Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Grimes.
Hi Ebony, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story is one of determination, resilience, and believing that there is always more to accomplish. My entrepreneurial journey actually began when I was just 16 years old. My parents entered my sister and me into several beauty pageants, and from there I was discovered for modeling opportunities. What started as pageants quickly turned into paid modeling work with several companies. At such a young age, I was able to experience what it felt like to earn my own income, travel, meet new people, and develop confidence in myself. Modeling taught me discipline, professionalism, and how to carry myself in business, lessons that I still use every day.
As I got older, I realized I wanted to create opportunities instead of waiting for them. I knew I had an entrepreneurial spirit, and I wanted financial freedom and the ability to build something that would outlive me. After moving into my own place and experiencing what it was like to work a traditional job, I quickly realized that it wasn’t the life I wanted. I remember waking up every day feeling unfulfilled. One day, I decided I had enough. I walked away from that job and took a leap of faith by betting on myself.
At just 19 years old, I launched my first business as a licensed nail technician. Like most first-time entrepreneurs, I started with very little besides determination, talent, and the willingness to work harder than anyone else. From there, my entrepreneurial journey continued to grow. I didn’t limit myself to one industry because I truly enjoy learning and building businesses.
Over the years, I’ve successfully owned and operated several Airbnb businesses, where I learned the importance of customer service, hospitality, marketing, and creating memorable experiences for guests. I also built dispatching businesses, helping trucking companies stay organized and efficient while learning the logistics side of entrepreneurship. Each business taught me something different, and every experience helped shape me into a stronger business owner.
Today, I continue to expand my portfolio with several new business ventures currently in the works. I’m always looking for ways to create opportunities, solve problems, and generate multiple streams of income. More importantly, I want everything I build to have purpose.
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is founding Lillie’s Helping Hand’s & More, a nonprofit organization inspired by my late grandmother, Lillie. Through our organization, we’re committed to giving back by providing food, hygiene products, school supplies, toys, resources, and support to families in need. My goal has never been just to become successful—I want to create a legacy of service, inspire other young entrepreneurs, and prove that no matter where you start, you have the power to build the life you envision.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has definitely not been easy, even though it may look that way from the outside. Every entrepreneur has a story that people don’t always get to see. While modeling opened many doors for me, it also came with rejection, criticism, competition, and unrealistic expectations. There were moments when I questioned whether I was good enough, but I refused to let setbacks define me.
When I decided to leave my traditional job and start my own business, I was taking one of the biggest risks of my life. I didn’t have a guaranteed paycheck anymore. Everything depended on me. Starting my nail business was incredibly challenging because I had to build my clientele from the ground up. No one knew who I was, and I had to convince people to trust me with their time and money. There were days when I had no appointments, days when I wondered if I had made the right decision, and days when bills still had to be paid even when business was slow.
As I expanded into Airbnb businesses and dispatching companies, I quickly realized that every industry comes with its own unique challenges. Managing properties meant dealing with maintenance issues, guest concerns, scheduling, and unexpected situations that could happen at any time. Running dispatching businesses required organization, communication, and the ability to solve problems under pressure. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about making money—it’s about learning to adapt when things don’t go as planned.
I’ve also learned that not everyone will support your vision. Some people will doubt you, question your decisions, or simply not understand why you’re taking risks. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to keep moving forward regardless of outside opinions. Success requires faith, patience, and consistency.
Now, as I’m building multiple businesses while also leading a nonprofit organization, balancing everything can sometimes be overwhelming. There are long nights, early mornings, sacrifices, and moments of uncertainty. But every challenge has made me stronger. Instead of looking at obstacles as failures, I see them as lessons that prepare me for the next level.
Today, I understand that success isn’t measured by how easy the journey is. It’s measured by your ability to keep going even when things become difficult. Every challenge I’ve faced has helped shape the woman, entrepreneur, and leader I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I have quite a few businesses one of which is E The Business Mentor & Consulting where I help other business owners start their businesses with building business credit, getting your LLC, business proposals, grant writing help, and so much more helping to get their business on the right track, we also help with personal credit challenges, to help build their credit and more. I am also the owner of a Airbnb business, trucking dispatch business, that’s just to name a few businesses that I have. We are also in the works of having our real estate company as well as opening an assistant living facility along with our towing and recovery business. I am also a multi degree holder of 11+ degrees from multiple categories from business, law, accounting, education, criminal justice and much more
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
Without a doubt, my favorite childhood memories revolve around my grandmother, Lillie. She was one of the most loving, selfless, and inspiring people I’ve ever known. She always had a way of making everyone around her feel special, and she believed in me long before I fully believed in myself.
One thing she would always tell me was, “Never give up on what you want in life. You can be anything you want to be.” Those words became something I carried with me throughout every stage of my life. Whether I was modeling, starting businesses, facing rejection, or chasing new dreams, I would always think back to her encouragement.
She taught me the importance of kindness, generosity, hard work, and helping others without expecting anything in return. Watching the way she treated people had a huge impact on the person I wanted to become. She didn’t just talk about helping others—she lived it every single day.
When she passed away, I knew I wanted to honor her legacy in a meaningful way. That’s why I founded Lillie’s Helping Hand’s & More. Naming my nonprofit after her was my way of making sure her spirit continues to touch lives for generations to come. Every food drive, every backpack giveaway, every family we help, and every smile we create reminds me of her.
I truly believe that everything I’ve accomplished—from modeling to owning multiple businesses, operating Airbnb properties, dispatch companies, and building my nonprofit—has been influenced by the values she instilled in me. My goal is to continue making her proud while inspiring others to believe in themselves, work hard, and never stop chasing their dreams. At the end of the day, I hope my story shows people that no matter where you come from or what obstacles you face, with faith, perseverance, and determination, anything is possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://lillieshelpinghandsandmore.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modelmzonyx?igsh=MXFmb202ejZvZWRodg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr, https://www.instagram.com/lillieshelpinghandsandmore?igsh=d3M1aDk2dHRkYTNm&utm_source=qr
