
In this Social Media Decoded episode, beauty industry leader, author, and business coach Ebony N. Stroder breaks down how to build a profitable, values-aligned brand without niching down. She shares real frameworks for juggling multiple passions, marketing different offers without confusing your audience, and creating systems that keep you visible (and paid) across diversified income streams
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A
Is it time to reimagine your future? The right business skills may make a difference in your career. At Capella University, we offer a relevant education that's designed to focus on what you need to know in the business world. We'll teach professional skills to help you pursue your goals, like business management, strategic planning, and effective communication. And you can apply these skills right away. A different future is closer than you think with Capella University. Learn more at Capella. Edu.
B
Hello, everyone, and welcome back to the Social Media Decoded podcast. The number one podcast to help you understand social media better so that you grow your business, get more clients, and monetize. And if you've ever been pressured to niche down, then today is the episode for you, friend. Because if you knew deep down inside that you have too many talents to fit into one box, I'm telling you, today is for you. You know that this is how I feel, right? Today, I am speaking to my friend. I feel like we've been knowing each other for years. We met online. I'm talking to my girl, Ebony. She's joining us. And she is a powerhouse, a beauty industry expert, an entrepreneur, business coach, author, and the ultimate definition of multi passion. Okay, so she's here to break down that myth that you have to pick one thing and show up. We can show up confidently, all while doing all the things that we love and be able to thrive in business. So grab your notebook. You already know, because today's episode is about to be a masterclass on creating a diversified brand without losing your mind. Ebony, welcome to the show. How are you doing today, girl?
C
I am doing amazing. How are you, my Libra sister?
B
Yes, girl, I am good, y'. All. Me and Ebony have been knowing each other online. We met on Facebook, and, like, we just been keeping in touch, interacting each other's content.
C
I see you, girl. Like, we just vibing like, I've known you for years already.
B
Yes. And so I'm definitely excited about today's conversation. So let's dive into it. I know you have been in the game for 20 years, okay. And you've never niched down. What gave you even the confidence to embrace all of your passions instead of just picking one?
C
So for me, I feel like it's always been a thing. Even going back to elementary, the gifted and talented program, and then just growing up around my village, nobody has ever just done one thing. So my dad is an electrical engineer by degree. He can work on computers. He has a computer business. He's taught math. You know, I just come from A family where everybody has more than one thing that they do. And so for me, it's embraced in my, you know, living my village, but I didn't realize how many people did not have that type of upbringing. And so that's kind of how it's happened for me. I've never niched down or felt comfortable niching down because I didn't grow up seeing people do that. And so that's kind of, that's kind of been what has kind of helped help me continue to push for it. It also can be a struggle sometimes because you end up in spaces where people do not understand that. And they do tell you, like, you need to just pick one thing. And so I've been uncomfortable doing it in my journey, but I've also still remained the course. Like it always takes me back to that. I guess I'm a non conformist in a sense.
B
No, that's good girl, because no, we can't. Like, if you are super multi passionate, it's really hard, right, to say, okay, I have all these things and I just want to stick to one. You don't have to. And you're showing people that you don't have to. You can be a hairstylist, you can be a, a coach, you can do podcasting, you can do speaking, you can do events, you could do all of it. We're both actually showing y' all that we could do this because I definitely have this podcast, I'm a speaker, I do events, I do retreats, I have a digital marketing agency, I'm writing a book, I have a website, I have a blog, YouTube.
C
And I bet you are. I bet you're happy. I bet you're happy.
B
That's the happy thing, right? We want to be happy and fulfilled.
C
Yes.
B
And so, so many entrepreneurs do feel like this, that they should niche down to be successful. But what's your response to that and how has being multi passionate worked in your favor?
C
I think everyone's definition of success is different. So that's like where we have to start. You know, success for me means doing what I love, loving what I do, and flexibility and freedom. That's what success is for me. To be able to just do what I love and not feel stifled. And so how it's worked for me, honestly, like I've told people before, it hasn't worked for me. Some of it has been rebellion and just kind of just having a relentless belief in myself and just still just trying to learn how to navigate that where I'm not necessarily just throwing Things up in the air, hoping they stick, or doing everything at one time where it's chaotic, but just learning a good cadence for myself because that is what helps me thrive is to be able to do this thing and that thing. And I just, you know, have learned in my seasons where I did just choose one thing, how uncomfortable and unhappy that made me. And so that's how I just determine what success looks like for me, is to just be happy doing the things that I love. And then the money just comes. It's not even something I have to chase. When I'm in alignment and just doing the things that I love it, it flows to me better instead of me niching down.
B
This is so good because when you do what you love, it will just flow to you. And I want to say you can have like similar things, like all of my stuff, the things that I do are like kind of surrounding each other, Right. Helping women in business and marketing and things like that. So you could have multiple things. It could be within the same like area, umbrella area.
C
Yep.
B
Different things, right?
C
Yep. And it'd be different things. Some like, like the word says, your gifts will make room for you. So if you're only operating in one of your gifts and room is being made for you, you're passing up opportunities, you're holding up people that are divinely aligned to you, you're holding up, I feel you're holding up, you know, God's plan, your divine plan, when you decide to just say, I'm only going to do one thing. Now, I do believe there are people that are created that way and they do thrive that well. But for those people that find themselves with all these different gifts and talents and just super uncomfortable, super disorganized, but know there's more for them to do, I feel like that fits those people and the only way they will thrive is to just touch the graces of some of their ideas. Because everything is not intended to be a business. Something is a hobby. Some things may be a hobby. Something may just be something you need to do for that season to just get it out of your system. And so you just, you just really have to be a little rebellious. But like I said, know what work, know, like know what works for you and get around people that are like you like, I think that also helps. So when you get around other people that are creative like that, it makes sense. When you're around a bunch of people that are niche specific and very linear and logical, there's nothing wrong with them. It's just sometimes it's hard for you guys to understand each other. Cause I don't think there's more than one way to do anything. It's just making sure you're doing what works for you while someone else is working for doing what works for them.
B
You know, no, that's good. And that's leading into the next thing I want to talk about because you said something that was very important. Organization. Someone who is multi passionate has multiple things. You build multiple businesses. You have a product line. You even do international coaching. So what's the strategy for managing all of these ventures without burning out? Because I hear so many people say I'm super multi passionate. But how do I do all of these things without burning out?
C
Well, I have burned out before, doing all the things which did help me better become better organized as experiencing what burnout is and how to reverse that. And so what I learned after I burnt out and sat still for a while, set some things to the side. If I had the opportunity to approach this going forward. Like, how do I want to approach this? And that's when I came up with. With just reminding myself. I tell my clients, and I always tell myself this too. Is it the right timing for this? Is it the right season for this? And is it divinely aligned with what you're supposed to be doing right now? And so that's always what I try to do when I'm approaching a new idea. And sometimes when I write things down and just release the idea and put it in a notebook, after I ask myself those three questions, if it's the right time and season alignment, I'll press go. If it's not. That doesn't mean that I can't do it ever. It just means not right now. We sit it to the side, we focus on what we're focusing on until it's time to do that thing. Like, you'll. You'll know. Cause oftentimes, if you're in alignment, it'll literally allow you to segue into the next thing. That's kind of. That's kind of how I. I stay focused. It's just keep keeping those three questions to help me stay grounded and centered when I get another idea. Cause I'm always getting ideas.
B
We get ideas every five seconds. Yeah, we get ideas today.
C
Yeah. Creatives get ideas day after day, like minute after minute.
B
And so that's good too, because a lot of people struggle with even marketing multiple offers. Now let's get into the marketing about this, right? That's what y' all here for, right? Without confusing their audience. So how do you even balance branding when you have so many different things going on?
C
Well, have. Within the last 20 years, I am someone that has. My face has always been attached to my brand. So because I am the brand, I think that has always helped me be able to do multiple things because I am my brand. So that's. First things first. So I have people that started out as a hair client that have bought earrings for me that I made, brought sweatshirts that I've made, purchased a custom wig that I've made, and then taken a coaching session and came to a live event. But I think it's because within me being the brand, I have built a platform for myself where people feel like they know me, they can trust me. And I think, you know, just working in excellence and not just doing anything at any given time, I allow myself to deliver quality products. And so I think that just personal brand trust is what allows me to be able to market different offers. But when it's time to. It's time to mark multiple offers in one time. I work from separate platforms, so I don't. I segment email lists. I don't merge everything together. Um, I have separate Instagram pages. Have separate. I have a separate. I did have a separate Facebook page. I'm not on Facebook right now, but I had separate page Facebook pages. I have two separate websites for specific things. So everything is not just meshed together like some of our closets, you know, because you know how it is when you got a lot of wardrobe because everything's all in one space and you can't see what you have going on. I try to keep things as organized as possible and separate. And I just try to keep a good cadence. Again, like, if I am working on a specific thing, it may just be for that season. That doesn't mean I'm doing it all year. And so I've trained people to know when to look for specific offers from me. But I think that took a lot of time and also a lot of redoing because there was. Where everything was a mess and merging together. And that is when I burnt out.
B
Woo. We can burn out. And you don't want to do that. And I was wondering why I haven't seen you on Facebook. Okay. Because you're not on Facebook right now. Because I was like, I ain't seen my girl posting.
C
Okay, girl, My page. My page got dismantled. I don't know.
B
Oh, man.
C
Yeah, it's okay.
B
We're going to pray about it.
C
The good thing about it, people have been finding me. Everything's been working just fine, so. Right.
B
Cause you everywhere else, right?
C
Yeah. Like, you just got to keep it pushing. I haven't even had time to create another one because I'm too busy embracing other platforms.
B
Exactly. And we've been on threads, and that's how we. Yeah, we've been on threads. Exactly. We done been on Threads. So this is. I know you listened to this podcast. You heard me talk about Thread and how many of the episodes, friend. So it is time for you to now get serious about Threads. Okay? That is how I'm getting all these podcast interviews. That's how I'm getting speaking engagements, clients, people to come to my event. You know, I sold three tickets yesterday to my event from Threads.
C
Threads is where it's at. I'm trying to tell you.
B
I'm trying to tell y'. All.
C
It's a vibe over there if you use it. Right? Yeah.
B
And I'm almost at 10,000 followers. So go ahead. If you follow me on Instagram, just go ahead to that little, you know, little thread thingy. Press that and follow me on threads, too. Okay? So. And if you're loving this podcast episode, make sure that you follow me on Instagram and follow the podcast. Michelle lthames and at social media Decoded Pod. Now let's talk about the decisions on when to make a passion, you know, a hobby, or should we make money from it? Let's talk about that. How do you decide what you're gonna make a passion or it's just gonna be fun. And what is gonna monetize?
C
Okay, so I'm a firm believer in brain dumping, because. And I keep a journal on me anyway in my purse or in my car. Like, I just have journals, and so I'm always getting ideas. I believe in writing things down, so putting them in my phone, it'll get lost. So I'm a firm believer in writing things down. And then sometimes I get overwhelmed with my thoughts and ideas. And so that's when a brain dump comes in. So when I start writing all the thoughts in my head and looking at what I'm trying to do, sometimes when you see it on paper and if you're really, you know, I'm saying in tune with yourself and, you know, don't mind doing self checks, your writings will tell you like, that don't even make sense, you know, but it doesn't mean not ever. Some things are actually even ideas for other people that you meet. Because I've learned that, that some things that I wrote down I'm like, why did I write that down? And I'm like, oh, my gosh. Like, I end up with a coaching client. I'm like, this was for you. This wasn't for me. But brain dumping helps me understand if I need to actually do something just to release it as a creative project. It helps me understand the value of each thing, each idea, if it does need to be monetized and if it doesn't need to be monetized. But like I said, those brain dumps give me a lot of clarity and help me see if it even is aligning with what I said I was going to do. Because again, sometimes it's just a matter of just getting it out your system. And I have had ideas that are just seasonal projects, and it was something I was supposed to do in that season, and it did really, really well for that season. And then my customers let me know if they wanted more of that. But the fact that I did it, I felt good. I didn't keep forcing it. You know, I had a great launch. I had a great campaign with it. I set it to the side and moved on to the next thing. And I think sometimes as entrepreneurs and creatives, sometimes we don't know when to let our babies go and go from the nest, or we just. We just hold on to every single thing and don't know how to let go or sit it to the side. And that's kind of my process with that. Writing things down, looking at it, seeing if it makes sense. And again, self kind of tells me a lot of times, like, girl, not right now, you know, but it takes time. It takes a lot of writing. It takes a desire to want to be organized as well, because I am naturally creative, scatterbrained. But I do a lot of writing and organizing to help me make things make sense.
B
We are. So, look, I have a lot of. I want everybody to know. I always have a lot of thoughts in my head. It's like this. Oh, you could do that. And then this, and then this. Ooh, you gotta do that. Don't forget to do this. Don't do that. And then, like, you should look. Look at this. Like, she's saying, writing all the things.
C
That's. That's what my note. What you have is what I do. Literally, I have those by my.
B
I gotta do all of this today, y'. All. If you can see this on YouTube, I gotta do all of this.
C
And it ain't all cute and perfect. It's just. You get it out of your head. So you can look at it and see, like, okay, do I have the capacity to do this? Should I be doing this? Girl, that don't even make sense. Like. Cause why are you trying to do dog clothes? Like, what? You know, you have to be honest with yourself sometimes. Like, why are you doing dog clothes? Just because you did sweatshirts? They don't even go right now. And you. You know, you have to be honest with yourself sometimes. And I think I try to be honest with, like, the people I coach to. To let them know, hey, I still struggle with random thoughts and stuff, not making sense. And we have to look at things and be honest with ourselves and make sure. Like I said, it goes back to being at the right time, making sure it's the right season. And capacity, too. I always say capacity, because do you even have the energy for this? Like, girl, you wanna throw an event, and it ain't even about losing weight to look good in your clothes. Are you in shape? Cause you might have to run down the hallway. Like, do you. Are you ready for what you're really saying? You know, you have to have honest conversations with yourself. And so I try to be honest with the people I coach because I'm not perfect at this. It's a. It's a daily walk. But I think through my transparency is what makes people comfortable with knowing, like, it's okay to want to do more than one thing. We just got to learn how to better juggle them so we can actually see the fruits of our labor.
B
Now. This is good, y'.
C
All.
B
I hope y' all had y' all pens and notepads out and y' all been taking notes because this is so good. But I know we could talk all day about being multi passionate, which we both are. And I'm so glad I found someone who's multi passionate. We don't got stick to one thing. I'm gonna come up with something new every day if I. And if I love to do it, and I wanna make money from it, cool. Same with you. Do not let people stop you from doing that. And one thing I wanna talk about before we head out is showing up confidently online, because some people may not be able to do that, right? You have such a strong personal brand, and so I would love if you would share the top three tips to help you that help you show up so confidently online.
C
This is gonna sound funny, but one of my tips is to take breaks so then I can enjoy doing it. So I'm not a. I'm not a poster. Poster, poster, poster, poster. Every single day. And if I'm preparing for a launch and I know I have to relentlessly show up and talk about the same thing, no matter who likes it, before I do the launch. I give myself kind of two weeks. I might just put stuff in my stories. I might kind of get quiet a little bit just because I'm really preparing so I can finish the entire launch and campaign to the very end. So I take breaks. That's my first tip. Showing up confidently. A lot of times I like to just get online and look with no makeup on because I don't want people to feel like I'm always going to be on. And I know that a lot of times people think that it should be the opposite, that you should be pulled together and polished. And I'm all for that. But I just. In order for me to show up, I think I try to do more days without makeup. So that doesn't stifle me if. If, you know, I'm not all the way polished, I can still confidently talk about whatever I'm going live for, whatever I'm talking in my stories for. And I think people actually appreciate that because they're not really looking at my makeup, my lashes or whatever. They're just hearing what I have to say. That's the second thing that keeps me confident, is being regular. And then the third thing I would say that keeps me confident is just being clear on who I'm talking to. I don't feel like when I do do content, I'm clear on who I'm showing up for. So that makes me know who I'm talking to for whatever offer, and that helps me confidently show up. If I get one person that liked it, I'm good with that because I know who I'm doing it for. I know my target audience before I do each thing, and I think that's what keeps me, again, confidently showing up. Sometimes I think we think everybody's gonna like our stuff, and sometimes the stuff that we work really hard on don't even get the most engagement. Those are my. Those. I would say those are my three things.
B
That was so good. I hope y' all had again, y' all pins and notepads out. Because today has been such a masterclass for someone who is multi passionate. Okay. And I just want to say, Ebony, this has been such an incredible conversation. I know that there are people in my audience that feel so seen right now. Where can they connect with you to shop your products to get more information? Let us know where we can find you.
C
You can find me on Instagram and threads under Multi passionate Ebony. So that's multi passionate and then E, B, O, N Y, all one word. I've also been on TikTok too. I forgot. I just started making sure my content went over there. So I'm on Tik Tok too, under multi passionate Ebony. And then if you want to see anything hair related, my Instagram is Hair by E Styles. And over there you'll see more like beauty content of my wigs and the clients I actually work on in my private membership. And then you'll see me traveling because I travel to do hair, but that's where you can pretty much find me. And then if you know my websites are on there, all that links are on there. But yeah, that's where I'm at.
B
No, that it's. That was perfect. And we will make sure to put all ebony's information down below in the show notes so you can check it out. Thank you so much, Ebony, for coming on today.
C
Thank you for having me, Michelle.
B
Yes. I'm so glad we finally connect like on Zoom. Well, we're not on Zoom. Y' all know I'm, I'm on Riverside, the best platform to start your podcast. If you want to learn more about Riverside, you already know I have an affiliate link as well. But Riverside is a great tool. That's where we are connecting right now. This is how you are watching the video, if you're watching on YouTube as well. But this is our first time connecting. So if you have friends on social media that you meet, meet them, do a podcast episode with them, connect with them. Okay? You see how I bring on the people that I love to connect with on social media, and that's why these episodes are so good. I bring on the best guests. Okay. And the best people to give you the tea. All right? So if you love this episode, make sure again that you share it on Instagram. Tag usult, Ebony and Michelle L. Thames at the social media decoded pod. Okay, screenshot this. If you love something from today's episode and let us know if you are ready to ditch the pressure and fully embrace your multi passionate nature. All right, y', all, you know I love you all and I will talk to you all in the next one. Peace.
A
Is it time to reimagine your future? The right business skills may make a difference in your career. At Capella University, we offer a relevant education that's designed to focus on what you need to know in the business world. We'll teach professional skills to help you pursue your goals like business management, strategic planning, and effective communication, and you can apply these skills right away. A different future is closer than you think with Capella University. Learn more at Capella Eduardo.
Episode: “The ‘Niche Down’ Lie: How Being Multi-Passionate Becomes Your Superpower”
Host: Michelle Thames
Guest: Ebony N. Stroder
Date: August 25, 2025
This episode challenges the widely accepted advice in entrepreneurship to “niche down.” Host Michelle Thames and guest Ebony N. Stroder—a beauty industry expert, entrepreneur, business coach, and embodiment of the multi-passionate entrepreneur—dismantle the myth that business success requires focusing on just one thing. Ebony shares her personal journey and strategies for embracing, balancing, and monetizing diverse passions without succumbing to burnout or confusion.
Ebony on Defining Success:
“Success for me means doing what I love, loving what I do, and flexibility and freedom… When I'm in alignment… it flows to me better instead of me niching down.” (04:19 – 05:35)
Ebony on Holding Space for Your Gifts:
“Your gifts will make room for you. So if you're only operating in one of your gifts… you’re holding up people that are divinely aligned to you, you’re holding up…your divine plan, when you decide to just say, I’m only going to do one thing.” (05:56)
Ebony on Burnout and Alignment:
“I have burnt out before doing all the things... What I learned after I burnt out... Is it the right timing for this? Is it the right season for this? Is it divinely aligned?” (07:57)
Ebony on Clarity and Brain Dumping:
“Brain dumping helps me understand if I need to actually do something just to release it as a creative project. It helps me understand the value of each thing, if it does need to be monetized and if it doesn't need to be monetized.” (13:10)
On Being Real Online:
“I like to just get online and look with no makeup on because I don’t want people to feel like I’m always going to be on… That keeps me confident, is being regular.” (17:59)
Michelle and Ebony clearly communicate that being multi-passionate isn’t a flaw but a superpower—if managed with clarity, self-awareness, and authenticity. Their conversation offers permission and a practical blueprint to reject the “niche or die” mentality and instead build both a fulfilling and profitable brand around all your talents, provided you are honest with yourself, stay organized, and remain true to your audience.
Where to find Ebony N. Stroder:
Host: Michelle Thames
Podcast: Social Media Decoded Pod
If you enjoyed this episode, share it on Instagram, tag Michelle and Ebony, and let your community know it’s okay to be multi-passionate!