Meet Ebony Alston

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ebony Alston. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ebony, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I didn’t learn resilience, I had to survive to get it.

I became a mother as a teenager. That alone forced me to grow up fast and protect something bigger than myself, before I even fully understood who I was.

On top of that, I was the scapegoat in my family. Constantly misunderstood. Blamed. Left out. That kind of isolation teaches you to either fold or find your own voice when no one else claps for you.

Then there’s death. I’ve lost people I love in a short period of time. When that kind of grief hits early, it changes your wiring. You stop waiting for life to be fair and start learning how to stand back up every time it’s not.

So where does my resilience come from?
It comes from pain. From pressure. From being handed hard things too early—
…and turning them into strength anyway.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the founder and creative force behind 83 Blvd, a luxury-meets-real-life pet fashion brand. What started with a simple love for my own dogs became a bold movement redefining what it means to be a stylish pet parent. We don’t just sell clothes, we create an experience. From streetwear-inspired hoodies to breed-specific collections like Dog Breed Gang University, every piece is designed with personality, pride, and edge.

What makes 83 Blvd special is how much heart is behind it. Every drop is rooted in storytelling, in honoring the bond between pets and their people, especially the ones who’ve overcome a lot to build beautiful lives together. I’ve been through losses, career pivots, and full-on reinventions. This brand reflects that journey meaningful, and full of style.

Right now, we’re gearing up for a major drop: Breed Gang University hits December 12th. It’s more than fashion—it’s a whole energy. Think: collegiate petwear with a luxury twist, made for the dogs (and owners) who walk in like they run the place.

And trust me they do.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Resilience – Life didn’t hand me a map, so I had to build the road myself. Losing people I loved, becoming a teen mom, and being labeled the “scapegoat” in my own family could’ve broken me. But resilience taught me how to bend without folding. If you’re early in your journey, know this: the bounce-back matters more than the breakdown.

Creative Problem-Solving – When you don’t have the budget, the team, or the blueprint, you learn how to figure it out anyway. I taught myself design, branding, and marketing because I couldn’t afford to hire help. That scrappy creativity turned into one of my greatest business assets. Just start. You’ll learn more by doing than waiting.

Self-Belief – Nobody can believe in your vision harder than you. There were seasons where no one clapped, but I kept going because I knew what I was building was worth it. For anyone just getting started: protect your confidence. Surround yourself with people and routines that remind you who you are.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is someone who treats their pet like family because to them, their dog isn’t just a dog. They value individuality, quality, and bold self-expression. They’re not afraid to match their pup’s energy or outfit, and they love turning heads when they walk in a room (or a dog park). They care about style, but also substance. They want pieces that feel custom, luxe, and made with intention—not just something mass-produced.

The perfect client for 83 Blvd doesn’t just want to “buy something cute” they’re joining a lifestyle. They want their pet to feel seen, loved, and just as extra as they are. And honestly? I live for that kind of energy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.83blvd.com
• Instagram: 83blvd.pets
• Facebook: 83blvdpets