Today, we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Combs. Ebony was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Tomea Coleman.
Ebony , can you walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In a world where success is often measured by followers, finances, material possessions, and accolades, I’ve learned to focus on the game of me versus me. If I can beat my self-doubt, insecurities, failures, and uncertainty I know I will win. My story is one of determination, perseverance, and a deep passion for my craft. I enjoy challenges and helping individuals and organizations break down issues into micro pieces and resolve them one phase at a time. It’s crazy that I have become a subject matter expert in the area of talent development and relationship building. It wasn’t on purpose. While I’ve been intentional about making the appropriate investments in those around me and the organizations I’ve grown fond of, being the fixer has always been my love language–not a thought I lent to being a professional possibility. My friends and family know who to call when they need a sounding board, a business BFF, or a strategy mapped out. It’s no different for the executives, the small business owners, or the brands I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside and championing their success. I realize the importance of influence and the power of connection. I have many talents but I also recognize I don’t know everything and some things are outside my wheelhouse, but I have solid resources I can lean on to get the job done. If you need it, I promise I know someone doing it and will connect you. I’ve been called the connector often. Everyone thinks that getting in one big room and introducing yourself with your ego is the key to your next opportunity or friendship, but they’re wrong. Im working on changing the narrative surrounding networking by reimaging the term to what I’ve coined as ‘netweaving™’ If we would take a step back and stop the what’s in it for me approach, but instead, think about what’s in it for us, we’d be more powerful, confident, financially secure, wiser, and unstoppable. With a background in Human Resources spanning over 15 years, I’ve gained invaluable knowledge and expertise in understanding the needs of individuals and organizations, specifically in the areas of learning and talent development, and company culture. I’m a firm believer that a company or brand’s workforce and its behaviors are a direct reflection of its leadership or lack thereof.
I have a no-nonsense approach to life and business, which encourages individuals to take ownership of their goals and push past self-imposed limitations. I am clear that I’m not everyone’s cup of tea. It has taken me a lot of bumps and bruises to arrive here, but now that I’m here, I’m not apologizing for it. I experienced a devastating loss in 2021 with the stillbirth of our daughter, Sage Ella. Her passing brought me to my knees, only to build me back up stronger and wiser. I then turned 40 last year and something even more magical happened to me. I stopped apologizing for not fitting in other people’s boxes. My faith and family come first in my world. I love my husband and what we’re building. My goal is to leave an indelible mark on my children and the countless lives I touch, encouraging others to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. I maintain an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed through speaking engagements and training where I can amplify my message while making a meaningful impact on the lives of countless individuals.
My consulting firm, Eight31, LLC, DBA Ebony D. Robinson, focuses on learning and talent development, and strategic planning for internal talent pipeline. Our focus is streamlining our client’s people operations and making encouraging them to make true investments in their employee population through professional development opportunities that interest them and benefit the company. We are driven by a brand’s ability to invest and retain their talent. One can only retain talent when talent feels valued, seen, and heard. We love fostering environments that every level of employees can enjoy, especially early career talent.
Let’s talk about your work and career – what else should we know?
I’m an HR veteran of over 15 years, serving in various capacities. I enjoy being a people advocate and doing what’s best for the people who make business successful. I understand the bottom line is essential to running a business, but there’s no bottom line without people or their passion for an organization. My consulting firm, Eight31, LLC, DBA Ebony D. Robinson, focuses on learning and talent development, and strategic planning for internal talent pipeline. Our focus is streamlining our client’s people operations and making encouraging them to make true investments in their employee population through professional development opportunities that interest them and benefit the company. We are driven by a brand’s ability to invest and retain talent. One can only retain talent when talent feels valued, seen, and heard. We love fostering environments that every level of employees can enjoy, especially early career talent. I want readers to know that I won’t compromise my integrity or sift my moral compass for a bottom line. I believe integrity and treating people right in the workplace while being a high-earning organization can coexist.
Tomea Coleman has been a great friend to us and I know you’ve got a great relationship as well. Maybe you can tell our audience a bit about Tomea and your experience with them.
What’s not to love about Tomea? We made the investment in hiring her for our wedding in 2018 and have been following her and telling everyone else about her since. Any time someone asks about a live performer and band, she’s my go-to. She is a gem, the consummate professional, and a generational talent. I might add that from our initial contact to the moment she and the band set up at our wedding – on a steamy August night in Texas, she was a joy to work with.
Tomea’s voice is so pure, likened to being angelic. Our guests thought it was a soundtrack and completely missed that she and the band were set up on the other side of the winery. She sang all of our ceremony music and her voice sounded better than the tracks themselves. She asked me what songs I wanted and learned them and sang the heavens down on each of them. My only regret about our perfect wedding day was not keeping her all night. I could’ve gone without our DJ and simply had her and the band all night long. She was just that good and worth every dime.
Overall, I highly recommend Tomea for any occasion, large or small. You won’t be disappointed. I’ve been contemplating what event I can host just to experience her again.
Website: www.ebonydrobinson.com
Instagram: hrauntie
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/robinsonebony
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eight31llc
Image Credits
Tavia Whitlowe
