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

Hi Ebony, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
In the past, I’ve been so concerned and attached to the outcome of how things turn out that I’ve missed the beauty in the process. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s true. I used to over work myself. I’d get sick, miss appointments, piss of family members etc. All in fear of failure or looking bad. After 15 years, I’ve learned how to better embrace all the seasons of entrepreneurship and life. I truly believe that’s what separates the greats ones. Each so called problem is an opportunity to grow. I’m definitely not comfortable with all the challenges that come through out life and business, but I don’t put the blanket over my head either. It is what it is. I know at a deeper level that living this life is a gift and experiencing contrast, failure, loss, heartache etc is just as important as enjoying the wins. Now, there were times when it seemed that the loses outweighed the wins, but in retrospect it’s only because I didn’t celebrate what I believed to small wins. A win is a win big or small. When a team wins a game in over time by one point nobody mulls over the fact that they barely one. They only care about who wins. So, when I figure out a tech issue or make a client happy, I won that day. Each day I show gratitude for those wins I experience more and more of what I desire.

What should our readers know about your business?
I own a super dope small music education company called My Best Voice. We help people find the power in their singing voice through building power, confidence and control. W e also offer, workshops, online training, piano and guitar lessons. We use progressive techniques that work with the body and help dispel limiting beliefs. What I do is special because I serve people. Helping people push past their perceived limitations helps them become stronger in every area of their lives. It’s not just about music or singing, it’s about the whole person. We serve the whole person. My Best Voice has weathered a recession, a pandemic and a slew of personal ups and downs. I don’t shy away from my struggles because I know I can relate to anybody that walks through my door. We greet people with love and compassion. For me, that means something. It means I’m on purpose. I’ll leave this life knowing I did what I was supposed to do. Recently, I’ve also started an initiative called Creative Young Allies where we educate young people on how to be allies for social change. Over the past year, Creative young Allies has hosted several workshops on Diversity Equity and Inclusion at multiple universities and colleges. If I could offer any nuggets of wisdom for business longevity, I would say managing a successful business is a beautiful balance between flexibility and unwavering faith. Listen for when it’s time to pivot versus to stay course. Trust God and Trust yourself. They are one in the same. ” Our purpose in our lives isn’t merely to strive for greatness, but to remember who we truly are. We are deserving, born with purpose and divine beyond understanding.”

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.
So listen, I’m not from Atlanta, but I have a special place in my heart for this city. I try not to take if for granted. Anyone that knows me knows my favorite food is Ethopian food. I can literally eat it daily. So, Desta, Bole or Mela Ethopian Kitchen are my go to spots. I also love a good vegan meal. So, if you come to the “A” you have to grab some Viva La Vegan or Tassili’s Raw Reality. Even if you don’t like vegan you’d be surprised. I’m a semi-hippie who wears deodorant ….so I love the outdoor scene like Cascade Nature Preserve or even Dolls Head Trail for a relaxing hike. You can’t leave Atlanta with out checking out an exhibit or two like the Van Gogh Exhibit. And of course, for the culture you have to just per-ruse around East Point for the black owned restaurants like Virgil’s and take a trip to the Trap House Museum.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I couldn’t possibly sum up all of my gratitude for the divine assistance I’ve received on this journey to give too one person. Im grateful to god for the small whispers and guidance. I’m grateful for my family. I have amazing family and friends who supported me through my good decisions and my bad ones. I’m truly grateful for those that supported me with love and even those who didn’t support me at all. All of it, propelled me to be better. I try my best to be thankful for it all.

Website: www.mybestvoice.co

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mybestvoice

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mybestvoicellc

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepremiervocalcoachesllc

Image Credits
Kindra Wright of KindraImage

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