Meet Dr. Ebonee Gresham | DNP, MSN, RN- CEO, Speaker, Serial Entrepreneur, Mom of 10

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Ebonee Gresham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Ebonee, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The formation of my business was launched after rumors and lies caused me to be terminated from a job during the height of COVID-19, that I had dedicated my life to for years. I worked hard for this employer- extra hours, late nights and missed time with my children that I could never get back. I was disappointed and distraught, BUT GOD!

After dealing with the politics of corporate, and realizing that no matter how hard you work, the years of sacrifice that you put in and time away from your family for a “job”, they can and will easily terminate you without cause or remorse, I then entertained the idea of “owning my own” business. During the height of the pandemic, I traveled as a RN and was exposed to nurses who no longer just worked bedside but were entrepreneurs, BOSSES & CEO’s. A nurse colleague contacted me to share a crisis travel nursing opportunity with me and I immediately jumped on it. I started traveling state to state from GA, Texas, NY, Alaska and Los Angeles where I held the position as nurse manager. Being able to generate my annual salary in less than 2 months was mind blowing and it was then I decided to open my own business and never work for anyone again!

I knew then that I would never give anyone the power to take my freedom, my time, put a cap on my worth nor terminate me whenever they chose.
It was then the seed was planted, and I was able to invest in opening my own med spa- Royalty Body Spa & Wellness, in Roswell, GA.
It was not much longer that I became the owner of multiple businesses thereafter.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

As a doctoral prepared RN, what sets me apart from others is that I became a nurse while being a single mother of 6 children, facing homelessness. We lived in my truck while I was in nursing school to obtain my Associate Degree in Nursing. While in nursing school, I failed my Medical Surgical course by 2 points, and had to sit out of the nursing program for a year, before being able to enter the program again. It was not an easy journey. I overcame the challenges by #1 keeping God first, prayer, faith and determination. I also had a “WHY”. My “why” were my children. I wanted more than minimum wage, welfare and government assistance- I wanted a career, a home and a life of abundance for me and my children. There were many sleepless nights and many days that I went without, but the process was necessary for the PROGRESS!This is what keeps me busy professionally.

The lessons that I learned along the way were to accept accountability for your own life choices. Also not to make excuses about anything, just execution!

I want the world to know that as a mother of now 10 children, I am definatley busy. They keep me on my toes, but if I can do it, you can too! As a mentor, speaker, coach and serial entrepreneur, I am “chosen”  to help virtuous women of valor fix their crowns!  My story is a journey of trials, tribulations and testimonies. I am most humbled by my past and am destined to serve God’s people in a way and light that exemplifies HIM! My journey in life was BIGGER than me and now I can see how everything that I have gone through made me stronger and prepared me for today. My purpose is to impact Nations!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Oh I love Atlanta! Moving her from Upstate New York was one of the best decisions that I made. One of my favorite Brunch spots is Taste of Lenox, but it is hard to get a last minute reservation, so Roc South is my place! For dinner, I hit up “Two Urban Licks” for a quick bite and beautiful ambiance.

I also really love to dance. Afro-beats, dancehall reggae and Nigerian music are my anytime favorites- I will be on the dance floor all night (hair sweated out and all- LOL). My spot for this is a small, local bar called “Empire Lounge” located in Snellville. It is always fun on Saturdays, accompanied by good food, drinks and a mature crowd.

I love to stay either at one of my own Airbnb’s if they are available, and if not, I do a “staycation” at Le Meridien hotel or the Kimpton Porsche hotel. I do not really hang out much, but when I do, it’s to shop, eat, drink and have a good ole’ time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give honor to GOD for being faithful and an almighty healer, protector and provider! Then to my mother- God rest her soul, as she raised me to be the strong and powerful woman that I am today. And to those who helped me along the way during my journey through homelessness- the late Pastor Eddie Long and others who God sent in my life during those times to rescue me and my children.

To my 10 children who encouraged me and dealt with my years of sacrifice to continue through nursing school until my terminal degree.

I also will not forget my mentors Sue Bucholtz, Dr. Hanna Demeke, Dr. Michelle Nelson, Dr. Lisa Alexander and other nursing instructors and nurses who trained me, guided me and encouraged me along my nursing journey. Dr. Kiiyona Jones is my Med Spa business coach and to her I am forever grateful for the knowledge and sisterhood that we have.

I want to  finally thank the county health department that fired me. Thank You! It was a blessing in disguise because I was so complacent with trying to move up their corporate ladder, but God had more for me and knew I had way more potential than a little 9-5 office job. I would not have walked away from that job and taken the leap of faith to become the serial entrepreneur and CEO that I am today, if they had not terminated me. So THANK YOU!

Website: www.royaltybodyspaandwellness.com

Instagram: @dr_ebonee_empowers

Linkedin: Dr Ebonee Gresham

Other: Linktree/drebonee

Image Credits
Dihanah M. Photography