This month’s First Friday Female Founder post features Eboni Creighton, who is an inspiration to all women, especially those mothering the next generation to be good contributors to society as well as those in the sandwich generation who are caring for our older relatives. It was at Amber Housley’s Bloom & Grow Live event back in November of 2019, right outside of Nashville, that I first met Eboni, and we connected quickly over our love of music, unable to stop moving, grooving and singing along to the energizing tunes Amber’s team kept playing. Y’all, I am constantly impressed by Eboni’s outlook on life, upbeat viewpoint (even amidst super challenging times) and focused persistence. She’s a master at the constant effort required to juggle work-life integration, and Eboni finds all the fun tips or tools to insert joy into the everyday of life. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

Meet Mrs. Cr8, Eboni Joi Creighton, from cr8joi. The equation behind her is powerful: Motherhood + Masters of Arts in Teaching + 15 years as an Elementary School Teacher = Mrs. Cr8, a Mommy Teacher Expert. Mrs. Cr8 loves sharing her expertise by providing moms with easy and practical ways to spark the joy of learning at home and throughout a child’s life. Find Mrs. Cr8's lifestyle content on the cr8joi.com blog and YouTube channel, where you can find inspiration to create joy where you live, love and learn. Mrs. Cr8 is on a mission to #cr8joi for herself and others. Count on her to share the joys of motherhood and homemaking with an educational twist. Plus, follow @mrs.cr8 on Instagram, sipping coffee daily, sharing tips and getting ready for each week with The Sunday Cr8joi Check-In, every Sunday on her IG stories at 8pm-ish.

Mrs. Cr8 is also a published children's book author with Granny Angel Butterfly: Butterflies Are Forever and Pop Pop's House. Her books can be purchased from the cr8joi.com shop or on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles stores. Both books are centered around grandparents and encourage us all to remember love.

First Friday Female Founder Feature: Eboni Creighton

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

I am Mrs. Cr8, Eboni Joi Creighton, the Mommy Teacher Expert from cr8joi, “create joy”. I have a lifestyle blog on cr8joi.com and cr8joi Youtube channel, where you can find inspiration to create joy where you live, love and learn.

I am on a mission to #cr8joi for myself and others. I do this by authentically sharing how I navigate the joys of motherhood and homemaking with an educational twist. Mom hacks + teaching tips + a good cup of coffee + Jesus always #cr8joi, right?!?

My content centers around mom life, home life and creative DIY’s across the blog, YouTube and Instagram.

Motherhood + a Masters of Arts in Teaching + 15 years as an Elementary School Teacher have made me a Mommy Teacher Expert. I love sharing my expertise by providing moms with easy and practical ways to spark the joy of learning at home.

I share my expertise in the following ways:

1-on-1 consulting: Mommies can pick my brain on what’s working and what’s not working with their children’s educational situation. I offer suggestions + resources during our video call. Each client also receives a follow up with a written doable action list post-call.

The Cr8joi Mommy Course: A hands-on curated experience designed to motivate and equip Moms with the tools they need to support their child’s unique learning experience. (Re-opens winter 2021.)

VIP Day: You will get my creative thinking brain all to yourself for the entire day. I will help you brainstorm, plot, and plan all the things- your personal Mommy Teacher Expert in your pocket! The mental load of motherhood is tough, I’m here to support with all the creative ideas and a fresh perspective. At the end of the day, you will have a customized doable plan of action that will #cr8joi.

Why did you start your company?

Initially, I started cr8joi thinking I would sell hand-made crafties. Things shifted when I launched my first children’s book. As I evolved, my cr8joi vision came into focus, a combination of motherhood and teaching as well as a place of inspiration and joy for others. Now, cr8joi encompasses the cr8joi blog, YouTube channel, The Cr8joi Mommy Course and 1-on-1 consultation services.

Cr8joi is a community, a movement, a lifestyle… We are just getting started.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

Honestly, I feel like I’m just getting into my groove, but the most beautiful part of my journey has been realizing that all my education, teaching experience and God-given gifts are coming together to help others. Not one thing has been a waste. Every piece was necessary to grow into Mrs. Cr8 and bring the cr8joi experience to life. Since I live my company mission, I am always seeking joy. I can’t think of anything better to work towards personally and professionally.

About what are you most proud?

I am most proud that my Daddy lived long enough to see some of my creative gifts in action. He always encouraged my Crayola adventures, donated rubber bands and paperclips for my cardboard robots, and purchased the wood for those things I never made. I am most proud that I was able to read him the book I dedicated to him while he was still here (Pop Pop’s House).

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

I am naturally organized. I strive to live and create in an inspired space. This also means a decluttered space. Although I am organized, I am sentimental and I like to collect all.the.things, too many things. The teacher in me likes to categorize things. The teacher in me also wants to save this and that for a future project. So I’m a constant work in progress to stay organized. I twirl laundry and attack my clutter piles daily. Everything has a home. This keeps things under control 90% of the time. The other 10% is a hot mess. I will say all my piles usually have a purpose. When this happens, I clear my plate and attack until things are back in order. A clean house with clean countertops will always #cr8joi.

I also believe that having the right attitude and mindset about the things I have to do is essential. I try to have an attitude of gratitude. Repeating “I get to do xyz” goes a lot farther than fussing. I’m usually adjusting my attitude while sipping coffee.

Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?

I can’t name one particular person, outside of my parents. I am a people person, and I have been blessed to meet and learn from so many people. I carry a bit of that goodness with me.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

Do what you can do. It’s finite, not infinite. Make a list and chunk it down. The worry is always worse than the deed. Digging in and making a dent will shift your attitude from overwhelmed to productive. Everything needs a home. Make a home for things that go with the flow of how you use them. Don’t wait until things are out of control. Clean up as you go (like cooking for example). Teach your children how to take care of themselves and show them how to do their share of household chores. Divide and conquer chores as a couple. Prepare what you can the day before. Life always requires more the day of.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

I am a paper planner and gel pen kind of a girl. I need to write it out to see it. Digital calendars are too clean, and I think I have more time than I actually do. So I stick to my paper planners.

Like most folks, my iPhone is my right hand. The notes app keeps me together. I keep several running lists in my notes app when my planner is not handy. I add them to my planner and wall-hung week-at-a-glance with scheduled Post-It notes later. I draft blog posts and emails and copy them from my notes app when I get to my laptop or desktop. The notes app is where it’s at for me.

How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

I like work / life efficiency and integration. It’s important to know there’s no such thing as balance. You are either doing one thing or another. Balance is an unrealistic expectation, though I think we are made to believe it’s tangible. I am constantly reminding myself of this.

One way I manage work/life integration as a mom is by having core routines and expectations.

I don’t play when it comes to laundry, The Sunday Cr8joi Check-in things, my daughter’s bedtime and my sacred AM coffee. I’m a fun Mommy, but I’m structured. My daughter knows my core expectations because I’ve taught her and I communicate them as needed. Core routines and expectations (like bedtime, how we clean up or what I expect when I’m working) make it possible to have work / life integration.

I also take full advantage of the times my family doesn’t want to be bothered with me. There are moments where everyone is tapped out from school or work, and those are the moments I capture as my alone time and my extra work time. I’m fully tuned into our family rhythm and so I can take advantage.

I believe in online grocery shopping. Amazon and Target pick-ups are my besties. I can use that shopping time on something else.

I do my best to set myself and my family up for success by taking time to think ahead. I’m a brainstormer, a to-do list maker and checker off-er. I think, I plan, and I do. I write it all down in one place so I don’t forget. Then, I actually do it. I don’t worry as much about what it is I have to do once it’s written down. I just do it. This is how I manage. (I write a lot. Lol)

About what causes are you most passionate?

I am passionate about disparities in education and systematic racism. Given my long, heartbreaking journey as a sandwich generation daughter, I am also passionate about senior care, memory loss as well as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s research.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

Sit down. Seriously. I tell myself, “It’s time to sit down!” Sometimes, after going and going, being still is not the first thing that comes to mind. I have a ‘mom chair.’ This is where I start my day with my morning routine of coffee and a devotional and light (sun or artificial). If I need to unwind, the mom chair is my go-to spot. My mind and body are trained to chill in this spot.

I’m currently falling in love with bedtime meditations.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

Don’t worry about the mule going blind, just load him up.

My Great Grandfather would say this. I know it’s a Southern quote with no known author. But, when the going gets rough, this quote always keeps things in perspective.

What is your go-to accessory?

I love a cute bracelet, something unique and fun. Arm candy will always #cr8joi.

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

My beauty fundamentals are simple: a clean, moisturized face, good concealer, mascara and a bold lip. The end.

What is your favorite food?

I like good food that is full of flavor with real ingredients. I’m a foodie so I can’t pick just one favorite.

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

I live in a very small town so I have only one in the town over: Ellen’s Bakery and Café in Sylvan Lake, Michigan. Everything there is delicious. The lobster bisque is my favorite. Their cakes and cookies not only look pretty but taste divine.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

Turks & Caicos is Heaven on earth. Just leave me at the beach. The crystal blue water and the skyline are simply indescribable. We stayed at Beaches, and I was blown away with their child care services. I was able to take a true break!

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

I don’t really have one. I like to change things up. Any non-scary good movie will do.

What is your favorite author / book?

I have a hard time picking one of anything. I’ve read too many good books. But, if I could only have one book, it would definitely be the Bible.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

I wish I could close my eyes and think it. Then, when I open my eyes, it is done.

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

You are skinny because your metabolism is in your favor. Find a physical hobby you like to do daily now. Your 30+ year-old self will thank you.

I would also tell my 21-year-old self that it’s okay to be all the things. You can create whatever you like. You are not confined to a box; you were created to live outside it. Change your mind in the direction of joy as many times as you need. And, girl, you do not want to be married straight out of college, LIVE!

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

Personally, I would love to lunch with my parents. I miss them both so much. I would ask them all the questions I somehow never asked while they were here. Adulting when your parents have passed on has a totally different meaning.

Professionally, I would love to have a long brunch chat with the following ladies:

Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart, B. Smith (deceased), Beyonce, Dolly Parton, Michelle Obama

I would love to hear their stories and insights on personal branding. I would love to know what decisions and actions propelled their successes into empires. What was the tipping point?

Isn’t Eboni Creighton simply amazing?!? I would love to hear who you would like to see featured in the future so please let me know if you think of anyone I should interview. I look forward to sharing more superstars with you.

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