We recently connected with Justin Banks-Walker and have shared our conversation below.

Justin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

In 2020 the pandemic hit and had all of us out of work. The only options were to find a way to make money or sit around and wait for a handout. Art has always been a huge part of my life but it never was more than a hobby, during this time two quotes stood out to me in particular. The first one was “if you’re good at something never do it for free” and “if you love what you do you’ll never work again a day in your life.” I decided to use my talents and love for art as a new way to find my life and to be my new career. During this time I was in the middle of completing my bachelors degree while working full time in education at a middle school. Feeling unhappy and unsatisfied with what I was doing I had a decision to make. Three years later I believe my decision is paying off, I now have an Art, Streetwear, and Tattoo brand called Justx4rt which is a brand founded to create for people who don’t fit “the mold” using art, streetwear, and tattoos to express ourselves & inspire people to LIVE FREE. Within the last three years I’ve been told countless times by friends and family that I was crazy for leaving my job, school was my security blanket, etc. that was before I got to where I am today. It’s safe to say most didn’t believe in the vision but in the words of the late Nipsey Hussle “I weighed the risk and the reward and seen the scales tipping..”

Justin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Expressionism is the best way to allow others to interpret how you feel. Here at justx4rt we utilize Art, Clothing design, and tattoos as forms to express ourselves. Our focus is giving the wearer, buyer, fan, or client a platform AND the freedom to be their truest self. Representing those who aren’t afraid to think outside the box, push boundaries, go against the grain, be different, and most importantly LIVE FREE. In 2020 the pandemic hit and had all of us out of work. The only options were to find a way to make money or sit around and wait for a handout. Art has always been a huge part of my life but it never was more than a hobby, during this time two quotes stood out to me in particular. The first one was “if you’re good at something never do it for free” and “if you love what you do you’ll never work again a day in your life.” I decided to use my talents and love for art as a new way to find my life and to be my new career. My brand provides Streetwear necessities from tees to hoodies and hats, as well graphic design for other brands and companies in need of designs or logos, we create art inspired by our environments and experiences, and last but not least we offer permanent ways to express yourself through tattoos. Created for people who don’t fit “the mold” using art, streetwear, and tattoos to express ourselves & inspire people to LIVE FREE. No one should be afraid to be themselves and they should do that unapologetically.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

At one point I was working 2-3 jobs to fund my business, money was needed for events, traveling, pop ups, supplies, legal stuff, etc. I’ve been 100% self funded since I started which can make the journey harder but it’s so rewarding to know you invested in yourself and it worked out. A dollar and a dream was the epitome of who I was when I first started out and still part of who I am now.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

As I told how and why I started I briefly mention Art being a passion for me. I’ve drawn and done art since I was a child and always been a means for me too eat. As a kid I would draw pictures for people to make money and as I got older it grew, buy the time I was in high school I was drawing and painting on clothes for people, drawing posters, and anything art related I could think off. Fast forward now I do graphic design and own a Streetwear brand. A full circle moment for me

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.justx4rt.com
• Instagram: @justx4rt
• Facebook: @justx4rt
• Twitter: @justx4rt
• Youtube: @justx4rt