We had the good fortune of connecting with Esther Amunga, Acnp, Mna,cnp, Grpr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ESTHER, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started out in the nonprofit industry it was a struggle. I gropped in the dark for a long while before I became a successful executive. Remembering my difficult journey prompted me to begin training and coaching nonprofits and aspiring nonprofit founders with the skills, knowledge and education that I have acquired over the years.

Imagine the vibrant open markets of Africa, alive with the energy of talented artisans pouring their hearts into stunning creations, yet often struggling to receive fair compensation for their incredible work. My journey began with a serendipitous encounter at the Maasai market in Kenya, where I met a remarkable woman selling breathtaking earrings. Her passion and artistry ignited a fire within me to make a meaningful difference.

As a nonprofit professional dedicated to social change, I founded Esstaaz African Fashion Accessories and Home Decor with a clear mission: to economically empower women artisans across Africa. Our brand is a celebration of their craftsmanship, showcasing fashion and home decor accessories that are lovingly handmade by women from vulnerable communities. We provide them with a platform to not just survive, but to truly thrive.

Each piece we offer is crafted with care, utilizing natural materials and metals sourced from the rich tapestry of Africa. Through Esstaaz, we aim to uplift these talented artisans, ensuring that their artistry is recognized and rewarded. Join us in this journey of empowerment and celebration of African creativity!

I have always dreamed about being a speaker. What I didn’t know is that my pain, trials and detours along my life journey would be the stepping stones for my inspirational talks and books.,

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?
In the bustling cities and quiet corners where I work, I strive to be a beacon of inspiration for nonprofits and entrepreneurs alike. My journey is fueled by a deep passion for empowering others and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.

For over two decades, I’ve dedicated myself to elevating the social sector. As an Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional (ACNP) with a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration (MNA), my expertise spans strategic planning, fundraising, grant writing, marketing, and communication strategies. My educational background includes three graduate certificates in Nonprofit Management, Board Governance, and Church Administration, plus a Graduate Diploma in Public Relations. Each credential represents a step in my relentless quest for knowledge and excellence.
𝐼 π‘π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘›π‘” π‘Ž π‘€π‘’π‘Žπ‘™π‘‘β„Ž π‘œπ‘“ 𝑒π‘₯π‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘‘π‘–π‘ π‘’ π‘‘π‘œ β„Žπ‘’π‘™π‘ π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘”π‘Žπ‘›π‘–π‘§π‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘›π‘  π‘›π‘œπ‘‘ 𝑗𝑒𝑠𝑑 π‘ π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘£π‘–π‘£π‘’ 𝑏𝑒𝑑 π‘‘β„Žπ‘Ÿπ‘–π‘£π‘’. 𝐼 π‘Žπ‘š π‘Žπ‘™π‘ π‘œ π‘Ž 𝐿𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑦 π‘†π‘β„Žπ‘œπ‘™π‘Žπ‘Ÿ, π΄π‘™π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘‘ π‘†π‘β„Žπ‘œπ‘™π‘Žr, two times π΅π‘™π‘Žπ‘π‘˜π‘π‘Žπ‘’π‘‘ π‘†π‘β„Žπ‘œπ‘™π‘Žπ‘Ÿ π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ πΏπ‘–π‘“π‘’π‘‘π‘–π‘šπ‘’ π‘šπ‘’π‘šπ‘π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘œπ‘“ 𝑁𝑒 πΏπ‘Žπ‘šπ‘‘π‘Ž 𝑀𝑒 (π‘‡β„Žπ‘–π‘  π‘–π‘›π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘›π‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘›π‘Žπ‘™ β„Žπ‘œπ‘›π‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘ π‘œπ‘π‘–π‘’π‘‘π‘¦ π‘€π‘Žπ‘  π‘’π‘ π‘‘π‘Žπ‘π‘™π‘–π‘ β„Žπ‘’π‘‘ 𝑏𝑦 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘π‘œπ‘›π‘π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘“π‘–π‘‘ π΄π‘π‘Žπ‘‘π‘’π‘šπ‘–π‘ πΆπ‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘  πΆπ‘œπ‘’π‘›π‘π‘–π‘™ π‘‘π‘œ π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘π‘œπ‘”π‘›π‘–π‘§π‘’ 𝑠𝑑𝑒𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠 π‘‘π‘’π‘‘π‘–π‘π‘Žπ‘‘π‘’π‘‘ π‘‘π‘œ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ 𝑠𝑑𝑒𝑑𝑦 π‘œπ‘“ π‘›π‘œπ‘›π‘π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘“π‘–π‘‘ π‘šπ‘Žπ‘›π‘Žπ‘”π‘’π‘šπ‘’π‘›π‘‘, π‘β„Žπ‘–π‘™π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘β„Žπ‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘π‘¦, π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘ π‘œπ‘π‘–π‘Žπ‘™ π‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘›π‘’π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘ β„Žπ‘–π‘/π‘’π‘›π‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘ π‘’. 𝐼𝑑𝑠 π‘šπ‘–π‘ π‘ π‘–π‘œπ‘› 𝑖𝑠 π‘‘π‘œ π‘Žπ‘‘π‘£π‘Žπ‘›π‘π‘’ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ 𝑠𝑑𝑒𝑑𝑦 π‘œπ‘“ π‘›π‘œπ‘›π‘π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘“π‘–π‘‘ π‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘”π‘Žπ‘›π‘–π‘§π‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘›π‘  π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘–π‘Ÿ π‘“π‘’π‘›π‘π‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘› 𝑖𝑛 π‘ π‘œπ‘π‘–π‘’π‘‘π‘¦ π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘‘π‘œ π‘π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘šπ‘œπ‘‘π‘’ π‘ π‘β„Žπ‘œπ‘™π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘™π‘¦ π‘Žπ‘β„Žπ‘–π‘’π‘£π‘’π‘šπ‘’π‘›π‘‘ π‘Žπ‘šπ‘œπ‘›π‘” π‘‘β„Žπ‘œπ‘ π‘’ π‘€β„Žπ‘œ π‘’π‘›π‘”π‘Žπ‘”π‘’ 𝑖𝑛 π‘‘β„Žπ‘’π‘ π‘’ π‘Žπ‘π‘Žπ‘‘π‘’π‘šπ‘–π‘ π‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘ π‘’π‘–π‘‘π‘ ).

