We were lucky to catch up with Ebony Jeanette recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ebony thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Risk-taking is an art. It’s a sweaty, often teary-eyed and sometimes even blood-soaked driving force behind every creative conquest worth jumping at. One of the most defining risks I ever took was right after college. I packed up my entire life in Columbus, Ohio and moved across the country to Los Angeles, CA for an unpaid internship at Century Media Records and no backup plan. Just an unwavering belief that I could carve out something meaningful for myself in the world I loved.
That leap of faith became the foundation of my entire professional journey. I turned that internship into a full-time role, and eventually launched my own boutique PR company, Ebony Jeanette PR. For over a decade, I’ve had the honor of amplifying the voices of artists I believe in, managing publicity at two of the worlds foremost record labels, building press campaigns that landed unsigned bands on Billboard charts, and creating unforgettable media moments across the heavy metal and entertainment landscape.

Now, that same spirit of risk that moved me across the country has led me back to pursuing my first love: performing. I’ve transitioned into my true calling as a full-time film, television, and commercial actor. Performing arts has always been the pulse behind my creativity, and now I’m channeling everything I’ve learned from music, PR, and entrepreneurship into my work on screen and stage.

I’ve also explored other industries along the way, including real estate, where I’ve sold nearly 100 residential and commercial properties in Central Ohio. Every venture and every risk has been about expanding my creative reach and honoring my purpose.

If there’s one piece of advice I’d offer to any creative, multi-passionate person earning a living through their art or entrepreneurial pursuits, it is that calculated risks in your career are also soul moves. While they require discernment, they also demand bold, unapologetic courage. If there is something you feel deeply called to become in this lifetime, you owe it to yourself to try. When you leap with intention, the emotional, spiritual, and professional rewards are not just possible, they’re limitless.

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 began my career in music publicity, founding Ebony Jeanette PR in 2010. Over the years, I’ve collaborated with major labels like Century Media Records and Prosthetic Records, helped unsigned bands chart on Billboard, and built press campaigns that spotlighted artists across heavy metal, hard rock, and alternative scenes. My work has been featured in NPR Music, Revolver Magazine, Guitar World, Music Connection and more, and I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my experiences as a featured speaker at SXSW and other industry conferences.

Today, I’m focused full-time on acting in film, television, and commercial projects. I am represented by Docherty Talent Agency (midwest) and am currently training at the Houde School of Acting. Recent credits include appearances on national networks like ABC and HBO Family and commercial work for brands including COTA Bus, The Franklin Park Conservatory, Toast Inc,. and more.
Whether behind the scenes or on camera, everything I do is rooted in a deep love for creative expression and I’m excited to continue evolving as a performer and storyteller.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

The best thing society can do to support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem is to reject AI-generated art, music, performing arts and any other imitation of authentic artistic human expression. Real creativity comes from lived experience, emotion, and perspective. These are things only people can offer. We need to champion human-made music, film, visual art, and creative businesses.

Additionally, supporting local and independent artists especially through attending live shows, buying real art from real people, and engaging with independent artists content online can really make a positive impact. The reach creatives can achieve today through social media with little to no overhead is incredible, and when we all use these platforms to amplify each other’s work in addition to attending live shows and events, we all thrive.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is that struggle and hustle are the only paths to success. Early in my career, especially while building Ebony Jeanette PR, I believed in idea of being “always on” that is often celebrated in the music industry, so I accepted (near) burnout as part of the process. I was constantly working; running campaigns, writing, managing clients, and I thought exhaustion meant I was doing it right. However, over time I realized that pace wasn’t sustainable. I had to restructure how I approached my business and prioritize balance. That shift allowed me to grow EJPR with more intention and create the space I needed to return to my true passion: acting. Now, I work smarter, not harder. I prioritize rest, creativity, and alignment to continued extraordinary results and encourage others to do the same.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ebonyjeanette.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/ebony.jeanette
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebonyjeanette
• Other: IMDB https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3215855/

Image Credits

Shannon Williams Photography
Jehan LLC