Former Miss International 2015, Elise Banks spends her days advocating for mental health awareness and tending to her patients as a therapist. When not working, you can find Elise exercising her passion for working out and spending quality time with her family. Elise is a gorgeous woman with an even more beautiful heart who many find themselves drawn to. Whether on social media or in person, Elise remains rooted in her faith and desire to help everyone become the best version of themselves.
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How did you decide on your profession?
At the age of 9, my maternal Grandmother passed away from complications with Alzheimer’s Disease. Because of the effect, I saw the disease had on her and my family, I knew I wanted to be an advocate for mental health. In college, I was a Psychology major in the Pre-Med program. I had my sight set on going to medical school to become a pediatrician. However, the more I studied psychology,
the more I fell in love with the ability to be able to help people in their mental and emotional journey.
It was the summer before my Junior year of college that I decided I would become a psychotherapist and go to graduate school after graduation.
What is your favorite part of your profession?
I feel honored to be a part of people’s journeys. It is not easy asking someone for help – it is a very vulnerable position to be in. So every new patient I see, I am very grateful that God has put me in their life to help support them. I also love that every day is different. I hear different stories, I use different strategies, and there are different results. No boring days!
Who is someone you get your fashion inspiration from?
I love classic pieces with a twist of whatever is on-trend! I’m inspired by the classic looks of former first lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis, actress Audrey Hepburn, and the wow-factor of singer Beyonce’!
When did you learn about the importance of self-love?
In my early twenties. I was competing in pageants and trying to get my body to what I felt was a “winning weight”. I was working out multiple times a day, had a very lean diet, and was constantly making sure I was thin enough. Finally, my trainer said “Elise, you are pushing yourself to a place your body wasn’t supposed to go.
"You have to embrace the way God made you."
From that point, I learned to embrace my athletic, curvy body. It took time, but I am glad I learned to love my body both on the inside and outside.
If you could share one message to females everywhere about self-love, what would it be?
The most important person who needs to love you is yourself.
Self-love is what brings confidence and self-esteem.
It is what helps you get through difficult moments. Before you spend time making sure you’re a great friend, student, colleague, significant other, etc. make sure you prioritize getting to know and love yourself.
Has there ever been a moment in your life where you felt unworthy, what was it?
There were several moments where I felt “unworthy” when I was competing. There were a few years in my competition days where most, if not all, of the top 5 had some type of plastic surgery done. I felt as though in order for me to be successful, I would need to get work done too. I’ll never forget my Mom saying that if I had to surgically alter my body to win a crown, it wasn’t worth it. I’m so glad I listened to her. Although I am not against plastic surgery
I am proud that I won the way I did, because it showed me that I possessed just what I needed to capture the crown.
How do you encourage and promote self-love to other?
I work hard at encouraging people’s internal qualities before their external qualities. I would rather say “I love how kind you are” vs. “great dress”.
The more young women realize that they have many beautiful qualities within them, the easier it will be for them to love themselves.
What does the Glam By Sam motto (“find your glamour within”) mean to you?
To me, it means what makes us beautiful is found inside of us. I have met some of the most stunning individuals who had a character that did not align.
Beauty is found in your heart, your words, your intent….not your clothes, shoes, and makeup.
How do you find your glamour within on a daily basis?
My faith is the foundation of my glamour.
I also work daily at self-care so that I remain at peace and confident in who I am. Although exercise is intended to support your physical health, it has been a driver of my healthy emotional state. My workouts are tough, but it teaches me patience, endurance, persistence, and finding peace and joy. These are all part of the attributes I find to be glamorous.
During the COVID 19 pandemic, who or what do you turn to as a way to maintain positivity, clarity, and motivation?
My faith, my family and friends, music, and my workouts were all important parts to my sanity in what has been unchartered territory for our country and worldwide. Because of my profession, I know the importance of self-care.
As a therapist, I have to practice what I preach!
So I was not only intentional in doing my own self-care, but I also used my social media to give my followers ideas of how to self-care too!
Lastly, I will ask you to leave us with some words of wisdom (your favorite quote, words you live by, your favorite bible verse, etc.) and why those words mean so much to you.
In Esther 4:14, I love the quote that states, and you were born “…for such a time as this…”. I love this scripture, which I have engraved in a ring, because I believe that God has put each of this on this Earth, at this specific time, for a reason. Because of this, I think it is important to use your short time on this Earth wisely.
Use your talents for good, stand up for what is right, advocate for what you believe in, and find joy in the blessings of life.
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These are amazing words to live by, thank you Elise for sharing your message of finding your glamour within and being true to who you are.
XOXO,
Sam💋
For all things, Elise check out,
IG: @EliseNBanks ✨
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