We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ebony James a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ebony, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

The name of my business Ebony James is a callback to my mother. Growing up, I was always aware that my mother never got to know her mom because she passed when my mother was very little. I am the face of my business and Ebony is my name but James is actually a last name from the maternal side of my family.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have always had a camera in my hand. My grandfather gifted me an old-school Polaroid camera when I was very young and I’ve kept it all these years. It has survived many moves including high school and college, even the careless phase in my early 20s. I was always the friend snapping pictures and grabbing candids and I learned very early that I look through my lens with my heart. When the pandemic happened, I leaned into my passions. I upgraded my camera, bought new lenses and took every opportunity to create I could. I even captured my husband’s training sessions at the gym. Eventually I started traveling. taking part in content sessions all across the states and a few as far as Europe, Asian and Africa. The travel and opportunities to create freely have made me a better photographer and more confident business owner. I know what I offer and who my clients are.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

If I had to narrow it down to a particular goal or mission that drives me, it would have to be the ability to do what I love and share it with the world. In 2017 just a few months after my now husband proposed. I got sick and I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis up until that point. I’d enjoyed my life. I’d always been very intentional, but I also had been very safe and very steadfast in my decision-making and goal setting. I did what you were supposed to do. I got good grades I went to school. I got a solid career going. I literally minded my business but after that happened and I realize that even if you do everything you’re supposed to do you’re going to experience curveballs, you’re going to get surprised and you’re likely to have moments where you just feel unlucky or you don’t recognize yourself. I think every day that I wake up and I am blessed to have full mobility without setbacks,adequate health coverage, food on my table, a family that loves me, friends that I wouldn’t trade for the world ,that pushes me. That keeps me going because I know that no matter how prepared I am, that can always change and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to follow my passion.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I don’t know that I have a reputation just yet, but if I do, I hope it’s for being honest, reliable, full of southern hospitality and care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Ebonyjames.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebonyjamesphotography?igsh=MXQzNHIwanVnaTlzYQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HHsy3PccV/?mibextid=wwXIfr