𝐼 π‘Žπ‘š π‘Ž π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘π‘–π‘π‘–π‘’π‘›π‘‘ π‘œπ‘“ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘Œπ‘œπ‘’π‘›π‘” 𝑃𝑅 π‘ƒπ‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘“π‘’π‘ π‘ π‘–π‘œπ‘›π‘Žπ‘™ π΄π‘€π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘‘ π‘œπ‘“ π‘‘β„Žπ‘’ π‘Œπ‘’π‘Žπ‘Ÿ and a published author of two children’s books. I sit on the board of Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra (https://www.detroitmys.org) and have participated in global conferences for fundraising professionals(AFP~ICON and AFP LEAD).

What truly excites me is transforming challenges into opportunities. My clients often describe me as a warm-hearted listener and a brilliant coach who helps them turn struggles into triumphs. Whether I’m working with a startup or a well-established nonprofit, my team and I collaborate closely with organizations to create customized solutions that ensure both immediate success and long-term sustainability.

My services range from fundraising consultancy to nonprofit management, marketing, communications, grant writing support, and special events expertise. Every project is a testament to my commitment to helping nonprofits not just survive but thrive. I take pride in crafting strategies that are tailored to the unique needs and goals of each organization.

Beyond consulting, I manage Esstaaz Company LLC, where innovation and social impact intersect. My latest venture, the Esstaaz African Fashion Accessories Fairtrade Initiative, highlights the artistry of women from vulnerable and low-income communities in Africa. By promoting and selling their fashion and home dΓ©cor items, I aim to support these women and their families, driving positive change one accessory at a time.

In my spare time, I indulge my passion for writing. My children’s book series, Makenna the World Traveler, and my upcoming inspirational book on courage and resilience are just glimpses into my creative world. I’m also working on a nonprofit manual that I hope will be a valuable resource for many.

As a sought-after speaker and trainer, I’m dedicated to sharing my insights on diversity, equity, and inclusion with schools and communities. My work with Esstaaz Mamas in Business, a network for entrepreneurial mothers, reflects my commitment to supporting and uplifting others in their business journeys.

