TFN Talks with Virginie Onephithak
We caught up with the tour-de-force editor of Thread. an independent blog that serves as one of the defining underground platforms of authentic expression for our generation. In her own words, “professional encourager”, Virginie managed to create a digital house of stories, letters, music, film, art and hope without borders.
Tell us about yourself. What are your passions in life?
My name is Virginie. My parents are originally from Laos. They escaped their country during the Secret War and moved to France. I was born and raised in Bourges, France. I'm 33. I have three older sisters. I started promoting artists as a fan on Myspace in 2006 then found myself interviewing people/artists since 2013 and never looked back. I am passionate about music, photography, movies, travelling, learning new languages and learning about cultures... I am passionate about helping people feel heard, loved, accepted and understood. I'm passionate about mental health awareness. I'm also passionate about people like you who dedicate their time to spread positivity, love and wisdom. And I am passionate about food :)
I first met you when you interviewed me in 2018 about my album ‘Narcissus’ for your blog Thread. Can you tell us a little bit about what Thread. is and what inspired you to create such an incredible platform for people to share their stories?
It all started in 2013. I remember I wanted to create a blog and interview artists so they could define their true self and true artistry. I just felt like some artists couldn't be themselves because of some industry people telling them what to do. True artists shouldn't be told what to create and how to create. So I created my blog called the Music LIFT on Tumblr.
A couple years later, I decided to rebrand the project and created thread. Best decision I've ever made. The goal is to support artists from around the world by having them sharing their stories (their childhood, their struggles, their victories, their fears, their feelings...). But lately, I've been doing my best to not just make it about the artist and the art, but about the human being in general. I've been doing more for causes I really care about such as mental health and the LGBTQIA+ community - my logo has these rainbow colors in support of these beautiful people :)
To sum up this project in a few words, I would say it's a place where people can feel heard and understood and accepted with the help of art. One day I'd like to be able to travel the world and do more for the people by creating more initiatives.
If you could set up an office for Thread. Anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I thought of that a lot because it's actually one of my goals to have an office for thread. And for now, the answer will be in Los Angeles. 55% of the artists I feature on my blog are based in LA and this city always felt like it was my second home. I just feel good and happy there. But this answer can be different in a few years, we never know.
Who are your favorite musical artists and give us a song or two that you’ve been jamming to in a past little while?
Right now, my current favorite artists are Kevin Garrett, Aquilo, Wrabel, Ben Kessler and Jojo.
Songs: Troye Sivan - Take Yourself Home (it took me a minute to really love this one but now I can't get over it now) and I've also listened to "make it" by LVRBOY and STRUAN on repeat.
If you had the opportunity to turn Thread. Into a talk show format, would you?
I also thought of that, but for now, the answer would be no. Simply because I don't like putting myself in front of people and talk lol. I also want to make it about the people only. Doing a talk show would have to showcase me as well, and this is not what I'm looking for. For now, I'd like to keep making documentaries and showcase artists the way they're supposed to be. But who knows, maybe I'll have my own talk show someday.
Name three people you would love to interview and why.
Kevin Garrett, because he's one of my favorite artists/songwriters at the moment.
Christina Aguilera, because she's been a big inspiration growing up. Even though I don't really listen to her new stuff, her album "Stripped" changed my life and helped me through some of the hardest times.
And the Backstreet Boys haha because I grew up listening to them and learned English listening to them. And I just love them and fully embrace that lol
What qualities do you value most in people?
There are a couples ones. Kindness. Pure kindness. The type of kindness that doesn't have these thoughts of receiving something in return. Acceptance. Accepting people the way they truly are is very important to me.
Understanding. People should put themselves in other's shoes more often and understand where they're coming from. And I guess listening goes hand in hand with understanding.
Also, keeping your word is very important to me. People talk way too much and barely keep their word. I do my best to keep my word because if I don't, what does that make me?
Empathy is another great quality. And thoughtfulness.
Describe your perfect day, what would you do, where would you go?
Going on a road trip (anywhere sunny and warm but if I had to pick one destination it will be somewhere in Croatia or Malibu) with a friend, eating tacos and drinking smoothies, hiking and exploring and ending the day by watching the sunset. Or another scenario would be to spend the day eating amazing homemade food with my friends and watch movies, and end the day with face masks :)
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
I can’t swim.
What do you use to motivate yourself to overcome challenges that you encounter in your work and life in general?
Breathing exercices and gratitude towards the things I do have in my life.
Have you ever been interviewed? How does it feel to be on the other side of the table?
Yes I have been interviewed by my friend Charlotte for her project Lift me Up and I recently got interviewed by an indie journalist who's currently working on a documentary. It feels great to talk about myself for once lol it's also a good way to reflect on myself and be proud of the person I am today.
Thank you so much for having me :)
Based on your substantial experience in dealing with creatives and hearing the stories of hundreds of people who come through Thread., what have you taken away from having those interactions, personally, professionally?
That we're all the same. Reading these interviews every day remind me that I am never alone. We're all in this together. Some people share some of their deepest feelings or some of their most difficult times with me, and I often find myself crying reading their stories. But it just makes me realize how we're all similar. Life is hard but it's important to be there for one another. And it's okay to feel what we feel.
Professionally, I learned that doing things from the heart will always make you win.