We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ebony Fleming a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ebony, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
My childhood was one spent in survival mode. Every morning, I would wake up wondering if the nightmare of abuse that I was living would ever end. I’m grateful that my story did change and that I did survive. But after I was free from what caused my trauma, it took me some time and grace to learn how to not stay on the wheel of survival mode.
I spent a lot of time during my college years looking everywhere but within for a safe space. Somewhere where I could trust I wouldn’t be hurt again. I stayed in that cycle of searching until I realized that there was deep inner work I needed within myself. Through investing in therapy and asking myself some soul questions, I learned that the safest space I would ever find wouldn’t be from an outside source. That safest space would be within myself.
Then in 2018, I became a mom for the first time. Again, I was on this wheel of survival mode but this time was different because I had the tools and resources I needed to not stay on it. I had a sudden thought of how many other moms struggle with getting off the wheel. How many others never find that safe space within so they can truly thrive? It became my mission and the mission of Thrive Empowered to help other moms learn how to create that safe space within themselves and to hold a safe space for them so they wouldn’t feel judgement through their process.
Ebony, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a wife and mom of 3 who is also a survivor of childhood sa. My story is one of survival, but there are so many other stories similar to mine that don’t end the same way. I decided to see the beauty in my story and my survival as an opportunity to teach others how they can truly thrive after going through something traumatic.
I know that not everyone has gone through a trauma similar to mine, but there are so many of us especially moms who don’t realize that they have gone through trauma. So many who just keep going despite not taking the time to address their trauma and get stuck in the wheel of surviving each day over and over.
Thrive Empowered is unique in that we provide the tools and resources needed to break out of the wheel of survivor mode and allow people to truly show up in their lives thriving. Some of those tools and resources are a podcast, a meal plan & prep workbook, postpartum fitness inspiration, in-person hikes, and a free online community that is constantly expanding.
A big part of my mission states that we should thrive together. Yes, there’s often self work that needs to happen, but we don’t have to think that we’re the only ones doing that self work. That’s why in 2024, I am being called to start my 1:1 coaching in meal planning & prepping. There is a major need for people who are struggling with how to feel good with what their eating and what their family is eating. My meal planning & prepping coaching will empower my clients in creating their own plans every week and in feeling confident that they’re nourishing themselves and their families.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
The way I built my audience is the advice I would give someone just starting out. Cut out the noise and quality over quantity. There are so many strategies available on social media, you don’t need them all. When I learned that implementing all the strategies aren’t helpful, I started to show up as just me. I realized that it wasn’t about how many followers I had, but that I had quality connections with my followers.
You’re not for everyone and that’s okay. The people that need you will find you.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
The book Do Less by Kate Northrup revolutionized the way that I show up in both my corporate and entrepreneurial work. It helped me realize that there was a better way to work. That I could trust my intuition and what my body was telling me and still make magic! It’s not about working 10 times harder, but by working at the pace that works for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stan.store/thriveempowered
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebonylynnfleming/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ebonylynnfleming/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebonylfleming/
- Other: Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivelikeamother.podcast/
Image Credits
Image credit for photo of me in white dress: Kate Lynn Imagery