Eboni Montsho is the CEO of 360 HR Solutions, a human resources and business consulting firm. She is one of the co-authors of the book Dear Daddy: A Letter from a Successful Business Woman and host of the weekly radio show, Path 2 M.E.E. (Motivate, Encourage and Empower), on TabernacleRadio.org.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I was inspired to be included in this anthology because the title, Dear Daddy: A Letter from a Successful Business Woman, spoke to my soul. It said, even though I grew up without the parental structure set by society as normal, I still won. Growing up as a “secret child” of my biological father was very emotionally scarring. I constantly found myself trying to figure out what was wrong with me and why I was the rejected one. It was time for me to tell my story — all of it — in a way that would help readers resolve issues of self-doubt, unworthiness, teenage parenting, sexual abuse and rejection.
Do you have a specific writing style?
My writing style is a mixture of narrative and self-help. In my life, I have experienced so many trials from which I’ve learned valuable lessons. It is my goal to continue to provide books that will inspire, encourage and motivate others to challenge their limits. As I grow as an author, I will provide my readers with anecdotes and key principles to apply to their lives.
What books have most impacted your life (or life as an author)?
As a child, the most impactful book I read was The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper. I read this book every evening with my mother when I came home from school because it motivated me to never give up and to continue to strive for goals that seemed impossible. “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can” is the line that continues to resonate with me still today. In my adult life, the most impactful book I would have to say is the Bible. Whenever I feel tested or defeated, I can always find a story that strengthens my faith muscle. The story of Job is one of my all-time favorites because it is a constant reminder that there is nothing impossible for God to handle.
What books are you currently reading? Why this author?
I am currently reading two books. [One of them is] Believe Bigger: Discover the Path to Your Life Purpose by Marshawn Evans Daniels. This author has a very similar writing style to mine. She uses the most devastating moments in her life to ignite a flame of purpose and courage in others. The other book I am reading is Colliding with Destiny: Finding Hope in the Legacy of Ruth by Sarah Jakes Roberts. She is resilient and has lived through some of the same lessons of shame that I have. She too had her first child at age 14 but did not allow that hurdle to hinder her. Pastor Roberts epitomizes “unstoppable” and continues to encourage all readers to embrace their past and become who God has designed them to be.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything about your latest work?
Not at all. The restoration I have received is something I would not have thought possible. I am finally released from the hurt of my past. The wounds are healed, and I am no longer bound by self-doubt. As women, we look for happiness and joy in every place but within. Writing this book forced me to meditate on what my true purpose was. I discovered that I could not help others on their journey of self-actualization until I opened my mind to release hurt and cultivated my heart to forgive.
What was the hardest part of completing this project?
The hardest part of completing this project was awakening the pain that was buried in my subconscious mind. For me to be completely transparent, I had to relive the memories of the past. In addition, I knew I would have to deal with comments, questions and negative talk from others. Did I change my mind about this project? Of course, I did. The real question is, “How many times?” It was a week to the date that my portion of the book was due to the editor, and I remember telling my mother I had changed my mind. She listened to me and all the many excuses I gave for why I could not complete the project. Very softly, yet with conviction and power, she said, “Writing this book is not about you.” Well, that put a quickening in my spirit to complete what I had been destined to do. Fulfilling my purpose was just beginning.
What is the mission you set out to accomplish with your voice in this book?
My mission is to stimulate readers through my inspirational story to have a champion mindset. I aim to have them recognize that they were fearfully and wondrously made just for this — this situation, this problem, this trial, etcetera. Ultimately, I speak with the intention of being the catalyst for transformational change for others.
A great book has what?
A great book has a storyline that is relatable because it allows the reader to personally build a connection with the characters. Additionally, it sparks emotions that keep you desiring to know the end of the story. Lastly, a great book has a compelling story that makes you analyze your views and perceptions.