My life is a tapestry of inspiration, woven with purpose and compassion. I believe that with dedication and the right support, we can all turn our dreams into reality and make a profound difference in the world.

So, what might surprise you about me? Amidst my many endeavors, I find joy in simple, unexpected momentsβ€”whether it’s discovering a new favorite book or enjoying an impromptu dance party with my child. These moments keep me grounded and fuel my passion for helping others shine.

My life mantra is “Make Your Life Count for Something Great!”

If you’re looking for someone to inspire and guide you through your nonprofit or entrepreneurial journey, I’m here to help. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and set the stage for extraordinary success.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Saturday: Tour of downtown Detroit. Walk at the Riverfront and take pictures outside the GM Building, Use the people mover around town. Walk around Belle Isle and visit the Ford House. Have lunch at Baobab Fare where East African Cuisine is served. Take pictures at the Michigan Central Station.

Sunday: Attend the 9 AM church service at Brightmoor Christian Church. Eat Brunch at St. John’s Resort in Plymouth. Do a walking tour in downtown Plymouth and Northville then unwind for a quiet evening at Mayburry State Park.

Monday: Breakfast at Lenah’s cafe (woman owned) then go to Cranbrook Science and Art Museums for the rest of the day. Have a picnic at the gardens there. Visit the old chapel nextdoor. Drive to downtown Birmingham and enjoy the rest of the evening there.

Tuesday: Visit Detroit Zoo and unwind/walk around Downtown Royal Oak.

Wednesday: Back to Detroit downtown – visit DIA, Charles Wright Museum, Detroit Historical Museum
Motown Museum and several other museums in the area.

Thursday: Drive out of town for the day to Frankenmuth and back in the evening.

Friday: Go hiking at Kensington Metro Park and unwind at a nice Italian restaurant (Carabbas) then listen to a live band at a good location.

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?
To be honest, I would need to write a book if I was to list everyone who has impacted my story. Here is a list of a few people…

My daughter who challenges me to be kind, love patient and a good listener…and lead from behind. She is one of the reasons I work so hard and I pray I can be her role model.

My dad – At a young age he told me that I would travel the world and go far.
My mama – She taught me to value hard work, not be intimidated by what people think or say about me, perseverance, and a good work ethic.

All my mentors, sponsors and coaches . Hilde who spotted me in a crowd and nurtured my design skills. Professor Mary who offered me the first opportunity to speak at a conference in USA and has been my prayer warrior. Bill who believed in me and saw potential in me when I did not know I had it. He invested time and energy teaching me what it means to be a great servant leader, introduced me to people that we see only on TV, opened doors for me, and taught me to value people. He taught me how to use business models in the nonprofit world.

My small friendship circle who challenge me to aim high and do better. I have a personal board of directors! They have been the pillars on porch and cheered me throughout my journey.

My pastors – especially Pastor Muriithi who made me see how I can be the change that Africa needs and taught me how to be a fearless influencer of society, and Pastor Jamie for the first sermon I had him teach titled “It’s your life, OWN IT!”
Bishop TD Jakes whose books I have read and re-read. I have learned loads from speakers like Nona Jones about being vulnerable and bold to share my story and use social media effectively as a communication platform.
My clients who buy my products and services. Some even go beyond that and bring more clients.

Above all..GOD! He has made me see that His dreams are far beyond any dream I can have for myself and His favor has outweighed my wit, hustle and skill.

Website: https://www.estheramunga.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esstaazshop?igsh=a2dob2R0ZXJ4Yzk%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-amunga-kemoli?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Twitter: Esther Amunga

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/essbooksntalks?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Esstaaz

Other: Email me at [email protected] or [email protected]

Online store: store.estheramunga.com

Blog: stories.estheramunga.com
Esstaaz Company

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/essbooksntalks?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Email me at [email protected] or [email protected]

Website: estheramunga.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-amunga-kemoli?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Online store: store.estheramunga.com

Esstaaz Company

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/essbooksntalks?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/esstaazcompany?igsh=NmUxYW52aWhzYnlh&utm_source=qr

Esstaaz Afrocentric Fashion

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Esstaaz Afrocentric Fashion

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Esstaazjewelryfashionaccessories?mibextid=LQQJ4d

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