Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Princess Banks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Princess, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think it takes to be successful?
To be successful, I believe it takes a combination of faith, hard work, resilience, and intentionality. Success doesn’t come overnight, and there’s no clear blueprint to follow especially in industries like media where you often have to carve out your own path. For me, success starts with believing in myself, even when others don’t see the vision. It’s about being disciplined, consistent, and willing to learn from setbacks.
One story that illustrates this is my journey moving to Atlanta. I left a comfortable corporate career in Chicago to pursue my dreams in media. It was a leap of faith, no job lined up, no guarantees. Within four months, I was working with major brands as a media host. That didn’t happen by luck; it was the result of networking, staying prepared, and showing up as my best self at every opportunity.
But the journey wasn’t smooth. I’ve dealt with people trying to use my connections or undervalue my work. I’ve also faced challenges finding genuine mentors. Through it all, prayer and discernment have been my compass. Surrounding myself with the right people and staying focused on my purpose helped me push past those obstacles.
My biggest takeaway is this: Success isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about staying the course, knowing your worth, and not letting fear or doubt stop you. Every closed door is a redirection, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow. If you stay ready and keep putting in the work, your moment will come.
Princess, 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?
My name is Princess Banks, and I’m a media correspondent, host, and entrepreneur originally from the south side of Chicago. Growing up, I was deeply inspired by Oprah Winfrey. Watching her interview people with grace, insight, and authenticity planted a seed in me at an early age to follow a similar path. My upbringing exposed me to the dualities of life, having lived in both Englewood and an affluent neighborhood. That experience taught me how to navigate different spaces and connect with people from all walks of life.
After starting my career in the corporate world, I realized I wasn’t fulfilled. So, I made a bold decision to move to Atlanta to pursue my media dreams. Within just four months, I found myself working with major brands, hosting events, and interviewing celebrities. I became known for my ability to create authentic, engaging moments on the red carpet, at conferences, and during interviews. Today, I’m a media host and correspondent, booked to attend events and moderate panels, where I focus on asking real, no-fluff questions that bring value to audiences.
Through my platform, I’ve built a space to amplify the stories of Black entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders. I’ve also launched my own podcast, CEO Confessions Show on YouTube, where I share the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and encourage listeners to embrace the journey without shortcuts. Additionally, I organize networking events, such as my Business Bestie Meetups, to bring entrepreneurs and creators together to collaborate and build connections.
What sets me apart is my authenticity and my focus on building meaningful relationships. In an industry where it’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamor, I remain grounded in my purpose: to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. I also pride myself on my versatility. I’m just as comfortable hosting a fun, lighthearted event as I am moderating a serious discussion about mental health or entrepreneurship.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how I’ve built my brand from scratch without a clear roadmap. I’ve faced challenges like finding genuine mentorship, navigating gatekeeping, and balancing faith with fear, but I’ve remained steadfast in my mission.
For potential followers or fans, I want them to know that my work is rooted in passion, purpose, and a genuine love for what I do. My brand, my events, and my interviews are all designed to inspire, inform, and empower. Whether I’m hosting, interviewing, or creating content, my goal is to shine a light on others and remind everyone that their dreams are valid and achievable.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I believe my reputation in the media and hosting industry was built on three key principles: authenticity, consistency, and creating value. From the very beginning, I’ve been intentional about showing up as my most genuine self. Whether I’m on a red carpet, moderating a panel, or hosting one of my Business Bestie Meetups, my goal is always to connect with people on a real, human level. Audiences can sense when you’re being authentic, and I think that’s something people value and remember about me.
Consistency has also been a huge factor. When I moved to Atlanta to pursue my media dreams, I committed fully to the process. I kept showing up networking at events, taking on opportunities that aligned with my purpose, and honing my craft. Whether it was a big red carpet event or a smaller networking mixer, I treated every opportunity with the same level of professionalism and care. Over time, that consistency helped me gain trust and recognition in the industry.
Creating value for others has also played a major role. I’m not just here for the spotlight, I’m here to provide meaningful moments for my audience. For example, when I moderate panels, I ask questions that resonate with the audience and give the panelists an opportunity to truly shine. At my networking events, I focus on fostering connections that help entrepreneurs and creators grow their businesses. This approach has helped me build a reputation as someone who truly cares about people’s stories and success, not just my own.
What also helped me stand out is my versatility and ability to adapt to different spaces. I can bring energy and fun to a red carpet interview, but I can also dive deep into important topics like mental health, entrepreneurship, or self-care. That balance has helped me build credibility and broaden my reach.
Ultimately, I think the combination of authenticity, consistency, and a true desire to serve others has been the foundation of my reputation. People know I’m not chasing clout, I’m here to make an impact.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Absolutely! My ultimate goal in my media journey is to inspire, empower, and amplify voices—especially within the Black community. I want to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Whether it’s through hosting events, interviewing trailblazers, or producing content, my mission is to tell authentic stories that matter and provide platforms for others to shine.
At the core of my journey is the desire to bridge gaps. Growing up in Chicago, I experienced two very different worlds, one filled with challenges and the other with opportunities. That duality taught me the importance of representation and how impactful it can be to see someone who looks like you, speaks like you, or comes from where you come from, thriving in their purpose. I want to be that example for others, especially young women, who may feel like their dreams are out of reach.
I’m also driven by the idea of building community and collaboration. Through my Business Bestie Meetups, CEO Confessions Show on YouTube, and events, I aim to bring people together to share resources, build connections, and grow. For me, it’s not just about personal success, it’s about uplifting others and creating spaces where everyone can win.
Another part of my mission is breaking barriers in the media industry. Too often, Black voices are overlooked, or our stories are misrepresented. Through my work, I want to challenge those narratives and create content that authentically reflects our culture, struggles, triumphs, and excellence. My platform is dedicated to highlighting stories, interviews, and events that center on us.
Ultimately, my media journey is about walking in my God-given purpose and showing others that with faith, hard work, and resilience, they can do the same. I don’t just want to succeed for myself, I want to leave a legacy of impact, representation, and empowerment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://princessbanks.com
- Instagram: stylishqueenp
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrincessBanksMedia
