We recently connected with Aminah Banks and have shared our conversation below.

Aminah, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

When I think about what I’d like my legacy to be when it’s all said done. I’d want it to be an inspirational one to other black trans creatives. I lived my life without regret, taking chances and making many mistakes but still pressing forward because the goal I have In mind is much bigger than failure. Being unapologetically me through and through.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Well allow me to reintroduce myself my name is Aminah Banks and I’m originally from Atlanta ga. I’ve lived in New York City and Los Angeles where I was Apart of cycle 24 of ANTM as a styling assistant. I’ve always loved fashion and art especially black art. Being creative was always an outlet for me and a way for me to escape. I started Off strictly styling for many years and it was until the past two years where I discovered my love for photography, it was almost instant. It felt as if I’d found the missing piece to my puzzle. I bought My first (and only) camera which is a canon off of the Facebook marketplace and I taught myself how to shoot. While I still have so much to learn I can say I’m proud of the progress I’ve made thus far. When people work with me I give Them the same lecture and that’s to just have fun! I’d rather you give me to much than to little lol! This is my passion and I cant See myself doing anything else. It feels right, you know? So one day, one of these days I’ll be able to say I’m a full time stylist/photographer.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Let’s just cut right to the chase. I’m a black trans woman so off rip the odds are already stacked against me. Knowing that I’m always going to have to on my A game simply because I’m a black trans woman, because often times we aren’t given opportunities to show what we can bring to the table. I’ve dealt with rejection, not because I don’t have good work but because someone didn’t see value in me as a transwoman. Of course, as of recently we’ve started to see more black transwomen in the forefront from Laverne cox, Janet mock, Ts Madison, Toni Bryce, Angelica Ross, Amiyah Scott, hope Giselle, L’lerret Jazelle, MJ Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson, Hailie Sahar and the list goes on and on. All these women have done and continue to defy the odds in their respective careers. Dispelling stereotypes rather than perpetuating them. Although I’ve not met these amazing individuals in person we all share a commonality that only us as trans woman can always identify with. We’ve all dealt with the same struggles which I feel Makes us strong to be able to deal with any obstacle that may come our way in the entertainment industry.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

It’s quite simple. I whole-hardly believe I was Not out on this earth to just work and pay bills. My purpose is so much greater than that. My ultimate goal is to be able to this full time. Going from working a 9-5 to working 24 hours is my goal if that makes sense lol!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @abanksmedia_

Image Credits
Makeup on the female models were done by @chunk2gorgeous on Instagram