We recently connected with Esther Nkaambi and have shared our conversation below.
Esther , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Resilience is something I didn’t learn from a book, it was modeled for me every day by my mother and my sisters.
I grew up watching my mother carry responsibility with grace, even when circumstances were heavy, especially when we lost our dad very early in life. She didn’t talk much about resilience; she lived it. When things were uncertain or difficult, she showed up anyway, consistent, resourceful, and steady. What stayed with me most was how she never allowed hardship to define her limits. Instead, she treated challenges as something to be worked through, not something to be feared.
My 3 sisters and My brother, who are much older than me ( I am the baby) reinforced that lesson in a different way. Together, we learned how to lean on one another, how to problem-solve out loud, and how to keep moving forward even when we were tired or unsure. Resilience, in our home, wasn’t about doing everything alone, it was about persistence, adaptability, and knowing when to ask for support.
Because of them, resilience became a habit rather than a reaction. When I face setbacks, I don’t immediately see failure, I see adjustment. I’m comfortable navigating uncertainty, learning as I go, and staying committed even when progress is slow. That mindset has shaped how I work, how I lead, and how I build long-term goals.
The strength of my mother and the collective perseverance of my sisters and brother didn’t just inspire me, they equipped me. Their example taught me that resilience isn’t about being unbreakable; it’s about continuing forward with intention, even when the path isn’t clear.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
In 2018, I was laid off from what I believed was my dream job. It was a moment that forced me to pause and reimagine my life. During that uncertain time, my husband became my greatest source of encouragement. He reminded me that I didn’t have to wait for permission to live fully, that I could design my best life and trust my creativity. He promised to support that vision wholeheartedly, and that belief changed everything.
I’ve always been a fashion girl at heart, drawn to beauty, self-expression, and pieces that tell a story. What began as a leap into clothing and jewelry has grown into a brand that is still going strong six years later, built on purpose, resilience, and love for craft.
Today, our work is brought to life by an incredible team of artisans. Our brass jewelry is handcrafted by a skilled group of makers led by our master smith, Bernard, whose expertise and precision shape every statement piece. Our woven designs are created by a talented team of weavers led by Laurine, whose work reflects both tradition and innovation. Tony, our leather smith, creates the most stunning leather clutches, each one thoughtfully made to last. And our garments are sewn by expert tailors Dave and Julius, who bring elegance and structure to the dresses we proudly stock.
Every piece we offer is handcrafted using quality materials, made with intention, and rooted in respect for artistry and the hands behind it. Our brand is about more than fashion, it’s about honoring craft, creating opportunity, and celebrating women and men who choose to live boldly and beautifully.
Our brand also offers 0% interest loans to our artisans, helping them build homes, take care of aging family members and complete personal projects.
We have moved platforms to Shopify and for now, only jewelry is shown on our site as we plan on adding all the other adornment we make.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have had the greatest impact on my journey: relationship-building, communication, and a deep sense of passion and vision.
First, building strong relationships; with both my team and my clients, has been foundational. My business exists because of people. Taking the time to truly know my artisans, to respect their craft, and to build trust has allowed us to grow together. The same is true with clients. When people feel seen, heard, and valued, they don’t just buy a product, they become part of the story.
Second, communication has been essential at every stage. Clear, honest communication helps align expectations, solve problems early, and create a culture of mutual respect. Whether it’s communicating vision to my team or telling our story to customers, learning how to express ideas with clarity and empathy has strengthened every part of the business.
Finally, passion and vision have carried me through the hard seasons. Passion keeps you going when results are slow, and vision helps you make decisions that align with your long-term purpose rather than short-term comfort. Knowing why I do this work has helped me stay grounded and focused as the business evolves.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to study and invest in yourself intentionally. Read the books and stories of companies and individuals already working in your market and industry or those that share how to run a successful business, there is so much wisdom in learning how others have navigated similar paths. Don’t be afraid to hire a coach, especially to work through imposter syndrome, mental blocks, vision, and purpose. As your business grows, you’ll find that different seasons require different types of support. I truly believe that having the right coaches at the right time can help you grow faster, healthier, and with more clarity.
Building a business is as much an inner journey as it is an external one. The more you develop yourself, the stronger your business becomes.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Think and Grow Rich made a lasting impact on me at a pivotal moment in my journey. I was part of a masterclass where our coach challenged us to read the book, not casually, but intentionally. It wasn’t about finishing pages; it was about applying the principles to how we thought, planned, and showed up in our lives and businesses.
One of the biggest lessons that stood out to me was the power of clarity of desire. The book emphasizes that success begins with knowing exactly what you want and committing to it wholeheartedly. That idea helped me move from vague dreams to clear intentions, defining what I wanted my life and business to look like, and making decisions that aligned with that vision.
Another powerful takeaway was the importance of faith and belief, especially belief in yourself. As a creative entrepreneur, self-doubt can be loud. The book reinforced the idea that belief isn’t passive, it’s something you practice daily through your thoughts, words, and actions. That lesson helped me quiet imposter syndrome and trust my instincts as a founder and creative director.
The concept of persistence also deeply resonated with me. Building a business is never a straight line, and there were moments when quitting would have been easier. The reminder that persistence is often the difference between those who succeed and those who stop too soon gave me the resolve to stay committed, even when progress felt slow.
Finally, the idea of surrounding yourself with a mastermind, people who challenge, support, and expand your thinking, changed how I approached growth. It validated my decision to seek mentorship, coaching, and community, and it showed me that success is rarely built alone.
That masterclass and this book didn’t just influence how I ran my business; they reshaped how I saw myself. They reminded me that growth starts in the mind, and when your thinking evolves, everything else follows.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Malkiae.com
- Instagram: Malkia__e
- Facebook: Malkia E.
Image Credits
Photos captured by Wanini Wambui in Nairobi Kenya.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
