We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ester Hernández. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Ester, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity matters most to me. I really enjoy being around intelligent and energetic people, but integrity speaks volumes. It’s the part that doesn’t bend. Regardless of the circumstances, temptations, or challenges, integrity is a true manifestation of a person’s inner self. It cannot be faked. Integrity to me is priceless.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Ester, the owner of Curated By Ester + Co., I help people feel lighter. Not just in their homes, in their lives. Most of the families who call me aren’t looking for Pinterest perfection. They’re tired, overwhelmed, moving, grieving, rebuilding… and they just need someone to support them during life transitions. Sometimes by choice, sometimes because life works out that way.
This business came from a very real place in my own life. After losing my husband and becoming a solo parent, I learned what it feels like to hold everything together for your family while your world is shifting.
Although I love beautiful bins and labels, my greatest joy is my clients. They trust us with their worries, their closets, their keys. And I am beyond honored to support them in return.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Honestly, it’s my relationship with my children. They’re like mirrors I desperately needed. I see in them the parts of me I’m proud of, but also the parts of me I want to change.
No self-help book has taught me as much as parenting has. When I get frustrated or overwhelmed, it’s usually because they’re doing something I would’ve done or said and suddenly I’m face-to-face with my own patterns. It forces me to pause and really look at who I am, not who I think I am.
They’ve shown me my strengths, my flaws, my softness, my impatience, all of it. I’ve never been confronted with myself in such a raw, honest way. It forces me to be a better person, for them.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I believe that as business owners, we’ve all felt the urge to quit at some point. Early in my journey, I learned that most small businesses fail within the first two to three years. I keep that in mind constantly and have strived not to become a statistic.
During the inevitable slow periods, I’ve definitely felt the need to give up and pursue a different career path. However, I’ve persevered and found stability with my clients. My hard work, and that of my team, has paid off with referrals and repeat business.
While I haven’t felt the urge to quit recently, I’m not naive to the possibility of feeling that way again in the future. All I can do is keep working hard, remain persistent, and trust that the right clients will find us.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely! What you see is what you get, corny jokes and all. I’m an empath that will hug you if you let me. I care about my clients and I remember each one of them and their stories.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Everyone just wants to feel seen and understood. I am no different. When I’m gone, I hope people say they really saw ME. Not the roles I played or the responsibilities I carried, but the girl underneath it all.
The girl with hopes, dreams, and talents who grew up, went through things, made mistakes, learned, healed, and kept going.
The girl who saw beauty in the world even when life showed her the darkest parts.
If people remember me as someone who felt deeply, cared deeply, and kept choosing to see the good, that’s enough for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.curatedbyester.com
- Instagram: @curatedbyester
- Facebook: @curatedbyester
Image Credits
Brandy Dykes
