An Inspired Chat with Ebony McDonald of Charlotte

We recently had the chance to connect with Ebony McDonald and have shared our conversation below.

Ebony, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Most mornings start with a quick calendar check and a skim of priorities so I know what to expect for the day. Then, I make a smoothie (strawberry, pineapple, banana, and coconut to be exact) and queue up a podcast—usually something on brand/strategy or a founder interview. I’ll listen while I clear overnight emails and map my top three tasks. By the 60-minute mark, I’m caffeinated, my inbox is triaged, and I’m ready for deep work or any meetings.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ebony, the founder of Gold & Fourth, a boutique brand sprint studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. After years in marketing and working in the startup space, I saw how many early-stage businesses and small teams struggled to launch quickly and confidently. Gold & Fourth was created to solve that problem.

We specialize in two-week brand sprints that give clients everything they need—brand strategy and positioning, visual identity, collateral, and a launch-ready digital presence. Every sprint has clear deliverables, and there are no long, drawn-out timelines.

What makes Gold & Fourth special is the mix of speed, collaboration, and quality. Our clients work side-by-side with us, making real-time decisions and leaving with a complete, cohesive brand that’s ready to hit the market. Right now, we’re excited to launch an in-person collaboration option in Charlotte. The Canvas will be a “blank slate” brand experience venue designed for creative takeovers, pop-ups, and activations. Essentially, Gold & Fourth builds your brand, and The Canvas brings it to life.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband. He recognized my drive and creative vision long before I fully did, consistently encouraging me to take bold steps—whether that meant launching Gold & Fourth, pivoting the business, or trusting my own instincts. His belief in me helped me see the bigger possibilities for myself and gave me the confidence to pursue them.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, multiple times. There were seasons when the lack of instant success made it feel like I was spinning my wheels, and every slow lead or quiet month felt like failure. I questioned whether Gold & Fourth would ever gain traction, and I seriously considered walking away more than once. But each time, I reminded myself why I started and kept pushing through those setbacks, knowing that building something meaningful takes time and persistence.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A core cultural value I protect at all costs is integrity. For myself and for Gold & Fourth, that means clear communication, transparent pricing, and staying true to any promises made. Integrity creates trust, and trust is the foundation of every lasting personal and professional relationship.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want to be known for using my creativity to solve problems and help others uncover new opportunities. My goal is to use my ideas, strategy, and imagination to make things possible for people who might not see the path forward yet. More than anything, I want to be remembered as someone who always showed up to help; selflessly, generously, and with purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.goldandfourth.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldandfourth/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goldandfourth/