We had the good fortune of connecting with Ester Hernandez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ester, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have been a stay at home mom for many, many years. 14 to be exact! It is a decision that I will never regret. Watching my children grow and develop into the teenagers that they are today has truly been an indescribable joy. But soon I found they needed me less while I needed more. I knew that I still wanted to be available for them in the way I had been, so a flexible schedule was most important. I soon decided the flexibility I needed was in owning my business. I began looking into different careers, researching, and talking to friends. I also asked myself, what am I good at? What do I love? What am I known for? I kept circling back to what I’ve known all along, my passion for purging and organizing. I noticed a universal need people have to continually purge and organize their homes. That is when Curated By Ester was born. It is said Americans spend $1.2 trillion annually on unessential items. I believe that we are happier when we own and manage less material possessions. When we curate our belongings, we find more joy in the items we allow in our lives. We treasure them, maintain them better and replace them less often. This applies to closets, photo collections and everything in between.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My goal at Curated By Ester is to teach women how capable they are to simplify their lives by simplifying their possessions. I genuinely care for each of my clients, I want them to experience the zen feeling you get when all things are in order and your home runs smoother because of it. Life does not need to be a constant chaos. My life experiences have taught me so much about the true value of our things. I am not necessarily a minimalist. I believe that less is more but, it’s also important to keep the things that are useful and that you enjoy in your life. I find that clutter overwhelm is true not only for physical things but in the digital world as well. That is also what steered me into carefully preserving my family history by organizing our printed and digital photos.
I am excited to share more tips and offer more services in 2023!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston is such a diverse city to visit!

I would start the day with some arroz con leche at Cafe Guadalupe.

Then head out to the museum district and catch a train ride around the Houston Zoo. Catch a free show at the Miller Outdoor Theater is also fun, anything from flamenco dancing to zydeco concerts.

We could also take a stroll at the Houston’s Farmers Market and get a bite to eat at Underbelly Burger.

Of course, when visiting Houston, you have to try our BBQ, and there’s no better time to try it than during the Houston Rodeo. The highlight of the year is the BBQ cook off!

To get away from the city and take in nature, Galveston Beach has lots to do. Brazos Bend State Park has an amazing observatory where you can see the stars on a clear night.

But you can’t leave Houston without trying El Bolillo Bakery for some Mexican pan dulce, a gem in little Mexico.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wonderful family – Without the support and high fives, none of this would have been possible. They helped and encouraged me as I was getting my business on its feet, and they continue to do so. The group of people I have in my life today are rooting for my success and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Mentors-I’ve been so warmly welcomed into the Pro Organizer community in my hometown, Houston. I have met some lovely ladies that have allowed me to ask questions and gain experience. Their hard work and determination continues to inspire me.

Miss Freddy-I have gained an incredible amount of knowledge on all things photo organizing from the classes I’ve taken from Miss Freddy. Her mentorship program especially, has given me the tools I need to be successful and the confidence to use them in my business.

Website: www.curatedbyester.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/curatedbyester

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CuratedByEster

Yelp: curatedbyester

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