Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebonee Browning.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
At the age of four, my mom enrolled me into an African American private school by the name of the first step. This is where I received my foundation within education and the start of public speaking. At a very young age, we were required to memorize poems and scripts for roles in plays that told the story of our heritage. As a school, we would travel all over the metro area in Atlanta and perform these plays in front of large audiences. Up until the age of 13 years old, I did not realize that this foundation would be the start of my passion for hosting, entertainment, and motivational speaking.
Once I went to high school, I became very involved with extracurricular activities. I hosted pep rallies, my senior assembly, spoke at the baccalaureate and I always killed presentations because it was a way for me to express myself through speech and provide information for a passing grade lol While I was in high school I even took a step further with entertainment and became the mascot for a couple of football games. Just like most seniors prepare for life after graduation, I knew I was going to college, but I had no idea what I was going to major in. It was not until I spoke at one of my classmates’ funeral. I remember so vividly when Mrs. Alexander a parent came up to me after the service pulled me to the side and asked me what I was going to major in once I went to college. I explained to her that I wasn’t sure. She complimented me on how well I spoke and that I handled the audience well. She told me to consider majoring in Mass Communications. I considered it once I researched the field and the rest was history.
I enrolled at Savannah State University under the impression that I wanted to be a news anchor but once I started learning about the position. I disliked not being able to be myself in that role. I interned at the radio station on campus and after a few weeks my supervisor, Mr. Carter gave me my show. My show aired every Sunday on WHCJ 90.3 FM in the Coastal Empire and extended to Hilton Head, South Carolina. It was entitled Voices of Faith.
Once I graduated from college, I would do a lot of freelance jobs emcee several church programs, hosting wedding receptions, pep rallies, and birthday parties, along with motivational speaking. This journey allowed me to network and received the exposure which would allow me to build up my clientele and get booked for more events. Some of my highlights include hosting a local chapter of the NAACP reception for local elected officials. Getting booked for my first corporate Holiday party as an emcee. I have also had the pleasure of interviewing President Jimmy Carter’s grandson. My talent has landed me in some amazing mind-blowing positions from entertainment centers, radio, and sports stations. In 2019, I made history in the city where I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia being a part of the 1st Hype Squad for the Atlanta Falcons in addition to making it on the hype team known as the Flight Crew for the Atlanta Hawks in the same year.
In 2020, I had a lot of plans and goals set for my brand. Some of those plans were put on hold because of crowd interactions but the shift due to Covid-19 has brought about new plans with virtual hosting events and birthing my digital baby, the Inspirational Kulture Podcast on July 1st, 2020.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth roads are for fantasies, not real life lol not to diminish having a smooth road isn’t possible but as you continue to live and grow. You learn and understand that obstacles are a part of life’s journey. And anything worth having is worth working hard for and appreciating the time it took to crush your goals and accomplish your dreams. In the field of media/entertainment and freelance, it is very competitive and evolving. Starting off in the field most companies want you to start off either working as an intern not getting paid or as part-time with very little pay. Most of the time these positions require you to be very flexible but in the same instance when you have more bills than you have money coming in. It puts you in a compromising position to acquire more than one job and this is when the true hustle and grind begins.
Working early morning and late nights seven days a week to take care of bills and pursue your passion can put a strain on you but achieving the goal is the push I needed to keep going. During this pursuit, I encountered rejection and denials for various reasons. Which is a huge let down especially after wanting and seeing yourself in the positions you seek. While getting denied, you start to question your talent and begin comparing yourself to others in your field and those around you who quote on quote look like they made it via social media. It took a mental toll on me. I have a regiment where I take breaks from social media to focus on my brand and renew my mind. Once I come back to the platforms, I am rejuvenated. I had to condition my mind that social media is the highlight reel to a person’s life it doesn’t show the road it took to accomplish goals ONLY the finished product.
I am a believer in God, and I trust Him. I believe “man’s rejection is God’s protection.” So, I never gave up on my dream I continue to be consistent at pursuing my goals while waiting on God’s timing to align with my life. As a result, multitasking became a friend of mine. This is where I created my own lane and the brand EboneeJ was born. You learn to be resilient, rely on your faith, trust the process but most of all enjoy the journey and the lessons learned along the way.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
EboneeJ is not only a brand, it’s the name I go by when I am behind a microphone, podium, or motivating the masses. Who is Ms. iHost + uListen = aGoodTime? I am an emcee, host, announcer, voice-over artist, and motivational speaker. Since the Pandemic begins, I have transitioned into a virtual host. I bring the energy you need for a good time and I deliver the voice for your entertainment. I emcee an array of events birthday parties, live events, school pep rallies, and announce sports games. I am always looking to grow and increase my exposure for bookings. When I am not hyping up the crowd and keeping them engaged. You can find me behind a podium or camera motivating and inspiring people of all ages. My philosophy if I can touch at least one life and help them understand their purpose my mission is accomplished.
I am most proud of the growth and expansion every year. The most recent launch of my podcast Inspirational Kulture with EboneeJ is a huge milestone and platform for the brand. My goal for the podcast is to have a lasting impact on my listeners under the sound of my voice through cultural insights and vivid inspiration. What sets me apart from others is my high energy, a bright personality, and a distinct voice that catches and keeps the attention of my audience.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always known to be a very social, athletic, goal-oriented young lady with a huge personality. As I grew into myself, I became an outspoken, creative, outgoing, silly girl and heavily involved in my community. I have always had an interest in crafts and design. I am known as a creative. I like to sit quietly, think and create. It’s pretty cool to see the results. Growing up, I have always liked to entertain people, whether it was through dancing, singing or acting. Having a microphone in my hand has always been a joy and I have never departed from it. Overall, I love God, enjoy being different and I like to have a good time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Eboneej
- Email: eboneejonthemic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eboneejb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EboneeJB
Image Credit:
J’Hara Everett
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
