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

Ebony, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

There are some people who know they want to become business owners. Then there are those, like me, who are forced into entrepreneurialism – and it actually works! That was my story.

I was working an amazing job, making good money in my field. With a degree in Criminal Justice Technology, I was employed as a background screener. This opportunity allowed me to check the backgrounds and experience of those in the military, as well as those applying for fortune 500 positions in various companies. One day, I was fired for clocking in late by 1 minute. To add insult to injury, I was in the parking lot but was sliding on the ice to get into the building. What makes things even worse is that the company waited 3 and a half weeks to fire me. But prior to any of this taking place, I kept feeling out of place.

Have you ever been in a relationship that was seemingly going well but it just didn’t “feel” right anymore? You’re getting along, you’re making things work, but it just seems like there’s a disconnect. Well, that was me. The company was good to me and I was making good money; yet daily, it became harder and harder to show up. And after a while, I imagined myself just not showing up there anymore. I became agitated and grumpy being there. Yet, I kept going…until one day, they told me not to come back. And while that was the hardest thing to hear, it catapulted me into purpose.

It took some time but I finally realized that there was more to me. I realized that my J.O.B. (just over broke) was really keeping me in a place of stagnation. I was newly married so my job and income were a safety net. It was comfortable. It was beneficial. However, it wasn’t destiny. It wasn’t me operating in my gifts and my assignment. It was me doing something, but not doing MY something.

Needless to say, I started my business and did it on a minimal basis through a freelancing website. One day, a client told me, “I don’t know why you’re not doing this on your own!” And the lightbulb went off. From there, I became sought after ghostwriter and copywriter. I wish I had started this 20 years ago. Then again, this was ahead of that time so it wasn’t my time. While I wish I were further in the industry, I’m blessed to be in the industry and in my lane.

Ebony, 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 the Owner of Walk UpWrite and the Founder of Your Literary Midwife. With these companies I help others create an array of literary resources OR I coach them to do it on their own. Many people struggle with writing and conveying messages for their business, brand, or even on a personal level. Where I come in is I hear their heart, research their brand and their competition, then I help their content show up loud and proud online. From social posts to reels, from email marketing to press releases, from blogs and articles to ebooks and beyond – I help you say what you need to say and to whom you need to say it to.

I’m grateful to help people fulfill dreams of becoming an author. That is one of my greatest accomplishments – meeting people who have a story to tell and helping them birth their literary babies.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for clientele growth is understanding healthy growth. While many may inquire about my services, not everyone is my client. I have maintained a steady growth on my client list by knowing when to not bite off more than I can chew. I don’t take clients just for money; I take clients for purpose, assignment, and destiny.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that everyone will support me. Many people like the idea of you being successful, but they can’t stand the actuality of your success. And just because they like a post or a picture or an announcement, that does NOT equate to support. But guess what? That’s ok! Once you recognize your target audience, you become unbothered with those who don’t fit that mold. Family and friends aren’t necessarily going to be your client or customer. To expect it automatically is doing a disservice to you. While YOU may be willing to support someone based on relationship, everyone won’t have the same idea. And that’s ok!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.walkupwrite.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamewalker/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamemwalker
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/writer-ebonymwalker/
• Other: linktr.ee/ebonywalker https://www.clippings.me/ebonymwalker