Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hillery Banks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hillery, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path was when I was in 8th grade. A guest speaker came into our classroom to talk about different careers, and one of them was a model. Hearing her story immediately sparked something in me and it opened my eyes to the idea that creativity could be a career, not just a hobby. From there, I tried to pursue modeling throughout high school, and eventually I was even signed to an agency.

But in reality, my creativity started much earlier. As a kid, I was always drawing, dancing, and living in my imagination. My dad is also a DJ, so I grew up surrounded by music, which gave me a natural rhythm and love for sound. In high school, I played the trumpet in band and danced as a majorette, and those creative outlets always felt like home to me.

Eventually, when modeling didn’t go as far as I hoped, I realized I still needed to find a way to live in that creative zone. At 25, I picked up DJing, and everything clicked. I trained for six months, then pushed myself into the industry, even though it wasn’t easy. The moment I blended my first set and saw how music could transform a room, I knew I had found the artistic path I was meant to follow. That was the point where creativity became more than a passion, it became my purpose.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Music has always been in my blood. My dad is a DJ, so I grew up surrounded by turntables, records, and the energy of music. At 25, I decided to step into it myself. My dad trained me for six months, teaching me the craft, the discipline, and the art of reading a crowd. Once I felt ready, I went out into the city to find gigs, and that’s how my career began. Nearly nine years later, I’m proud to be a full-time DJ, carving out my own lane in a male-dominated industry.

Today, I provide DJ sets for parties, festivals, events, brands, and curated mixes. What I really offer is peace of mind to clients to never have to worry about the vibe falling flat, because I specialize in setting the tone high and keeping it there. I curate music with intention, blending songs you wouldn’t expect to hear together but that make sense in the moment. That’s what makes my sets stand out: they feel like a luxury experience for the ears, rare and memorable, like discovering a hidden gem.

What I’m most proud of is that I turned my passion into a career that gives me full creative freedom. Being a black woman in this industry hasn’t always been easy, but I didn’t let the challenges discourage me. My courage and drive pushed me forward, and I’m proud of the path I’ve paved for myself.

For my supporters and future clients, I want them to know that my work goes beyond playing music. Anyone can throw a party, but I create experiences. My goal is for people to leave with more than just a good time, I want them to carry home a memory that lasts a lifetime. That’s what I aim to deliver through my Hillery Banks shows: well-thought-out, unforgettable experiences that bring people together and leave a lasting imprint.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the moments that truly tested my resilience was when I made the decision to go back to school to earn my degree in fashion marketing. At the time, I was juggling a lot with DJing, an internship, homework/tests and a part-time job. The part-time job was especially tough; my boss wasn’t supportive, and it made going to work feel heavy every day. On top of that, I had people around me who doubted me. They’d say things like, “You just need to get a real job,” as if DJing wasn’t valid or sustainable.

It was one of the lowest points I’ve experienced and was left feeling drained by my job, stretched thin by my responsibilities, and questioned by people who didn’t see my vision. But what kept me going was my belief that the light was at the end of the tunnel. I knew my passion for music and creativity wasn’t something I could walk away from.

I pushed through those challenges, completed my degree, and kept building my career as a DJ. Looking back, I’m proud that I didn’t let those circumstances or opinions stop me. That period taught me that resilience isn’t just about surviving tough moments, it’s about holding onto your purpose even when everything around you feels discouraging. And now, the light that I believed in back then is only getting brighter.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn in my journey as a DJ is the idea that everyone in the industry is your friend or surrounding the industry. Early on, I believed that networking and building relationships meant that everyone around me had my best interests at heart. I quickly realized that while many people are supportive and genuine, the music and entertainment industry can also be highly competitive, and not everyone has the same intentions.

This lesson didn’t come easy as I experienced situations where people acted in ways that were self-serving or didn’t align with the respect and collaboration I valued or even losing people who I thought was a true friend. Over time, I learned to navigate the industry with discernment, to celebrate genuine connections, and to maintain boundaries with those whose intentions weren’t clear.

Unlearning this belief has made me stronger and more focused. It taught me the importance of trusting my instincts, staying true to my values, and surrounding myself with people who genuinely support my growth. Now, I approach my career with confidence, clarity, and a deeper understanding of how to protect my creative energy while still building meaningful connections.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Hillerybanks.com
• Instagram: Hillery.Banks
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/hillerybanks
• Other: Tiktok: Hillery_Banks

Image Credits

Grant Jordan
Ali Mohammed Rahmah
Tamara Hillery
Derek White
Bianca Garcia