As a child, I always said: “I’ll become a fashion designer or artist when I grow up.” But as I got older, neither seemed very “realistic”, so I decided to study Communication and Multimedia Design and try to find a “normal job” in the fashion industry instead.
As a web and digital designer, I worked freelance under the name Puxels and eventually found myself in the fashion world. I designed graphics and created over 50+ websites. I earned a good living, often coming home with stories about celebrities I had met or luxurious parties I had attended.
But… it didn’t make me happy.
So eventually I ended all my collaborations and decided to do something entirely new.
I traveled to Sri Lanka, volunteered with elephants, and then started Pretty ECO in the Netherlands. An online Fairtrade shop with art materials made from elephant poo (yes, really!). The media smelled a good story (pun intended), and soon I was interviewed by outlets like Metro, Happinez and collaborated with WWF.
Still, something was missing. I had built a business I was proud of, but I still wasn’t doing what I loved most and hadn’t truly allowed myself to do since I was 15: being creative.
When my grandfather passed away in 2020, it became a turning point. I decided to stop listening to all the reasons why I shouldn’t do it. I named myself an artist and launched my business: EsmayCreates.
I started by simply sharing my drawings on social media, but quickly discovered I had to break through many blocks and beliefs to dare to do that. And I realized I wasn’t the only one with this “problem”.
My curiosity for self-development kept pulling me deeper. Through the help of many other coaches, healers and programs I explored manifestation, energy, intuition, and the unseen layers of reality. Along the way I reconnected with something that had always quietly lived inside me: the witchy, intuitive part of myself that feels deeply connected to nature, cycles, and creativity. Over the years this path has shaped not only my art, but also the way I guide and support others.
Today my work is a combination of art, healing, and personal transformation. Alongside creating and sharing my art, I support people who want to reconnect with their creativity, intuition, and inner power. Behind the scenes, I also work as COO at Arrezina.nl, helping build a company devoted to consciousness and personal growth.
Because if there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the things we feel most called to do are often the things we are most afraid to claim. And sometimes all it takes is someone holding the space while you remember who you truly are.
Esmay Natella-Verschuren (31) is a Dutch artist, witch, healer, and spaceholder. She studied Communication and Multimedia Design at Hogeschool Rotterdam and began her career as a digital designer in the fashion industry. Designing graphics, creating over 50+ websites and collaborating with companies such as Amayzine and SuperTrash.
With her first venture, Pretty ECO, she established herself as an entrepreneur by selling Fairtrade art supplies made from elephant poo (yes, really!) and collaborated with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
In 2021, she revived a long-suppressed passion for drawing and launched EsmayCreates. She creates art for her own platforms and commissioned clients, and makes YouTube videos about creativity, intuition, and journaling, helping others reconnect with their own creative power.
Over 1000 people have enrolled in her online masterclasses.
Alongside her artistic work, she is also the COO of Arrezina.nl, helping build a company devoted to consciousness and personal growth.
Esmay has been featured in media outlets including VIVA, Happinez, WWF magazine, RTV Rijnmond, and Metro. She lives in Rotterdam, which she alternates with travels alongside her Italian husband Mario and their dog Basil.
