An Inspired Chat with Cristina Esteban of Los Angeles

Cristina Esteban shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Cristina, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I find that going to the beach brings me so much peace. When i’m there I turn my phone off and just lay in the sun and read for hours on end. It’s the only place where I am truly able to disconnect and recharge.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a Spaniard living in LA and working in the music industry. I started my professional life in a very different industry, but at 25 years old I decided to quit my job in Spain and move to LA to pursue a job in music, since that had always been my true passion. I had never been to LA and didn’t know anyone there, but it seemed like the best place to start. Sure enough, I worked really hard, started from the bottom and slowly made my way into the industry. I later moved to London, where I worked for over 3 years, and finally made my way back to LA in 2022 where I am lucky enough to continue working in music and also being able to work with some of my heroes.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I think a lot of times we grow up with certain expectations placed upon us, and as children we believe we have to follow a certain path in life. However, if you truly believe in something, I really think you have to go for it, no matter what other people say.
I was lucky enough to discover my passion relatively early on in life, and when I quit my previous job because I wanted to pursue music, a lot of people called me crazy. However, we only live once and I would never forgive myself if I didn’t at least try. So I did, and I packed my bags and moved to the other side of the world. It came with a lot of work but because of that decision and not giving up on my dreams, I am now doing what I love in the place that I love.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I think suffering is an important tool that pushes us to go further and try to be better.
Be it in work, or personal life, when we go through situations that make us suffer, ultimately we emerge stronger on the other side, and we realize that we can be better and will do better. I often find that it ignites something in us that makes us want to make a change, and that’s a really powerful feeling that can lead to great successes when harnessed. So even though suffering is not something any of us like to endure, it can also provide a different level of motivation that can help guide us in the future.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
100%. For better or worse, I am always my most authentic self. I don’t think I could put on a mask and be one way in public and another in private, I would find it hard to keep up. I am way too honest and open about everything and would find it deceptive to pretend to be someone i’m not. I also try to surround myself with people who are likeminded and authentic, as this also keeps me grounded and helps me stay true to myself.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I know without a doubt that I am doing what I was born to do in life. My job is my passion. I worked really hard and broke a lot of molds in order to get where I am today. I learnt that sometimes what ‘you’re told to do’, isn’t necessarily what’s best for you, and in order to be truly happy, you have to do what you’re passionate about. Sometimes people don’t know what that is, but for those who do, you have to pursue it. My life revolves around my job, and I love it. It’s not only work but it’s also what I enjoy doing in my spare time, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinaepn/