We had the good fortune of connecting with Ebony Westwood and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ebony, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I noticed trends, such as female entrepreneurs suffering with imposter syndrome (the lack of of self-confidence), scarcity mindset, video phobia, and how to dress the part. These female entrepreneurs have the expertise but don’t know how to show up confidently in the market. And how do I know? Well, because I was once that female entrepreneur myself when first starting my own business(es).
So what I decided to do was to do something about this. I have 5 tactical steps behind building my business that I’d like to share with you that helped me start my business(es).
1. Mindset Shift + Meditation – My favorite daily affirmation is “Visualize yourself as her and start showing up as the woman you see yourself becoming”
2. Being Intentional With Words and Actions – I like to start my day with my favorite morning routine by first checking in with myself rather its through a morning mediation room or just laying in bed and feeling my fingers, my toes, my eyes lids and just seeing how I am doing. Next, I drink a cup of water or coffee (sometimes both) while cleaning dishes or washing clothes and listening to Ari Lenox in the back ground. It’s the vibes for me, lol
3. Positioning myself as the expert in my field(s) is key – Failure to position ourselves in a saturated market is common. So for me, I have to remind myself how unique my story is and practice sharing my story in front of the camera. It’s about getting started and just doing it! Also, studying my craft, achieving certifications and educating myself in the areas I want to real life is important. Oh, and can not forget about Networking!
4. Dress the part- Ask my consumer about my products and services so that I can see how they truly feel about what it is that I am offering and make it make sense to their lifestyles. And then…
5. Seeking a brand clarity coach- so that my coach can assist me with creating a strategy that makes sense to my consumers and also educate me as well. Because if I don’t understand my product/service then I won’t feel confident in offering to my consumers, especially during a time that I am on IG Lice or Clubhouse and have to talk about it.
Thank you!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Serial Entrepreneur, Creator and Brand Owner of personal brand All things Ebony Westwood and Business owner of 5TH & Westwood as the Lead Image + Branding Consultant.
I help female entrepreneurs who lack creative tactics and struggle with tactical implementation & accountability, real life their visual branding content on social media. I help them by providing creative direction on set + stylish effective visuals that elevates their brand reputation and coverts into profit and credibility, and allow them to show up in the market place and truly make an impact and change on the lives of their customers.
What sets me apart is I have developed a sympathetic and strategic view of the motives, needs, and desires of business owners. I work smarter, harder, and better than others. Smarter means that I am committed to always striving for continuous improvement and doing things right the first time. Harder means I am committed to getting more and better results every time. Better means that I work to exceed your expectations.
I am most excited about our clients becoming our life-long partners. We believe they will not be clients, they will be partners. We will make our partners lives richer, smarter and more rewarding compelling services for them to enjoy.
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?
My top 5 favorite places to visit in ATL are: 1. Slutty Vegan
2. Lenox Mall
3. Georgia Aqaurium
4. College campuses
5. Local Bars
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?
Wow, this is amazing! Um, I would like to first and foremost thank God because through Him all things are possible. Second, my family and friends who all support me thus far. Third, my team and my tribe. Each and every one of them is a valuable asset to the mission, vision, and purpose for my brands.
Website: ebonywestwood.com
Instagram: ebonywestwood
Twitter: Ebony Westwood
Youtube: All Things Ebony Westwood
Other: Clubhouse: Ebony Westwood
Image Credits
Photographer: @darrenburton_