Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebonie Wilson.
Ebonie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always desired of owning a successful business that I could call my own. It may sound cliché but the idea of it is amazing. I’ve been creative since a kid. So, me starting my own business and doing things my way was only right. The challenge came when it was time for me to decide exactly what type of business I wanted to brand. I did know that I wanted to start something that I could be fully hands-on with. I thought of so many things like nails, clothes, jewelry, etc. However, lashes stood out the most to me. I talked my ideas over with my girlfriend, a cousin and two of my close friends, and from there I started putting my plan into motion.
Once everything was in place, I started getting a little discouraged and wondered if this was a good idea. I questioned myself like, “will people like what I have?” I was thinking about the other lash companies and the competition in Houston. You know the usual negative thoughts. After praying about it, and reading a book called “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. Which is a great read for entrepreneurs and creative minds. It was a chapter in the book that hit home for me titled “Courage.” It’s literally a whole chapter about self-doubt and ways to overcome fear of doing things you’ve always wanted to do. My girlfriend Christina and my friend Kendra pushed me to really give my business idea a go. I’ve never told Kendra this before, but one day she texted me and asked me about the delivery of my lash order because she needed some lashes for a wedding. I told her, “no girl. I haven’t ordered anything yet. Maybe I will next week.” Her reaction was motivation for me to contact my lash vendor and place my first order. Christina has literally always supported me in any and everything I wanted to do.
Like I can literally say, “babe I think I want to go sky diving today” and she’ll be right there cheering me without a doubt. She supports at every single event that I have and she promotes me proudly. It’s very important to have support that you don’t have to ask for. Especially from your mate. She’s so special to me and she keeps me going. They’ve never heard this before, but between Christina and Kendra, I count on them for the moments I feel discouraged or want to give up. Lastly but most importantly, I can’t forget my mom. She’s always there for me if I was selling water to a whale. She’d be right there saying, “Yesssss honey my baby girl got water you’ve never seen before honey.” Lol. She’s the realist. With all of my support, I officially launched “Blink Like Eb” on December 21st of 2018 and I’ve been grinding it out ever since.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’m going say this being as real as possible HELL NO! Can I say that? Lol. It hasn’t been a smooth road but I love a good challenge. Of course, business is slow at times just like any other business unless you’re the CEO of Apple lol. The very next day after I launched, I had a full-on breakdown, I was so upset that I didn’t make a sale immediately. Mind you, it had only been maybe about 8 hours in.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Me personally I would define success as accomplishing whatever goals you’ve set for your business/career and also helping those around you succeed as well, I feel that you truly become successful once you help others become successful as well. My criteria is working diligently to make sure my business or businesses flourish, also learning not to doubt decisions that I’ve made or will make in the future. My markers, I would say is staying involved with my clientele and taking advantage of all social media platforms to gain exposure and represent my company in a professional way.
Pricing:
- Lashes Price $8-$10
- Lip Gloss $6
- Matte Lipsticks $7
- Lip Liners $5
Contact Info:
- Website: blink-like-eb.myshopify.com
- Email: blinklikeeb@yahoo.com/enticingcosmetics@yahoo.com
- Instagram: blinklikeeblashes
- Facebook: Blink Like Eb
Image Credit:
Qgreen photos, Cierra Alexander, Kendra Neloms, Sade Potts.
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