Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Alexander-Banks.
Hi Karen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey has never followed a straight line, but every chapter prepared me for the work I do today.
I began my career as a public school teacher, teaching first grade at James B. Edwards Elementary School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina from 1984 to 1990. Teaching at that level shaped how I see the world. It taught me how children learn, how creativity builds confidence, and how important it is for young people to feel seen and valued. I used music, storytelling, and art in my classroom long before those approaches were widely embraced. During that same period, I was also a jazz vocalist, performing in the evenings and writing music. One of those early songs would later become the foundation for my signature character, Olivia the Octopus.
After leaving the classroom, I transitioned into corporate America and spent more than a decade with Xerox. On paper, it was success and stability. In reality, I felt a growing disconnect from my purpose. As I approached 40, I began asking deeper questions about calling, impact, and what I was meant to build with the gifts I had been given.
That season led to a defining faith decision. In 2001, I left corporate America with no safety net, no husband at the time, and no detailed plan. I stepped out on faith, trusting that the same creativity I used in the classroom and on the stage could be used to serve something bigger.
That leap led to the founding of The Auntie Karen Foundation. What began as a small idea has grown into a multi-program organization focused on arts education, youth entrepreneurship, and creative expression. Over the years, that work expanded into books, original characters, concerts, master classes, and educational programming that now reaches audiences locally and internationally.
Today, I lead across nonprofit, for-profit, and creative spaces. At my core, I am still a teacher, still a storyteller, still a creator, and still walking by faith. My story is about listening when it is time to pivot, honoring every season that shaped you, and having the courage to step forward even when the full path is not yet visible.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Like most entrepreneurial journeys, especially purpose-driven ones, there were seasons that required real sacrifice.
When I stepped out on faith in 2001, I did not have financial cushioning. I mortgaged my home. I used credit cards to keep things moving. There were moments when the numbers did not make sense on paper. Even so, I never lost my belief that the work mattered and that provision would meet purpose.
What grounded me was faith and discipline. I was careful and intentional. I did not live recklessly. Even in the leanest seasons, I had what I needed. I never missed a meal. That reality gave me peace and reinforced that I was being carried, even when I could not yet see how everything would work out.
The struggle was not only financial. It was emotional and spiritual as well. Learning how to trust the process, say no to misaligned opportunities, and keep going when progress felt slow took strength. There were moments of doubt, but there was never a moment when I believed I had chosen the wrong path.
Looking back, those challenges shaped how I lead today. They taught me stewardship, resilience, and how to build sustainably. Most importantly, they strengthened my faith and confirmed that you can move forward responsibly, take calculated risks, and still trust that everything will work out in time.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Auntie Karen Foundation & Karen Alexander Banks, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Auntie Karen Foundation and Karen Alexander Banks, LLC are connected by one mission. Both exist to empower, enlighten, and educate through creativity. The difference is in how each one carries that mission forward.
The Auntie Karen Foundation is the heart of my nonprofit work. For almost twenty five years, we have created programs that uplift youth through the arts. Our signature initiatives include Artpreneur, which places professional artists in schools, the Young Entrepreneurs Conference, which teaches young people how to build and launch businesses, and the Legends of Concert Series, which brings world class artists to South Carolina for a concert, master class, and community engagement. We are known for high quality arts education, intergenerational storytelling, and a deep commitment to helping young people see their own brilliance. What sets the foundation apart is our consistency. We serve with excellence, we honor our community, and we create spaces where children and families feel valued.
Karen Alexander Banks, LLC grew out of that work. It is the home for my creative content, educational consulting, and business development services. Through the LLC, I write and publish children’s books, develop curriculum and digital products, create educational workshops for schools and government agencies, and support artists and small businesses with branding, strategy, and creative direction. I specialize in turning ideas into products and programs that teach, inspire, and generate revenue. Many people come to me when they have a gift but are unsure how to package it. Helping them discover that their creativity is currency is one of my greatest joys.
Brand wise, I am proud of our characters and storytelling. Olivia the Octopus, Gordon the Jamaican Yam, Cousin Zetta, Miles the Yorkie Poo, and so many others represent love, confidence, culture, and emotional wellness. These characters travel into classrooms, homes, and communities, and they remind children that they are brilliant, capable, and worthy. I am also proud that educators trust our work. From South Carolina schools to international audiences, our content is built with care, alignment, and cultural relevance.
What I want your readers to know is simple. Everything we create is intentional. Whether it is a concert, a children’s book, a curriculum guide, a workshop, or a digital product, the goal is always the same. Inspire people to recognize their gifts, use their creativity, and build a life that reflects purpose. Our brands are rooted in community, grounded in faith, and committed to excellence. We want children, families, artists, and organizations to walk away feeling uplifted, supported, and equipped.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are many ways for people to work with us, collaborate with us, and support the mission.
For families and supporters, the easiest way to connect is through our YouTube channels. Auntie Karen Storytime shares educational stories, songs, and characters designed for children and families, while The KAB Life speaks directly to adults, especially women, around purpose, creativity, and legacy. Subscribing, watching, sharing, and engaging with the content helps expand our reach and impact.
Educators and school leaders can partner with us by bringing our programs into their schools and districts. We encourage teachers, principals, and administrators to learn about the Auntie Karen Foundation’s work and share it within their networks. Our artists are available for school residencies, workshops, assemblies, and creative learning experiences. Hiring our artists not only enriches students, it supports working creatives and strengthens arts education in our communities.
Organizations, nonprofits, and agencies can collaborate with Karen Alexander Banks, LLC for curriculum development, creative consulting, workshops, and program design. We work with partners who value education, culture, and practical impact, and we tailor our offerings to meet real needs.
We are also in an exciting growth season. As we move into a new office space, we welcome volunteers who want to help with organizing, setup, creative planning, and behind the scenes support. It is a hands on way to be part of building something meaningful.
Finally, people can support us by spreading the word. Tell an educator. Share a book. Introduce us to a school, a sponsor, or a community partner. Every connection helps us reach more children, uplift more artists, and continue building programs that matter.
Collaboration has always been at the heart of this work. If you believe in creativity, education, and legacy, there is a place for you with us.
Pricing:
- Legends of… Concert Series tickets range from $67.00 to $132.00 depending on seating.
- School programs and artist residencies are priced by scope, length, and number of artists.
- Assemblies, performances, and special events are quoted by proposal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.karenalexanderbanks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auntiekarenfnd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenRAlexander
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-alexander-banks-430242a
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuntieKarensPlace
