Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Porter-Ike.
Ebony, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The epiMediaGroup was formed back in October 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. Our organization had been operating under a different name (as a partnership)before then, and we divested from the other organization and rebranded as The epiMediaGroup. I had been working in the space of business development, Mergers & Acquisition, and branding for over 15 years prior to the inception of The epiMediaGroup in Corporate America. While working in that space, I saw the lack of business acumen in PR & Marketing in the entertainment industry, and I decided to create a firm that would not only address the public relations needs of a client but also help the client create a footprint that would increase their revenue eventually. As we developed as a firm, we found that we were in a “niche” space in Atlanta and we took advantage of that. I had great relationships in the industry from years of networking and special projects, so when we officially threw our hat into the ring as a viable company, we had a lot of support from national counterparts. As a new brand, we officially kicked off the Brand Ambassador program for Hosea Helps as well as the mixer for the retired NBA Players, and from there we began taking root.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Anything worth having is never smooth. The struggles, disappointments, and betrayals are what makes being an entrepreneur so special. Those attributes are required in order to begin become an expert in your area of focus. Don’t shy away from difficulties. Face into them, ask yourself, “What am I supposed to be learning from this experience?” No matter how hard or painful, you must always stay focused so that as you continue to grow, you can build your footprint of success. This helps you to be able to regain your success when difficulties arise (because they will happen). It’s all about being present, a continual learner, and a self-critic.
Please tell us about The epiMediaGroup.
I own the epiMediaGroup, LLC (A Global PR Conglomerate) based in Atlanta, GA; I also am the author of the Coinology® series of books, which the second volume will be released at the end of November. I am the founder and visionary of The epiConference, which took place in Atlanta, Ga this year at the end of November. My specialty is helping business owners develop a brand that stands out and creates a long-lasting legacy. I am a firm believer that it is our job to reach back and educate others on principles of success. Success was not given to one to “not share” or “not help” others. It was given so that someone could make the lives of those coming up behind them easier or more fruitful.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Get one! Going along this path of entrepreneurship without a mentor is dangerous. Also, make sure that you choose a mentor that has actually gone through the steps of where you are trying to go. Choosing a mentor that’s popular online or that takes pretty pictures but has not actually experienced the trials and tribulations that you will encounter up close and personal will be a waste of your time. I am very particular about those that I choose to allow to sow into me, and you should be as well.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2000 Powers Ferry Rd
Suite 2116
Marietta, GA 30067 - Website: www.epimediagroup.com
- Phone: 770-635-8170
- Email: Ebony@epimediagroup.com
- Instagram: epimediagroup
- Facebook: epimediagroup
- Twitter: glamrs1
- Other: www.coinology.biz
Image Credit:
Drea Nicole Photography
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