Meet Violet Banks | Digital Creator & Mental Health/Wellness Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Violet Banks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Violet, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In 2019, I underwent a period of deep self-reflection. I was on working prioritizing mental health and adopting a plant-based lifestyle. When I was researching tips and advice I found that the resources never really took into account or catered people who looked like me. I also realized through talking to friends and family that my journey was not common in the black community.

But really focusing on holistic wellness and positivity made me happy and healthier and I wanted anyone and everyone around me to feel this way. So I decided to get back into writing (I graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a degree in Journalism) and created LIVISH a website of wellness and mental health resources for people of color. Since then, LIVISH has evolved from just online content to in person wellness events.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is all about making other people feel good and helping others. From my mission with LIVISH to my work with Black on the Block, my goal is to spread happiness. It has been a long journey and not easy, but being resourceful has helped me overcome challenges.

Everything about LIVISH has sprouted from the skills I picked up as a vlogger/blogger in college. My content was focused on fashion and beauty, but it taught me how to customize a website, edit videos, and curate fun content.

During this time, I would show up at all the beauty and fashion events to network. I never felt like the coolest person in the room and felt awkward, so this forced me to overcome my fear of not being cool enough. I would show up in creative outfits (I attended a party with gold eyebrows once. And this was before blonde eyebrows were trendy) and would tell myself I had to stay until I made friends with a certain number of people. Those events led to making many of the connections and friends that I have today.

One, in particular, is Lanie Edwards (co-founder of Black on the Block). We met via Youtube and she’s now one of my closest friends. So when she had the idea for BOTB, I offered my help any way that I could. I’d show up and cover the event via the IG story because she was too busy. This eventually turned into me pitching content ideas, and that led to my role as the Social Media Coordinator for BOTB. She saw a space for my creativity, and I use that platform to showcase the joy of the events and how they have had a positive effect on the community. Being a part of the Black on the Block team not only allowed me to contribute to a cause I believe in but also provided valuable experience and insights that I’ve applied to my own events for LIVISH.

Through both initiatives, I’m able to give back to my community and breathe life into it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
BLACK ON THE BLOCK! I would tell them to come into town the weekend that we have the festival so they get to experience the food, culture, and drinks from all across Los Angeles. It’s like one big reunion with the entire city each month! They’d come at 1 pm to get the shopping in before the vendors sell out. After shopping, we’d hit the food court and get a mix of different foods and take it to the rooftop to chill out. Then, once they’ve got some food in their stomachs, we’d hit the garden bar to get drinks, hang in the lounge (maybe play some Uno or one of the video games), and end the night off tearing up the dance floor because whoever is DJing will definitely be going in! We’ll be wrapped up by 7pm and be free to stop by Lock & Key in Koreatown if we still have some energy!

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?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my friends and family who have encouraged my creativity. They speak nothing but love and empowerment into me. They show up for me even when I claim to not need help (I always do but I’m stubborn). Without them I would not have the battery in my back to do half of the things that I do/will do! An extra special shout to my cousin Monique who is my biggest cheerleader. If I ever doubt that I am loved I can always look her way!

Website: https://www.liv-ish.com

Instagram: @_violetbanks

Twitter: @_violetbanks

Other: @_livish and @blackxtheblock on Instagram

Image Credits
Keilah Harris
Jonathan Jericho
Goldn Charmr