Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Peterson.
Hi Ebony, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in a single-parent household with my three brothers in Rochester, NY. My mother worked very hard and did the best that she could with what she had. Throughout my childhood, I experienced various forms of abuse (physically, verbally, and sexually). School was my escape, I worked hard and did well. School took my mind off what I was experiencing at home. I was the first in my family to attend college. I obtained my associate degree at a Monroe Community College, in Rochester, NY. I moved to Atlanta, GA in 2005 and completed my bachelor’s at Georgia State University and masters at Clark Atlanta University. I became a Social Worker because of my personal history, and I wanted to help children, families, and communities like the one I grew up in. I have worked hard and have always told myself that failure wasn’t an option I had to succeed no matter how long it took me. I knew my struggles were only temporary. I married in 2011. We have two beautiful children together and a bonus daughter from my husband. I have worked for Child Protective Services and in the Acute Hospital setting. I am now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and practice as a Mental Health.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. My childhood was rough due to the abuse. I felt isolated and alone. I learned early that I had to work twice as hard to accomplish things that seemed to come easily to others when I was in school. I was determined. I struggled when I moved to Georgia, there was a time when I was homeless, sleeping in my car and eating left over from people’s plates that I served in a restaurant I worked in. I knew this all was temporary and I just had to keep pushing forward. I knew that if I completed my education and worked hard, I would obtain my dreams. Atlanta allowed me to see a lot of successful Black people which wasn’t something I was used to where I was from. Seeing Black successful people made my dream seem possible. I wanted to be a college graduate, business owner, married with my own loving family.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, owner of HER Wellness Circle, LLC a counseling practice that provides mental health counseling to women dealing with anxiety, depression, life stressors, trauma, and life transitions. I specialize in Maternal Health where I help moms who her struggling with postpartum depression/anxiety, birth trauma, pregnancy’/infant loss. My services are currently offered virtually at this time and because of this, I am able to service individuals throughout the State of Georgia and South Carolina. I am able to reach people from the comfort of their homes and reach areas where mental health services are limited. What I want people to know is that services provided at HER Wellness Circle is provided by WOMAN and a MOTHER who speaks from personal and professional experiences. I personally have dealt with anxiety and experienced postpartum depression and anxiety after each child. I want women and mothers to know that they are not alone, what they are experiencing is real, their voice is valuable, it’s ok to receive help and it takes a lot of strength to reach out for help. I am also an author; I developed a journal to help moms (Fighting through Postpartum Depression) who are dealing with postpartum depression or anxiety to use as a tool to help them as they walk their journey to wellness.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice is to know your brand inside and out and know your audience. Everyone you speak to should know of your business. Utilize social media. Get out in your community and let people know who you are and what you do. When finding a mentor find someone who is a leader in your industry, choose someone who wants to genuinely see you win. Be ready and willing to invest in yourself with your time and money.
Contact Info:
- Email: epeterson@herwellnesscircle.com
- Website: www.herwellnesscircle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/her.wellness.circle/
Image Credits
Da’Shalone Ross
Paige Lutes Photography
