Meet Ebony Roberts | Writer and Social Entrepreneur

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

Hi Ebony, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’m a serial entrepreneur. Over the past ten years I’ve had multiple small businesses, all while working a full-time job. But in 2017 I took a leap of faith and started consulting full-time. That meant no paycheck every two weeks, no health benefits, no vacation time. That year, I was let go from a job I didn’t love and had a moment of clarity. A traditional 9-5 wasn’t me. It was safe, and I like safe. But I didn’t like working for other people. I knew I wanted to be in control of my time. I knew I wanted the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. So, instead of looking for another job, I took out a loan to make ends meet and spent the rest of year figuring out what I wanted to do. I spent those first few months dreaming and planning. I attended every free webinar or workshop I found from how to build a business as a freelancer to the art of public speaking. I journaled, I prayed, and finally, after months of research, I made it official with a post on Facebook. It was months before I got my first client (in fact I had to take out another loan) but the desire to work for myself was stronger than my fear or doubt.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a researcher and creative. I work with corporations, nonprofits and schools to better understand and connect with their consumers. As a writer, I approach my work differently than other researchers. I like to tell stories with the data. I see my work as a marriage between the creative and the scientific. I’m a deep thinker and curious observer of the world around me so one of my strengths is seeing the connectedness between multiple things and asking the questions that help my clients learn more. I am most proud of a report I wrote for a client that told the story of their work in such a beautiful way that it gave them chills. I am excited (and eager) to do more work like this.

My business has grown primarily through referral and word of mouth. For that I am grateful. I did all the things to market my business but nothing has brought in more business than my network. Like any solo entrepreneur I’ve had months where I was so busy I barely slept and months where business barely trickled in. That’s the part no one wants to think about when starting a business. But it’s a reality you have to plan for. I’ve learned to appreciate that down time because when it’s busy, there’s no time for rest. I work evenings and weekends, if necessary. I’ve also learned to prepare for those lulls in business by saving every dollar beyond what I need to pay my monthly bills. That has helped me stress less when business is slow.

Twenty years ago, when I finished my doctorate, I thought I knew what I wanted to do. But God had other plans. The road here has been full of countless stops and detours but I have learned to surrender “should” and accept what is. It isn’t easy, but I believe resisting the need to be in control and trusting God has made me a better business woman.

What do I want the world to know about me? I am a writer who didn’t always see herself as a writer. I was a researcher. Full stop. And researchers don’t write beautiful words. Twenty years ago there was no place for the work I do today. I am grateful for the journey that led me here and gives me space to tell stories with data.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a foodie. And I love margaritas. One of my favorite spots to eat in the city is Gracias Madre, which has the best jackfruit tacos ever. Being vegan I try to take friends or family visiting LA to some of my favorite vegan spots. On the itinerary would definitely be Gracias Madre, Wild Living Foods (raw foods), Rahel’s Vegan Ethiopian Restaurant and my everyday spot Tender Greens. I’ve had the best ramen here in LA, at Urban Ramen on Sunset, so that would be a must. Other than food, I’d take them to see an exhibit at the California African American Museum, shopping in Leimert Park, Chocolate Sundays at the Laugh Factory and people watching on Venice Beach. I’d check IG for the latest events happening in the city and try to check out as much of the night life as possible. Before the week ended we’d drive to Palm Springs for an overnight spa stay at my favorite spa, Two Bunch Palms.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My brother, Bill Roberts, is one of my biggest supporters. He listens to all my wild ideas and big, audacious dreams, and even if he thinks they’re crazy he doesn’t shoot them down. It was him who loaned me money to make ends meet while I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. When I asked for his help, he didn’t hesitate. He leaned into my faith and encouraged me through the process.

Website: https://www.qualoneresearch.com

Instagram: @loveisoursuperpower

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-roberts-ph-d/

Twitter: @superloveeb

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EbonyRobertsPhD

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDJCNsyVp3IxPTTjyhcWGFw

Image Credits
Shawn Lee Studios