Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ebonee Benson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ebonee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

I don’t have just one hero, I have many! I was fortunate to spend my childhood around elder women like my grandmother, my great grandmother, great aunts, and great greats. The encouragement they poured into me at a young age has carried me through the moments in life when I was unsure of myself and the direction I was going. Their love was the type that could move mountains. They instilled in me core values such as integrity and authenticity; that character is not something you can wear but something inside of you. “It’s not on you, it’s in you!”, my Grandmother would say.

The opportunities I had were not the same available to them. I was an inquisitive and strong willed child, always into something. They never discouraged me from discovering all the wonders of my childhood. They always reminded me to believe in myself, that I could do whatever I set my mind to. Throughout my journey I’ve held on tightly to these cornerstones. There have been times when I’ve had doubt about embarking on new adventures and endeavors, such as my latest venture into flower and event designing. I hear their voices reminding me of all the wisdom they imparted and championing me to continue forward.

Ebonee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Ebonee Benson, a Floral and Event Designer. December 2024 will mark 3 years since I’ve joined this wonderful community. I can honestly say, I never imagined I would doing what I’m doing today. I spent 11 years in Public Relations, a career that was both rewarding and challenging. I grew up playing in the garden in my Dad’s grandmother’s back yard as well as watching my Mom’s Mom create silk floral baskets for people. The smell of fresh fruits, vegetables, and a hot glue gun are staples of my childhood. During COVID, as a hobby, I began making arrangements for my loved ones to celebrate them and bring some joy during such a difficult time. Post COVID, my passion for all things botanical continued to grow. I began volunteering at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham, AL, took native plant courses, and continued making arrangements for my loved ones. At the end of 2021, I took a leap of faith and began freelancing as a florist, walking away from my old career. I haven’t looked back once.

Since then, I birthed Ebonee Benson Designs, a boutique floral and event design company. We offer exquisitely tailored decor for weddings, intimate events, parties, and corporate events. Family operated, we believe in building lasting relationships through trust and integrity. We are extremely proud of the fact that though we are small, we are able to provide clients a unique experience.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of designing flowers and events, is the moment you see it all come together; the priceless reactions of the clients and their guests. There is nothing more fulfilling than knowing you achieved what you set out to do, which was creating a memorable moment for the client. No matter what obstacles you might have faced during the process, getting to that final result will always be the most rewarding and makes those things seem really small.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been personal interaction and word of mouth. Every time I leave my home I could potentially meet a prospective client. Day to day interactions or even a kind word can lead to a booked event. Being intentional about attracting clients combined with my background in Public Relations and a positive attitude has worked wonders for growing clientele. Word of mouth has also been effective for me personally. When people have amazing experiences, they usually like to share it with others. Moments that are memorable take on a life of their own. Creating those for customers have opened doors that I never imagined I would enter. One event can set the tone for the all of the following events.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eboneebenson.com
• Instagram: @eboneebenson

Image Credits

Jaylan Cayetano
Muñoz Photogtaphy
Rachel Pourchier
Captured by Chris
Truly Emilie