everyone who genuinely supported the community. Thank you to all my peers & supporters on the Twitch platform as well. Thank you Facebook Gaming for giving my household financial security while making gaming content. Without Facebook gaming I woudl’ve stopped creating content all together want to thank a few colleagues: iDimplesoX, iAM_iKandi, VercinaxFRAT, DDS618, MunchkinDoom, PrettyShooters, all the communities and moderators. All the gaming creators who continues to make the industry inclusive for all talent you matter.
Website: https://linktr.ee/MsFUNSiZ3
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msfunsiz3/
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/msfunsiz3
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_MsFUNSiZ3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaming/msfunsiz3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/MsFUNSiZ3
Other: Media Kit: https://app.mediakits.com/msfunsiz3