Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Parker.
Hi Ebony, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In college, my friends and I hung out all of the time – drinking, partying, and having fun. When I found out I was pregnant, I obviously couldn’t do those things anymore. As the days passed, it seemed like more and more friends became unavailable. By the end of my pregnancy, communication was almost nonexistent. Plans that were made in advance no longer included me and plans that were being made excluded me completely. The community I once had was gone. This affected me heavily during my postpartum period because when I needed support no one was there. I fell into this deep postpartum depression where I developed an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. I thought because I was still doing the everyday agenda like cooking, cleaning, working, and being a mom – everything was okay. One day, I was sitting back and reflecting on my life – how drained and unhappy I was. My mother was an alcoholic, so I know the damage it could do to a family. I didn’t know where to start or how to start, so I prayed. I asked God to release me from the chokehold alcohol had on me. I started going to church every Sunday, reading my Bible, and digging deeper into my Christianity. This allowed me to fill the void of that missing piece. God said to me, “You aren’t the only one dealing with what you’re dealing with. There’s more of you – help them.” This has led me to create a business that not only is inclusive for everyone, but also allows me to minister and tell my story. God will meet you wherever you are – you just have to allow Him in!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been as smooth as I’ve made it. “Comparison is the thief of joy” is a quote that has gotten me as far as I’ve come.
In the beginning of starting 1700 Mocktails, I would look for inspiration and see so many delicious looking drinks and beautiful setups and I would compare my business at the time to theirs. I would get discouraged and jealous of those doing better than me. To get through this, I had to first realize that my business was my business and I could create it however I wanted. I could customize my packages, prices, drinks, and services that I offered. This quote alone has allowed me to be at peace with not being perfect.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My full time job is a Phlebotomist at the #1 Cancer Center in the nation – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
I have been a certified phlebotomist for just over a year now and have been employed here for the last 8 months. I draw blood from patients who travel from all over the world to receive care at our hospital. I pride myself on excellent patient care because our patients battle so much throughout the day -from diagnosis, to treatment to sickness and worrying about how to pay for it all – I just want to be a light that shines on a part of their day!
I am most proud of the way I’ve perfected my craft. My patients never have a complaint and the most rewarding compliment is “I didn’t even feel that!” or “This was the easiest part of my day!”
What sets me apart from others is my ability to connect with my patients. Of course anyone can have a conversation, but I love to get to know my patient and what their battle has been like. I pray for them and they usually come back asking for another prayer at their next appointment.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband has been an amazing support system! He’s a disabled Navy veteran and we both agreed not to put our girls in daycare. He stays home with them while I work and do my business. He’s my taste tester for developing recipes and overall an amazing person. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know if I would have ever started my business or had the motivation to keep going, so I truly respect and appreciate him!
Pricing:
- $3 per person per hour of service
- $30 bartending fee
Contact Info:
