Eboni Stiff is a remarkable woman whose life story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of reinvention. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Eboni's early life was shaped by the strength of her family and the value they placed on education. This foundation set her on a path that would see her overcome immense personal challenges to become a successful entrepreneur, real estate broker, and author. As an entrepreneur, Eboni understands the importance of representation and using her platform to inspire others. She continues to break barriers and shatter stereotypes, proving that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a passion for making a positive impact.
Hi, Eboni. Thank you for taking the time to chat with me. Tell our readers a about yourself.
My name is Eboni Stiff. I am 42 years old, two biological children and I live in the Tampa, Florida area. I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. After high school I decided to further my education at the University of South Florida in the field of Social Work. After college graduation, I remained in Tampa and it became my new home. After working as a social worker with a Bachelor’s Degree for five years, I wanted to earn more income so I went to graduate school and earned my Master Degree in Social Work from Barry University in Miami, Florida. While enjoying motherhood for the second time at 28 years old, I discovered a lump in my breast. I was diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer. My treatment would last for the next ten years. My treatment plan consisted of many surgeries, a mastectomy, reconstruction, chemo, radiation and hormonal therapy. During this time I could not work a normal job, so I started my Bail Bonds Company. This decision allowed me to work from home, meet the needs of several families, and receive the necessary treatments on time. Near the end of my treatment, I decided to become a real estate agent, initially to help family members with their tasks. After two years of being a sales associate, I decided to obtain my broker’s license so that I am not limited in any way. Almost two years ago, I found myself fighting another battle, medical malpractice. I was within hours of losing my life and I am thankful to God that I am here today. The lack of interest in attorneys to take my case prompted me to become an author and write about my experience of being an African-American woman in America overcoming medical malpractice and no one seems to care. Speak Now Never Hold Your Peace was born.
What motivated you to pursue a career in social work and later transition into real estate and entrepreneurship?
My mother motivated me to pursue a career in social work. She worked as a social worker in my youth and I admired how people loved when she would come around. I embodied her kindness and willingness to give selfishly of herself to others in need. Transitioning into entrepreneurship was actually forced on me from my diagnosis of breast cancer at the age of 28. I had to leave my job because my body could not sustain working and rigorous treatments. I had to figure out a way to make money to provide for my children, while being at home with my own schedule. Transitioning to real estate came from the same passion as social work, wanting to help others. Family members were asking me to help them with task and I had no idea how to help them because I did not know the real estate laws. Therefore, I secretly took the class and the test to become a Florida Licensed Real Estate Agent and now a Florida Real Estate Broker.
Can you share some of the key challenges you faced as an entrepreneur and how you overcame them?
The key challenges I faced as an entrepreneur was lack of support from people I thought would support the most, lack of funds and being a woman. The bail bonds field is male dominated and coming in as a young woman was very difficult. My Some family members and friends thought I was losing my mind, so there was no support from some of them. It takes money to make money. I had very little funds to do anything. My mother, father, bonus father and ex-husband believed in every dream I had and helped as much as they could to help fund my businesses.
You’ve mentioned that your faith and support system were crucial during difficult times. Can you elaborate on how these elements played a role in your healing and success?
In my book, “Speak Now Never Hold Your Peace, there is a Chapter called the “Valley”. During that moment, I knew it was just me and God, nobody else. I had conversations, I received revelations and confirmation that I was going to be healed. After I prayed about it, I had to let it go and let God.
My support system allowed me to be sick. I know that sounds insane but that was the most crucial part to my healing. They didn’t push me too hard or too fast, they allowed me to recover at the rate that I needed to. They also believed me and followed my instructions, every time I said I was in pain, that saved my life.
Being healthy allowed me to be successful.
For more on Eboni Stiff or to connect, visit iwillspeaknow.com or emailing her directly at ebonitheauthor@gmail.com.
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