Behind The Algorithm

A unique blog where identity, mindset, marketing and culture collide.

I write about self-worth, psychology-forward creativity, ethical emotional branding, and the hidden stories shaping how we see ourselves in a curated world.

Aliya Banks 1/16/26 Aliya Banks 1/16/26

The In-Between Report

The holidays allowed me to reset, again. Brand building isn’t for the faint of heart. See what I’ve been up to and what my biggest lessons are to date.

Aliya Banks 11/26/25 Aliya Banks 11/26/25

The Psychology of Consistency: Why Creatives Stop & Start

Understanding why we stop and start isn’t about willpower — it’s about how the nervous system responds to vulnerability, fear, and identity. This breakdown explains the real psychology behind creative inconsistency and how to break the cycle with compassion and clarity.

Aliya Banks 11/17/25 Aliya Banks 11/17/25

The In-Between Report.

I hit a wall this month — hard — and it forced me to slow down long enough to notice what actually keeps a creative business moving. These are the lessons I learned in the messy middle.

Aliya Banks 11/7/25 Aliya Banks 11/7/25

The Art of Making Peace with Your Inner Critic

For years, my inner critic ruled my creative life, the voice that told me I wasn’t good enough to be seen.

This is the story of how I stopped fighting my voice and learned to make her my ally.

Aliya Banks 11/4/25 Aliya Banks 11/4/25

Marketing Self-Worth: From ’80s Perfume Ads to the Instagram Empowerment Era

We’ve been told for decades that confidence can be bought or worn. From the Enjoli woman of the ’80s to today’s influencers selling “self-care,” this piece examines how marketing turned empowerment into merchandise and what it really means to feel good without the filter.

Aliya Banks 11/3/25 Aliya Banks 11/3/25

To Speak Is To Create: The Ancient Power Behind Modern Affirmations

Words are more than sounds — they’re creative energy. Long before “affirmations” became a trend, the ancient Egyptians understood this through Heka, the sacred art of speaking life into existence. To speak is to create explores how language, intention, and belief intertwine to shape our reality — reminding us that every word we utter has the power to heal, transform, and bring new things to life.