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Twelve years ago, Ebony Ssali took an entrepreneurial risk. With a blossoming career in advertising, graphic design and academia, she launched her own branding firm. Ssali Media was the summation of her interest in advertising, creative design and marketing. Recently rebranded as Glyph Global Creative, Ssali continues to expand creative brands regionally and nationally. “In Milwaukee, when you look at marketing and advertising for people of color, I knew that there was a gap where I could have a voice,” Ssali says. “I knew I could enact change and deliver consistent quality work, and I’ve seen that come to fruition with every project I’ve done.”
Glyph Global Creative has worked with many Milwaukee organizations. Ssali has spearheaded branding for projects including neighborhood business improvement districts, like Villard Avenue, where she grew up, Historic Martin Luther King Drive and the city’s annual Bronzeville Week celebration. She also works with private companies on creative direction. “Milwaukee is now on the national and even international map,” she says. “People are really starting to understand that we have great talent here. Our voices are being heard. As our city is getting that spotlight, I want to keep expanding it and hear from other people with different backgrounds. That’s how we continue to grow the magic of Milwaukee – more voices, more inclusion, more perspectives.”
“I love turning the blank page into something magical.”
– Ebony Ssali
Q&A
Could you share some of the accomplishments you’re most proud of?
I’ve been able to brand so many neighborhoods in Milwaukee. One was Villard Avenue, where I grew up. I have a passion for it, so now to put a logo and brand to that neighborhood is everything to me. And then King Drive recently through a rebranding, and that’s monumental.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
I love turning the blank page into something magical – taking an idea from a brainstorm to a final execution. I recently finished a large campaign to encourage people to register to be organ donors, and we had an idea to create a car that had a big donor sticker. And I just saw the photos of that finished product. It’s amazing to think, “Man, I dreamed that.” That creation is what drives me.
What advice would you have for someone who’d like to follow in your footsteps and start their own business?
I would say chase your dream no matter how unrealistic, no matter how underfunded, no matter what. Trust and believe. I started this business with a client list of about 10, and it was scary because I was responsible for everything. I think we all struggle with imposter syndrome, but you learn to trust in yourself and your skill set.
