Daily Inspiration: Meet Michaelle Esteve

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaelle Esteve

Hi Michaelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I never thought I would be the type of person to share my life, story, and dreams with a growing community both online and off. As a little girl, I was called “the quiet one” by pretty much everyone around me. I was shy, and preferred to sit on the sidelines and observe; it’s what felt most comfortable for me. I lacked a lot of self-confidence growing up, and being perceived by the world around me felt terrifying. For a long time, I believed it was easier to hide away in my shell where it was safe than to open myself up to my peers. Would they think I was pretty? Would they think I was funny? Smart? interesting? Or would I be faced with criticism, judgement, and embarrassment by the very people I craved acceptance from.

But I did know one thing – I’ve always wanted to be someone others could look up to and identify with. Especially because I didn’t have a lot of representation in my life. As a mixed race, Haitian-Mexican girl with frizzy curly hair and what my mom lovingly described as “baby fat”, I felt like I didn’t have a community to call my own. When I started sharing my curly hair journey online, I had no idea that I would finally find a community of women who were all looking for the same exact thing – acceptance.

Embracing my natural hair has done more for me than just repair some heat damage, it’s inspired me to be a voice to other little girls who are learning to love their curls too. I even wrote and self-published a children’s book called “Let Me Do My Hair”, a story that touches on the importance of parents learning how to care for their mixed race child’s curls, and the impact it has on their self confidence. Like so many young curly girls, I grew up hating my natural hair. I spent majority of my life burning my hair with chemical treatments and flat irons in the hopes of achieving perfectly sleek locks. I didn’t understand my curly hair, and frankly, my parents didn’t quite understand either. But all I needed was a little patience and good products. And with some research, trial and error, and love, I learned to embrace my natural hair the way it is.

I’m so grateful to be where I am today, and I can only hope to continue to inspire and grow within my beloved community.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My biggest obstacle over the years has truly been myself. I constantly struggle with imposter syndrome and feelings of inadequacy, and there have been many times where I wanted to say screw it and call it quits. Maybe I’m a little dramatic haha, but I like to think it means I care a lot about my work.

I often wonder if I’m good enough to stand out in a world of such talented people. Hell, even being chosen to be interviewed for this article made me question if I truly deserve to share my voice and story. But the more I push through the negative voice in my head telling me to stop, the more I realize just how capable I am of achieving my dreams. It’s definitely not easy, but I guess nothing in life worth having is!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When I’m not working my 9 to 5, I’m using my creativity to create content and brainstorm ideas for future books. I’m striving to share more about the woman behind the curls – my daily life, struggles with cultural identity, redefining my 30’s, and simply trying to navigate my place in this world.

At one point a few years ago, I dipped my toes in starting a business making curly hair masks – I called my brand “Peanut Butter & Curls”. This venture is what truly opened my eyes to just how badly I wanted to be a force in my community. I spent long hours over my cauldron (aka stove) concocting different ingredients until I found a formula that worked. Once I had my product, I had logo stickers made, stocked up on containers, and Googled all the ways I could successfully sell my masks. I started small by taking online orders and selling at local pop-up shops. It made me so happy when customers would tell me how my product did wonders for their curls. While I didn’t end up pursuing my small business further, I learned a lot about myself and the happiness I want to bring to others.

As of now, I think I can say I’m most proud of my children’s book. I had wanted to write a children’s book for many years, I just had no idea what it would be about. Or where to even start. But as soon as I started writing from my heart, the story flowed onto my keyboard so easily. Once it was published, I couldn’t believe parents were reaching out to me to tell me how my book inspired their children. I even received photos and videos of their little ones expressing their love for the book, and how much they identified with the character, Olive. I can honestly say that if I made a difference in the life of even just one little curly haired/mixed race child, I would know that I’ve done my job.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something most people might find surprising to learn about me is that I’m a huge believer in manifestation and the power of the universe. I might sound a little crazy to some, but I’m always speaking my hopes and dreams into the void because I believe everything that is meant for me will come to me.

Contact Info:

• Other: https://www.amazon.com/Let-Me-Do-My-Hair/dp/B0CWX16XBC/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8