Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Francis.
Ebony, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in a small town with my two older brothers my mother, my father, and my grandmother most of the time. I have always carried with me the love for life’s adventures with a rugged style and free spirit. I fell in love with the idea of being a star when I first saw Aaliyah. She was everything and gave me the confidence to know my style and personality could take me to high places just like her. I attended college at East Stroudsburg University, where I received my bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management in 2015. During this time, I found my voice and passion for consignment fashion.
I moved to Atlanta in 2017 with no real plan or budget and had my first gig as a muse model for vintage consignment with The Wylde Vintage. Since then, I have created my own upcycling denim shop BAREMIN and I am the Host of Next Level Podcast with Skyy Level Media. I’ve been blessed and honored to work with Atlanta creatives and artists in different facets. Jidenna, Neila, Cam Kirk Studios are a few that have added face value and enlightenment to my roles as a producer, singer model and, stylist. I have worked with the gifted hands of respectful photographers like Spencer Charles, Scrill Davis and, Barry Daly. Atlanta is a place of comfort and unapologetic creativity. I became fearless here, the culture is like water and I have long been able to flow right into it.
It’s Always A vibe at Cam Kirk Studios. I love the environment and the passionate atmosphere of Atlanta Breakfast Club is the reason why it has become one of my fave places to eat. My family is here so of course, we enjoy lifting each other up, especially in these times where staying united is so important. We are history in the making right now. Connecting with brilliant minds to create work that is timeless is my goal and the goal of many other young black and brown gifted Minds.
My belief on equality for all is evident as I took part in a peaceful protest of 2020 for George Floyd. My heart continues to be supportive and may we still rally on behalf of Breonna Taylor and other black and brown loved ones that have been let down by the constitution, which says that all men are equal.
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?
During summer 2015, I graduated college and that was a huge accomplishment. I lost my grandfather that June and my dad that August. Everything I had in mind became still. I had no idea what I wanted or how to overcome this. I took a job working on a ship so I could be away and understand myself away from everything I knew. In 2017, I took a job in Tampa working with underprivileged teens. That was hard for me because I was young and in a space where I was just trying to figure out my next move. Fear was always lingering in my mind but I hid it due to the kids having it way harder than I could imagine. I went through the everyday hustle and grind in Atlanta to get myself on a steady track and it was actually working. I had success in building relationships and stepping outside of my comfort zone to truly know myself.
October 8th, 2019, the day after my dad’s birthday. I experienced a tragic accident by fainting and breaking my jaw. I was in disbelief as my jaw was broken in four places, shattered my chin, and damaged my teeth. I had to have surgery and my mouth wired shut for a month and a half. I didn’t have energy and as a singer, I was lost. Confused and in the twilight zone for a long period of my journey until I was able to get up and believe all of this is happening for a reason. I received so much love and support from family, friends, and people I have never met in my life and it motivated me to keep my head high but to also be true and let my emotions be free. It can be so much harder to show that emotion but it was so necessary for my growth. I am grateful for all of it.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Since I was in high school, my style has been very versatile. I don’t have a specific style; I just love being able to create my looks based off of my mood. I created a denim shop in 2018, BAREMIN. Keeping it simple to me is the wave and I don’t mean being basic. I mean wearing what feels good and being confident that it’s fly. A little goes a long way and if you have your favorite pair of denim and a few quality pieces on hand, you can style it so many different ways. At BAREMIN, I specialize in getting to know the customer and understanding their style, comfort, and measurements. I am known for the BAREMIN Signatures, where I heavily distress the entire front of the denim, but I come up with options as my creativity flows.
My ability to create a bespoke experience is what sets me apart. I want my customers to LOVE their denim and tell me it’s been three days and they still have them on! That’s the goal, quality experiences. I am proud of my growth, this started in my dorm room and I am happy to know this is something I can look forward to having success in for a lifetime.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Living by the water in a sky rise full of plants and peace. A BAREMIN team and warehouse is the goal in the next five years. I am looking forward to knowing where the Next Level Podcast will take me. As a singer, I want to be able to perform at festivals and other intimate type of spaces with like-minded people. Traveling and continuing to explore myself and loved ones. If I could expect a big change, it would be saying that I am a CEO and official owner. I want the photography I create to be displayed in high places and be seen by people I am inspired by. I dedicate my journey to my beautiful cousin Niquey Baby… I love you
Contact Info:
- Address: 2835 Church Street
East Point GA - Phone: 9082055990
- Email: ebonyfsmith@gmail.com
- Instagram: EBONYFRANCISS
Image Credit:
Bary Daly – @ITSBARRYDALY
Spencer Charles – @SPENCER_CHARLES
MARWEN BAROUD – PILOTBAROUD
THE BAZAAR BOHEMIAM – @THEBAZAARBOHEMIAN
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