Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Jean.
Hi Ebony, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a beauty influencer, model, and advocate for alopecia awareness. At the age of 4, I was diagnosed with Alopecia Universalis, the most severe case of Alopecia Areata. AU is a common autoimmune skin disease that causes complete body hair loss. Throughout my youth, I was bullied for my appearance and experienced socially uncomfortable situations. But while competing in pageants in 2016, at age 25, alopecia awareness became my platform and I began advocating on the national level with an organization. Additionally, I became a content creator and makeup artist while working in beauty retail sales in 2017. Alopecia includes eyebrow hair loss; I’ve taught eyebrow tutorials through YouTube videos, in-person workshops, and as a makeup artist in retail. Social media allowed me to share passions for beauty and advocacy. From makeup to fragrance, and from educating about hair loss, I’m grateful to share my heart with others.
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?
As a beauty influencer, and someone with Alopecia Universalis for 31 years, I’ve experienced adversity on both sides. My road hasn’t been smooth. Throughout this hair loss journey, I was bullied for my appearance by children and some adults, including educators. This affected my confidence and ability to make friends. Serving as my biggest advocate, my mom met with each school I attended to educate everyone about AU, and made sure I received an education like everyone else. Additionally, I’ve dealt with other health conditions, therefore being hospitalized through my youth. With a career in content creation, I’ve experienced several discouraging moments due to a lack of support and online viewers making fun of my appearance. It can be tough at times, but I am reminded that I am beautiful, not to compare myself to others, to enjoy and share the gifts, knowledge, and talents that God has blessed me with.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
While I am apart of the beauty space, people mainly know me for my advocacy. Over the past decade, I’ve been blessed to travel to Washington D.C., advocating with the alopecia areata community on Capitol Hill. Although we educate all year round, September is Alopecia Awareness Month. This is a special time to uplift and celebrate each other, while informing the public on how they can support (i.e. attending support groups and events, donating money for research, etc).
What I am most proud of, is overcoming my obstacles surrounding this condition. Overtime, people have talked about and shamed me for being bald and wearing wigs. Hair loss is challenging no matter the age. There were times I did not have confidence or liked looking at myself in the mirror. But with faith, love, and support from family and close friends, I began to heal, and learned to accept myself. What sets me apart from others is my bald look. Some people think this is stylistic, when I am simply embracing my beauty. Hair does not define anyone. As I continue to challenge society’s perspectives, I refuse to let the opinions of others control how I view myself.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For a long time, I did not see anyone who looked like me. Since the reveal of my alopecia story, I’ve been blessed with an incredible community of people I look up to. While I am a mentor, each day, I am learning from my mentors and peers on how to overcome hair loss; and staying connected to people and resources. Representation matters and relatability is key; especially in today’s world of influencing. If you are seeking to grow your social media, or looking for a community whom you can heal and overcome adversity with, connection and networking makes the difference. Connecting with an organization or find people on social media whom you can learn from and grow.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theebonyjean
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ebonyjean
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/theebonyjean
