We had the good fortune of connecting with ILIONA BLANC and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi ILIONA, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I could never picture myself doing anything else. I’ve had the soul of an artist for as long as I can remember. I just love creating and I have a lot of imagination.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am a singer-songwriter, musician and director. I think my unique background and story set me apart. I was born in Libreville, Gabon and raised in France.
I am proud for having released some of my music both in French and English and with some major labels and as an independent artist. I have directed for myself and for other artists and I enjoy being behind the camera as much as I enjoy behind in front.
Nothing has been easy as I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth but with motivation, hard work and a clear vision of what I am trying to accomplish, I was able to make nice things happen and I hope it’s just the beginning.
Some of the lessons I have learned is that when you have faith everything is possible and difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations. I try to believe in myself and I practice visualization and positivity as much as I can.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend from Paris was in town, our one week itinerary would look like something like that:
Morning Hikes: Runyon Canyon, Griffith Park, Fryman Canyon
Breakfast/Brunch: Urth Caffee, The Butcher Baker Cappuccino Maker
Lunch: Mauro’s Cafe Fred Segal, Santa Monica Seafood Marked
Afternoon: beach day at Malibu, Venice Beach, The Getty Santa Monica Pier, Lacma
Tea time: Alfred Tea, Alfred Coffee, Bottega Louie
Shopping: The Grove, Melrose, Beverly Hills, Abbot Kinney, 3rd promenade
Dinner: Cecconi’s, Laurel Hardware, Soho House, Gjelina, Chateau Marmont, Il Pastaio, Figaro Bistrot
Nighttime: La Descarga
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family and my best friends
Website: https://www.ilionablanc.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iliona.blanc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ilionablanc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilionaBlanc
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ilionablancvevo
Image Credits
Naby Dakhli Jose Feng Christine Ledroit-Perrin