We had the good fortune of connecting with Ebony Dowdy and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ebony, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In my mind, I am a Philanthropist. Everything that I do is rooted in helping people. A long-term goal is to create a financial system of angel investors to fund Black Women. I have always walked to the beat of my own drum. Effectively managing multiple passions and projects works for managing my neurodiversity!
My time in Human Services includes almost 20 years of volunteer and work experience as a disability hearing representative, mental health counselor and case manager with various populations. My consulting firm includes advocacy for Women, Doula services, Mental Health Coaching, Tantric Practices, and Medicinal Cannabis advocacy. The passion that I have comes from a history of community service and spiritual values.
What should our readers know about your business?
Everything that I do embodies my firm’s motto to ‘Living Limitlessly.
There is a level of intentionality and authenticity necessary for healing work. My work is healing. The clients that receive human services consulting whether as a doula, mental health, or tantra client are encouraged to take strides to heal limitlessly. I am excited about watching their progress. As a Doula, I create healthy spaces for people as they navigate their birth, post-partum and abortion processes. As a Mental Health Therapist, I listen empathically and assist with processing as clients navigate their communication and mental health challenges. I assess and refer them to appropriate health and healing modalities. As a Tantra Practitioner exploration of pleasure is assessed and healing modalities are supported. With Cannabis advocacy, I research and stay current on the nation’s cannabis policies with emphasis on Georgia’s hemp policies and procedures.
Business-wise I am able to sustain my business by faith. It hasn’t been easy but it’s worth it. From marketing woes to business plans that exceeded my budget, I am grateful for the experience. I have learned to be flexible. Plans change but the ability to see the vision fuels the drive. My excitement comes from hearing stories about my client’s process and witnessing their healing journey.
Knowing that stories heal is the driving force behind my upcoming Anthology: ‘Sisterhood is a Ritual’. The anthology series is a collection of birth, grief/loss, abortion, sex work and liberator stories. The stories in this anthology will highlight supports in Sisterhood. What that has looked and felt like in the eyes of the storyteller. Currently accepting submissions. 😉
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?
Saturday: I would start at Ponce City Market and head up to the roof top to Nine Mile Station for Brunch. I love that restaurant, the view, the food, drinks and customer service is phenomenal! After Brunch, we would enjoy some games and get on the slide at Skyline Park. We can continue to explore the market. So much dopeness and beauty there! We would stop into The Village Market. The market showcases Black-owned businesses who specialize in natural products, apparel and more. Next stop, Bar Vegan for libations and rest because it is necessary! They have great food as well.
Sunday: If it is the last Sunday of the month, we will be at The Last Sunday Social located at Gallery 992. It is a sensual healing space with Tantra demos, a cuddle space, music, amazing food, vendors and more. Afterwards, we would head to the beltline for a walk, or bike ride.
Tuesday: We would enjoy comedy, food and libations at Kat’s Café. Great warm atmosphere with lots of laughs.
Wednesday: We are going to Rock Steady. The energy, music and décor of Rock Steady on top of the delicious food is epic. The best brussels sprouts. Haitian and Caribbean inspired cuisine with afro beats and Soca on the 2nd floor on most Wednesdays.
Thursday: We would tour Atlanta. Exploration including The King Center, Dr. King’s birth home, Herndon Home and the Atlanta University Center specifically Morris Brown College. Morris Brown is the first educational institution in Georgia to be owned and operated entirely by African Americans. The day would end with a delicious Punany Wrap from Tassili’s Raw Reality.
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?
This shoutout is dedicated to people who may be struggling with mental health and/or socio-economic challenges. Stories create a sense of connection. Working within Human Services, I have met some phenomenal people with life-altering stories. These stories are the backbone of my projects.
Website: www.EbonyDowdy.com
Instagram: @EbonyDowdyLLC