We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Ebanks recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was when I realized how unhappy and unfulfilled I felt in most of the jobs I had. No matter the role, it always felt like I was the wrong piece in the wrong puzzle, never quite fitting in or feeling like myself. Around that time, I came across the Japanese concept of ikigai, which explains that when you find the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs, you’ve found your purpose. That idea lit a spark for me. I began to understand that my creativity wasn’t just a hobby, it was the work that made me feel most alive and most useful. From that moment, I knew I needed to take it seriously and build a life around it.

Nicole, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve always been a creative person, but it wasn’t until college that I began to understand the true power of art. I took a couple of art classes at the time as a way to cope with everything I was experiencing personally, and it reintroduced me to myself as an artist in a new way. For the first time I began experimenting with painting, which eventually opened the door to other mediums and creative practices. That was when I realized art wasn’t just about making something visually beautiful, it was also deeply therapeutic, grounding, and transformative.
From that point, I began exploring and creating work that blended self-expression, culture, and healing. Today, I host interactive art classes and experiences such as my Head Planters Art Therapy workshops, where participants design plant pots made from Styrofoam heads as a metaphor for growth, and my 3D Hair Art Classes, which highlight the beauty and history of textured hair through sculpture and design. Both classes have grown in popularity, even going viral, and have allowed me to work with communities, nonprofits, and private groups nationwide.
What sets my work apart is the way I merge creativity with connection. I create spaces where people can express themselves freely, often discovering parts of themselves they didn’t know were there, while also learning about cultural storytelling, identity, and healing through art. I’m most proud of the fact that my work doesn’t just result in a finished product it sparks conversations, builds community, and leaves people feeling lighter, inspired, and more connected to themselves and each other.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s that art is for everyone. Whether you’re a lifelong creative or someone who hasn’t picked up a paintbrush since childhood, my classes and projects are designed to remind you of the joy, freedom, and healing that creativity brings.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I built my social media audience by leaning into consistency and process. When I first started promoting my classes, I realized people weren’t just interested in the final product, they wanted to see the journey. I began sharing behind-the-scenes moments like setting up the space, showing snippets of the class in action, highlighting the steps participants take, and of course showcasing the wide range of finished pieces. That combination gave people a fuller picture of the experience and allowed them to imagine themselves being part of it.
I think what resonated most is the way I show the endless creative possibilities that can come from a single idea. Whether someone considers themselves an artist or not, seeing so many different variations of a project reminds people that creativity is accessible to everyone. That approach not only built curiosity but also built trust, because my audience could clearly see what the experience would look and feel like.
For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my biggest piece of advice is to be consistent and show your process. Don’t just focus on the end result, invite people into your world, let them see how things come together, and highlight the uniqueness of your perspective. Social media is really about storytelling, and your process is often the most relatable and inspiring part of the story.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect would have to be the look on some of my class attendees faces when they see their finished product or the look on a clients face when I deliver a commission to them. I thoroughly enjoy making people happy through my art whether that is teaching them or providing for them an art piece that is beyond their expectations.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ebanks.creates