Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Esther Anaya

We recently had the chance to connect with Esther Anaya and have shared our conversation below.

Esther, 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 do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day set the tone for the productivity level for the rest of my day. I prioritize this. I wake up early and focus on my health which includes my olive oil shot, ginger tea, chlorophyl water while I do my daily devotional to ground myself in gratitude and connection with God and my environment. I then check in with my schedule set my priorities for the rest of the day. From there I head to my workout, either pilates, yoga or weight training in order fully balance my body and mind for the energy brought to the rest of the day. During travels the routing varies but health, fitness and gratitude always set the first 90 minutes of the day to optimize my productivity in music.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi everyone! I’m Esther Anaya. I’m a DJ, violinist, singer & producer. I’m originally from Colombia, residing in Los Angeles, CA. You might’ve seen me performing at SoFi Stadium with the Los Angeles Chargers, or heard my music in collaborations with artists like Snoop Dogg and Thomas Gold. I’ve shared stages in Vegas alongside Zedd, Dj Snake, Tiesto and with many other Dance music legends. My journey started with classical violin training as a kid in Colombia, but my passion for electronic music led me to blend live instrumentation with house, tech, and big room sounds. It’s been an incredible ride from orchestra stages to music festivals and massive sports arenas.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Without a doubt, my parents. They’ve shaped a large part of who I am, not just as an artist, but as a person. I grew up watching their dedication, their kindness, and their ability to stay grounded no matter what life threw at them. They raised me with a deep sense of discipline and gratitude, but also the belief that I could dream big and actually make those dreams happen.

Their sacrifices taught me resilience, and their love taught me balance and spirituality, how to stay humble while chasing something extraordinary. Every time I step on stage or hit a new milestone, I think about them. The way they raised me gave me the strength to handle this industry with both confidence and heart.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering teaches you to appreciate, truly appreciate, everything. When you’ve gone through moments of pain, uncertainty, or loss, you learn to see life differently. You stop taking the good days for granted. You recognize the beauty in small wins, in progress, in people who show up for you when things aren’t easy.

Success is amazing, but it can make you focus on the next goal so quickly that you forget the journey. Suffering humbles you. It teaches gratitude, perspective, and empathy. It reminds you that strength doesn’t come from everything going right, it comes from how you rise when everything feels wrong. That lesson stays with me in every part of my life and career.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One project that’s deeply rooted in my heart is ASAF Angels, a foundation I created to change the lives of underprivileged children around the world through the power of music. My vision is to build schools of music in communities that don’t have access to instruments, training, or creative opportunities, and to give kids a space to dream, express, and believe in themselves.

Music completely changed my life, it gave me purpose, discipline, and joy. I want every child, no matter where they come from, to have that same chance. This mission isn’t something I’ll ever rush; it’s something I’ll keep building for as long as it takes, until it reaches the scale and impact I know it can have.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people tell the story of courage, of someone who never stopped believing, no matter how many obstacles stood in the way. I want my journey to remind others that anything is possible when you lead with heart, faith, and relentless determination.

I came from humble beginnings, and nothing about my path was easy. But every challenge shaped me, every setback built strength, and every dream I refused to give up on became proof that you can rise above the odds. If people remember me as someone who inspired them to keep going, to take risks, and to believe in their own power, that’s the story I want to be told.

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