Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Tate.
Hi Ebony, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in a humble upbringing in Willard, North Carolina, on a farm. Growing up in a small community and being surrounded by hard work, family, and a simple way of life really shaped who I am today. It taught me the value of perseverance, creativity, humility, and serving others. I attended James Sprunt Community College, where I earned my Associate’s degree in Pre-Psychology. In 2015, I moved to Raleigh to attend NC State University. While I began my studies there, my path took an unexpected but very meaningful turn. I decided to step away from school for a period of time to pursue my entrepreneurial and creative interests in makeup. That decision led me to build a brand called ELUVMakeup, where I was able to establish myself creatively and make a name for myself in the city through makeup artistry, beauty, and entrepreneurship. That chapter taught me so much about taking risks, believing in my abilities, connecting with so many different people, and creating something from the ground up. Eventually, I left Raleigh and moved to Durham, to finally complete my studies at North Carolina Central University. I recently completed my Bachelor of Science in Human Behavioral and Social Sciences, bringing me full circle in many ways. My educational journey, creative career, and upbringing have all given me different perspectives on people, relationships, creativity, leadership, and community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life and the word smooth in the same sentence are practically oxymorons to me (laughs). The road has definitely had its challenges and my journey has had many unexpected turns. In the midst of pursuing my early education, I became a mother at the age of 19. Navigating motherhood while trying to establish myself professionally and academically brought difficulties I hadn’t anticipated. I experienced tumultuous custodial circumstances that oftentimes brought me to my knees. This created seasons where I had to put my education on hold and start and stop my academic journey more than once. There were times when I questioned whether I would ever finish what I started. I had to learn how to balance being a mother, navigating personal challenges, working, pursuing entrepreneurship, and continuing to believe in my own potential even when life didn’t look the way I had planned.
A significant part of my life has been learning more about my son and, in the process, learning more about myself. My son was diagnosed with ADHD and autism, which led me to better understand how he experiences the world and how I could support him. Through that process, I also came to recognize that I am neurodivergent too. learning the thrive despite these conditions. What once felt like setbacks have ultimately become some of the experiences that shaped me the most. They taught me resilience, compassion, patience, adaptability, and the importance of giving myself grace. My journey may have taken longer and looked different than I originally imagined, but I never completely gave up on the person I knew I was capable of becoming.
So looking back, no. My path hasn’t necessarily been traditional or linear, but every chapter has shaped me into the person I am today. I’m grateful for the experiences. The good, the bad and the ugly because Romans 8:28 tells me that ALL things are working for good!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am looking to pursue a career in Counseling for families in the near future. Currently I wear several hats, as I dabble in makeup artistry, work as an office manager and site coordinator for the YMCA and manage the coffee shop called The Drip inside my church (The River Durham). Each of these roles speaks to a different part of who I am. Makeup allows me to express my creativity and bring joy and confidence to others, while my work with the YMCA, in administration, and at The Drip allows me to serve, lead, organize, and build relationships within my community. At the heart of all of them, I genuinely enjoy working with people and creating environments where people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. Hearing affirmation from the parents about how I’ve made a lasting impact in their child’s life or how my service at church helped soothe another’s pain has the power to bring me to tears every time. What sets me apart is the heart behind how I work. I have never pursued accolades, titles, money or status. Instead I operate in dependability and do my work as unto God. I try to approach everything I do as service rather than simply a job. My faith has taught me to do my work as unto God, which means I want to give my best even when no one is watching or applauding. I am most proud of my ability to keep showing up and serving well, regardless of the position or title attached to my name.
How do you think about happiness?
That’s a good question. (Smiles) What makes me happy is knowing God, having amazing and supportive family and friends surrounding me and creating positive, fun-filled moments with individuals I encounter in this life. I genuinely love people, and I love bringing people together, making them feel included, and creating experiences where everyone can have a good time and feel like they belong. I also find so much joy in serving and giving. I believe the peace, love, and joy that I’m able to pour into other people comes from God, and there’s something really fulfilling and heartwarming about pouring from a cup that the Lord filled for me.
Pricing:
- $80 for any makeup look (Durham NC)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebonyltate
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ebony.tate
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ebonyltate
