Hey, beautiful souls! Today, I want to share an incredible story that will uplift your spirits and ignite the fire within you. Meet Esther, a remarkable woman who has navigated life’s challenges with unwavering resilience, blossomed into a confident individual, and discovered her true purpose. Let’s dive into Esther’s Inspiring Journey: Embracing Resilience and Self-Love, and uncover the valuable lessons she has learned along the way.
Guiya: Esther, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start by exploring the key experiences that have shaped your path towards finding your purpose. Can you share some pivotal moments?
“Absolutely! Becoming a parent at a young age was a turning point in my life. It forced me to mature quickly and instilled a tremendous amount of resilience within me. Additionally, pursuing my entrepreneurial spirit as a professional wedding photographer played a significant role in my journey. Running my own business taught me valuable lessons about who I am, who I aspire to be, and who I do not want to become. It’s through the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship that I started to find my path to my purpose.”
Guiya: Your journey towards self-confidence is truly inspiring. Can you tell us about the transformation you underwent in embracing self-love?
“It has been a gradual process. I used to despise the stretch marks on my belly, viewing them as flaws that made me feel like a “freak.” Over time, I learned to accept and eventually love these marks. It was a journey of forgiveness, not only for my past self but also for harbouring such negative thoughts about my own body. Through this process, I created space for the past, present, and future versions of myself to coexist harmoniously. This newfound self-love expanded beyond my physical appearance, allowing me to embrace my entire existence. Now, I see my body as a vessel to care for and appreciate, while my soul takes centre stage.”

Guiya: You have encountered significant challenges on your journey. Can you share one of the most impactful obstacles you faced and how you overcame it?
“One of the most challenging periods of my life was experiencing burnout for 18 consecutive months while simultaneously managing an evolving business during the pandemic. Within that time frame, I tragically lost my beloved grandmother and my dear dog, compounding the
emotional toll. It felt like a universal lesson, urging me to slow down and align my actions with my values. Realising that life was passing by and questioning its purpose, I made a monumental decision. I closed my successful business after five years of operation, relocated to a more nurturing environment, and redefined my daily habits and rituals to align with my goals and values. This transformative experience has been life-changing.”
Guiya: Your commitment to sustainability is admirable. How do you incorporate eco-conscious practices into your daily life?
“I think we can’t “do it all”, but we can try to do our part, consciously. I strive to be mindful of my environmental impact. I make a conscious effort to recycle, purchase compostable coffee pods, shop in vintage stores and op-shops, and actively seek out stores that offer refillable options for household cleaners and detergents. I have incorporated 2-3 “vegan days” a week into my meals, reducing my carbon footprint and adding balance through my dietary choices. Wherever I go, I make it a habit to pick up rubbish, contributing to a cleaner and healthier world.
Guiya: Empowering others seems to be a significant part of your journey. Can you tell us about your experiences mentoring young women and empowering them through your photography?
“It’s a beautiful coincidence that I find myself mentoring young women for approximately 12 months each year. These individuals are incredibly talented and eager to learn, often assisting me during photoshoots. Being able to share my knowledge and help them navigate the professional photography industry is immensely rewarding. Furthermore, I love conducting empowerment shoots, where I capture the essence of a woman and help her feel incredible. It’s a powerful experience to witness her discover the beauty that I see in her. Empowering others through photography is a true joy.”
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Esther’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-love, and purpose. From overcoming challenges to embracing sustainability and empowering others, she embodies the values that Guiya Minerals stands for. As Esther reminds us, the beauty industry has the potential to promote acceptance, inclusivity, and self-expression. Let us embrace our uniqueness and seek the beauty within ourselves, just as Esther has done. By sharing her story, Esther continues to inspire others on their own journeys of self-discovery and self-love.
Love and light,
Team Guiya xo
Thanks for reading Esther’s Inspiring Journey: Embracing Resilience and Self-Love.
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