Mode Around The Globe: Violet Benson
@violetbenson
Hilton Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen
www.hiltonbyplaya.com
Photographed by JANA SCHUESSLER @janaschuessler
How did you begin your career?
I started my career when I was still an accountant at a large public accounting firm as a little side hobby, to help me with my depression. I didn’t have any social media at the time and decided to create my first Instagram account, which I named @daddyissues_ . It was strictly a meme account for women about dating and life and was creating most if not all the memes on that page at the time. I hid my identity and remained anonymous for a little over a year, before “coming out” as the face behind it. I have now been running @daddyissues_ for almost 10 years (it will be 10 years in July 2024) and have since created my personal brand along with my podcast (Almost Adulting podcast) that focuses on mental health. My podcast, Almost Adulting is on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, mostly solo episodes, and has been live and thriving for almost 3 years now.
How do you hope to inspire people through your social media platform? What can your followers expect to see when visiting your social media page(s)?
I think they can expect a good laugh when visiting my meme page, @daddyissues_ , good advice when visiting my podcast page, @almostadulting, and a mixture of both plus my smile when visiting my personal page,
@violetbenson.
What do you predict will be the biggest fashion trends this season?
People minding their own business.
Read a good book or watch a good movie?
A book I am currently reading is Greenlight by Matthew McConaughey. As for a movie, I can only recommend some good shows, take it or leave it! My current favorite shows are: Hometown Cha Cha Cha, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, Crash Landing On You, Mr. Queen, and It’s Okay To Not Be Okay. ( They are all in Korean but they have subtitles!)
Do you have any upcoming travel plans? If so, where?
I am planning on traveling quite a bit in 2024. Starting with a podcast tour for Almost Adulting, followed by the 10th year anniversary of Daddy Issues, and a book tour for my book that should be coming out mid to end of 2024. If I have any free time left between touring and work, I hope to take my parents on vacation in Europe sometime in 2024 as well!
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
I personally consider myself an introvert since I am such a homebody, but anyone else that you would ask, would say I’m an extrovert! Haha. I guess I am a very outgoing person when I am around people since I love to entertain. I don’t get social anxiety, so I love making everyone around me feel at ease and comfortable, I’d say it’s part of my charm. BUT I can only be around others for so much before I need my alone time to recharge. I guess based on this explanation, I’d say I am an introverted extrovert.
What’s your go-to airport look? Essentials to pack in a carry on?
Definitely heels and professional makeup since you never know who you might run into! Haha just kidding… I normally wear comfy sweats and slides with an extra warm pair of socks in my carry-on. My other essential items that you will always find in my carry on are: my ID, an AmEx, TONYMOLY 24K snail, Derma-e Bright Eyes Hydrogel patches, Nars concealer, Pixi On the Glow Blush Stick, Rhode clear lip gloss, and an epi pen.
Girls night in or Girls night out?
Girls night out!! We can party for 48 hours but then you got to go home and not to mine. I’ve never been a fan of sleepovers, not even in high school! The only girl’s night-in that I am interested in is with my cat, Pancakes. We eat in silence, watch tv in silence, groom ourselves in silence, and go to bed in silence… I like that.
What’s a typical work week like for you? Any advice you have for staying productive throughout the week?
Super chaotic because I am not as organized as I would like to be. I would probably work a lot less if I had better time management but regardless, I do it all myself and so far it works for me. What motivates me to stay productive throughout the week is probably the need to pay my mortgage since no one else will!
What’s your current skincare routine? Any products you’d recommend for our Modeliste readers?
Eye patches are a must for me because of my eczema, so I constantly keep my eyes hydrated!! I use three eyepatch brands which are, Derma-E, TONYMOLY, and Peter Thomas Roth. As for face products, Peace Out Acne for pimples, TONYMOLY 24K snail, followed by COSRX snail mucin serum for face (TikTok really sold me on the snail products), Clarins Double Serum for face and eyes, and ending with Glow Recipe Dew Drops for a shiny complexion. Do I know what I’m doing? No. But prior to this, my skincare routine involved just splashing water on my face and calling it a day, so I’d call this a win.
What’s something your followers would be surprised to know about you?
English is my third language, I am legally deaf in my left ear, and I am incredibly allergic to my cat, which is why I must carry an epi pen on me, at all times. (Hey! I never said I made good decisions…)
Where do you gain inspiration for content? Any tips & tricks you’d like to share for those inspiring to have a career like your own?
In the past when I just started, I would study the people that inspired me from their posting schedule to their content and kind of used that as my stepping stone. What helps me now for inspiration is definitely feedback from my podcast listeners. Since my job revolves around catering to them, they are definitely my number one inspiration! Movies, shows, books, articles, and real life experiences move me and help me with my creativity.
What makes you different from other content creators?
I’m not sure what makes me different from other content creators since I don’t really pay attention to what others do. But I will say this… I am not looking to be relatable; I’m looking to inspire.
What would you like to say to your fans/followers?
Celebrate yourself! Don’t wait on others to do it for you. From the big moments to the small ones, celebrate yourself! No one knows how hard you worked to get to where you are right now, except you. Life may not always be easy, but it is so much better with you in it!
