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Exclusive Interview With Daddy Issues Instagrammer, Violet Benson

Violet Benson, content creator behind Instagram influencer account Daddy Issues, is best known for her hilarious posts exploring the modern female psyche. She has accumulated over 3.8 million followers who eagerly await her newest meme, ranging from television references of Keeping Up With The Kardashians and The Office, to viral online GIFs.

Daddy Issues is blatantly honest, calling out the worst and best universal moments people share. Violet shares her journey in becoming a social media influencer, where she draws her inspiration for her countless memes, and gives us insight into how she works with brands in our exclusive interview.

1. What were you doing before becoming an influencer? How did you get started on Instagram?

Before I was an influencer I was an accountant at a public accounting firm. My goal was to become a partner. Things didn’t work out that way because I had some tension with some of the women on my team who made my life miserable.

It got so bad that I would cry in my car in the parking lot every day before walking into work. I was so depressed. I felt lost and didn’t feel like I fit in. That was one of the reasons I started my Daddy Issues Instagram - to make myself feel better. It was a therapeutic escape from my work life.

2. What is the research process you undergo to complete a post? How long does will it take to perfect and publish a post on Instagram?

A lot of times I’ll go through pop culture, things my friends say and personal experiences to inspire myself to create my posts. It can take anywhere from a few hours to seconds for the idea to come to me. Other times, fans submit posts to me or I find memes on Instagram that I know will do well. Of course, if I repost I try to give credit as much as I can.

3. Where do you draw your inspiration from? How are you influenced by existing media and content?

Mostly from personal experience. But friends, favorite TV shows, and current pop culture are definitely key factors. I always try to stay up to date.

4. What do you find most difficult about creating content around memes?

I can’t really say if I find anything difficult about it. I’ve been doing this for 3 years so it comes naturally to me. I’ve been told that I’ve become a walking talking meme.

5. Why do you think you are able to connect with your followers so well? What’s important to you in communicating with them?

I think staying organic and being true to myself resonates really well with my followers. I believe I am easy to relate to because I'm honest about who I am and that I’m not perfect. It’s important to me to relay the message that no one has their shit together and that we are all going through this together.

6. What is your process in choosing which brands you collaborate with?

I’m fortunate enough to be able to say no to 90% of brands that come around. It’s really important for me to collaborate with brands that I believe in. I would never push something onto my fans that I didn’t use or didn't believe in. I tend to promote comedies because they usually go really well with my account.

7. How has the Daddy Issues brand evolved since you started, and what do you think it has come to represent?

I think it evolved along with me as a person. As I keep growing, so does my brand and so do my followers.

When I first started the account, it was a way to help me find myself and now I feel like it helps other people. I try to stay honest and true to myself, which is one thing that hasn’t changed since I started. I also continue to give feedback and advice as much as I can to my followers no matter how busy I’ve gotten.

Since I first started, my face is more out has become a part of the account, and you can connect with me more. Before, the account used to be Daddy Issues by an anonymous character. Now it is Daddy Issues by Violet Benson.

8. Lightning round:

Wine or vodka?

Wine

Pasta or cheese?

Pasta with cheese, there is no such thing as too much cheese!

The Office, New Girl, or Spongebob?

New Girl because I feel like I am that awkward new girl.

Three staples you need for a night in?

Take out, Game of Thrones & Sex in The City, and my cat.

Three staples for a night out?

Good company, shoes you can walk in, and a cute pic.

9. What message do you want to convey to your followers through your social media accounts?

It’s okay to not be perfect. Self-love is the most important love you can ever have.

10. How do you hope Daddy Issues will grow in the future? Any plans your fans should know about?

I hope Daddy Issues continues to grow as I grow as a person. I am excited to announce that my fall collection for my shopdaddyissues store is launching next month!

Also, stay tuned for my weekly Facebook show on the “Watch” tab called Top 5 with Violet Benson. A few other shows are currently in the works, so hopefully, they will be seeing a lot more of my face in 2018.

11. Anything to add?

I love my Daddy's Issues family and I feel so blessed to be here. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Lastly, I am single and ready to flamingle, so if you know anyone who’s down - hit me up.