About
As a child, I always used to say: “I’ll become a fashion designer or artist when I grow up.” But as I got older, neither seemed to be realistic, so I decided to study Communication and Multimedia Design, and then go and try to find a “regular 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 earned a decent living and came home daily with stories about celebrities I had met or luxurious parties I attended. But it didn’t really make me happy. So eventually, I ended all my collaborations with clients like Amayzine 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 dung (yes, really!). The media smelled a good story (pun intended) and soon I was interviewed by Metro, Happinez, and even the WNF wanted to collaborate with me.
However, not everything fell into place just yet. Yes, I had created a wonderful business that I was very proud of, but I still wasn’t doing what I loved most and hadn’t allowed myself to do since I was 15: being truly creative.
My grandfather’s passing in 2020 turned out to be a turning point, pieces of the puzzle fell into place, and I decided to truly do what I loved most. To stop listening to all the reasons why I shouldn’t do it. I started as an illustrator and launched my business: EsmayCreates.
I started by simply sharing my drawings on social media, but soon discovered that I had to break through a lot of blocks and beliefs to dare to do that. I realized that I wasn’t the only one with this “problem”.
Fortunately, I also had an enormous desire for self-development and delved into topics like manifestation and releasing. This led to the idea of combining this and passing it on to others, helping them get the most out of their potential. With my online content, 1-on-1 sessions, courses, and Patreon, I now help others break through all their b*llshit and maximize their potential.
More than 1000+ people have attended one of my online masterclasses, and over 100 people have taken one of my online courses.
Official bio
Esmay Natella-Verschuren (29) is an artist and mindset coach. She studied Communication and Multimedia Design at Hogeschool Rotterdam and began her career as a Digital Designer in the fashion industry, working 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 (WNF).
In 2021, she revived a suppressed passion for drawing and launched EsmayCreates. She illustrates as a content creator for her own platforms and for commissioned clients. Additionally, she uniquely inspires others through her content, online courses, 1-on-1 coaching, and Patreon, encouraging them to harness their full potential through a unique mindset approach. Over 1000+ people have enrolled in one of her online masterclasses. Esmay has been featured in numerous media outlets, including VIVA, Happinez, WNF magazine, RTV Rijnmond, and Metro. She resides in Rotterdam, which she alternates with a lot of travels together with her Italian husband and dog.