Meet Eboné Denise: Writer and Content Developer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eboné Denise and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eboné, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My goodness! Risk-taking is probably my most dominant personality trait! It always feels terrifying in life and career, but the idea of missing out on something great in life because of fear is scarier to me.

My first BIG risk was moving to New York City after I finished college. I knew I wanted to be a writer and that seemed like the best place to be. I wouldn’t say it was the most calculated risk, but I’m still here to tell about it and I’ve got some great stories to share when I’m old.

My most recent major risk was leaving my grownup job, moving back to LA, and working for myself as a writer. It was a lot scarier this time, especially since I’m older and know a lot more at this point. But it’s been over a year (with a pandemic) and I’m still going!

Basically, I think risks are absolutely necessary if you’re going to live a life that you love.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Man, it has been a long, winding road. I have always loved reading and writing, so the fact that I get to do it isn’t too shocking but I do feel lucky because it hasn’t been an easy journey. Still isn’t!

When I moved to New York, all I wanted to do was write for magazines and become an editor one day. I just wanted to share people’s stories. But that move was incredibly challenging. I loved New York but I could in no way support myself financially. Lots of other people who were there interning had parents who supported them, and I had to work. It was hard. Eventually, I just gave up and worked.

Then for a while, I thought I wanted to be a pastor or something. But the more I got into it, the more I realized what I really wanted to do was help people see how amazing they are. I really think people are so fascinating but they don’t see it in themselves.

I bounced around quite a bit, from New York I went to Atlanta, then back to New York, then to Australia, then back to the States where I started copyediting in Chicago.

I would sometimes regret that I didn’t stay in New York and work out the plan, but as my best friend reminded me, when I left New York, I wasn’t in a good place. I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t passionate about writing anymore. So even though it feels like I took way too many detours, I realize who I am as a person wouldn’t be the same without all that adventure. I like to think of it as my hero’s journey — especially since I’m back home in California now.

Currently I balance copy editing and copywriting for clients, and I pitch to different publications to write things I find fun, interesting or helpful, which mostly comes down to personal development and skincare/beauty. I’ve also started hosting workshops for journaling. It’s funny that I basically ended up where I wanted to be all along, but back then I probably would not have been able to do it well. All the changes, and pivots, and highs and lows prepared me to do what I’m doing now.

I’m way more compassionate, way more planned, a bit more organized (because I have to be). It’s been a great journey, and I’m excited for some things I have planned for the future.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man! With everything being shut down over the last year, I am SO ready to do all the eating and drinking and hanging out! I would (and do) absolutely drag my friends to wait in a 30-minute line for In-N-Out. I would try to get them to Disneyland too because I love all the stereotype stuff.

My favorite restaurant for a special time is Castaway in Burbank. The food is amazing, the view is incredible, and with the right crew, it feels like you’re somewhere in Europe. That is for sure a 4-hour dinner plan kind of spot.

And pretty much anywhere Kaye McCoy posts about on @spaces.kaye on Instagram.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am super lucky to have always had a great community of support. My family doesn’t always understand my career choices, but they’re always supportive and encouraging. I had a great mentor in college who championed my move to New York City. If I ever found myself struggling to eat or pay a bill, my grandmother would never hesitate to send me some cash.

I’ve also had really good friends who are also creatives. We love and encourage each other a lot, and having that kind of support is necessary.

Website: ebonedenise.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebonedenise/