Esther Austin was recently interviewed by TheCelebrity.Online Magazine and below is the Q&A session we had with her.

Esther Austin As Exclusive Cover Story – July 2023

Photo Credits: Ray Paulden – Creative-Eye.Org

How do you introduce yourself?

Esther Austin: I am the CEO of a Music and Lifestyle Magazine and an International Talk Show Host, Keynote Speaker, Fashion Stylist and Designer. Everything I do is about expression and empowerment.

I see myself as a Universal Soul. An Eclectic Creative Entrepreneur with an expansive and curious perception of life. Someone with a drive and passion to encourage, influence, empower and inspire others to seek their north star, to nurture their authentic truth and to discover their individuality in order to experience freedom and joy within their soul in order to pursue their passion and purpose in life.

Childhood to Adulthood – How was your transition from childhood to adulthood and what are the bad and good things you remember?

Esther Austin: From what I remember, my transition was interesting. I was bullied at primary school through to high school and they tried it when I went to college. This was because I was quiet and did not belong to any particular group or roam as part of a group. Neither did I dress like many of those around me, nor did I understand their views and perception of life. I always saw life through a wide and curious lens and could not identify life with being in a box. As a result of being ostracised, I grew to like my own company. Also my father was very, very strict and if I got caught up in anything, I would be severely disciplined, and that alone was enough for me to be mindful who I got involved with.

My parents were very strict Christians. We were not allowed to do a lot of things. The main place we frequented was school and church. I had two sisters, one was 18 months younger, who died at the age of 38 from Breast Cancer. We were close and her death really affected me. My other sister is 5 years younger.

I transitioned pretty much on my own. The only other person I felt understood me during this time was my Aunt Pearl (who died late 50’s from cancer). She was fun. We laughed a lot, and danced and exercised together. But more importantly I was able to share things with her that I wasn’t able to, to my parents. My aunt understood me and that was priceless.

Even when we went to church we were on the outside, because, as I’ve been told many times, people were envious of how we dressed. My mother was a seamstress and would make matching clothes for the three of us. However, once again, I wasn’t much bothered by the ostracising because I had my sisters and I had created my own world and I loved it there.

I wouldn’t so much call certain things ‘bad’ that happened to me, rather more than experiences that challenged me. I developed a fighting spirit, a spirit of determination and this helped me deal with many of these challenges.

During high school, I was called ‘book worm’ and got bullied relentlessly because I would not join groups. I remember in 5th year when I was about 15 and due to leave school, there was a girl who looked about 7ft tall, who had made life incredibly challenging. I remember each day going home and reciting what I would say to her and dreaming of all the ways I would ‘take her out’ (Smile). Then one-day I’d had enough, I was so scared but I needed her to leave me alone. I confronted her in the school hallway and told her exactly how I felt about her. I have never sworn so much in my life and yes I was ANGRY. I had to go home and pray (smile). However, from that day on, everyone, including this girl left me alone.

Another situation was sports day. I was very fast, however during P.E (Physical Education) I was usually the last one to be picked to be on someone’s team. They would always pick those they were friends with. So one Sports Day, I broke the school record twice, once for the 400 metres and the other time for the 100 metre hurdles. The next day everyone wanted to be my friend, and gloatingly I refused because if they couldn’t be my friend because of who I was, then I was not going to be friends with them because our class won in sports day, because of my efforts. Interestingly there was a new sign of ‘respect’ for me after that. I was holding a trump card, as one of the fastest in the school, but I was not going to be bought.
I would say the happy memories and good things were that, as much as my parents were strict, and other things went on in the home, our parents loved to celebrate us the best way they knew and a lot of that was on our birthdays and special holidays. They would go all out. A lot of that was around food based on our Caribbean culture and it was delicious. My parents were from Barbados.

My father would revel in telling tales of his life back in Barbados, which would bore us to tears at times, but it was novel and we respected that he lost his parents before the age of 10 and had to fend for himself, so he himself was a strong, powerful man, which made his stories the more important for him to share. There was also the wider family unit and numerous people we respectfully called ‘aunt and uncle’ who guided us, whose input helped to steer us and once again the story telling from the Caribbean, the laughter and yes good food. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and that is what we had back then. Then there was going to visit my aunt in Leicester. Christmas was fun because of the Barbadian traditional way of celebrating Christmas.

Struggle – What hardships have you gone through in life?

Esther Austin: I now know that my first major training ground were my formative experiences at primary and secondary school and college. Then at home, because my father other than being very strict was very quick tempered which created moments that were difficult.

However, my biggest training ground was my 14 year marriage which was considered an emotionally abusive marriage. My life was initially controlled on a daily basis. This was an environment where I had to fight daily to hold onto my freedom and sense of identity. I was constantly criticised, for what I had done, what I could have done, what I didn’t do and what I did do. I had to grow up fast. I became both mother and father in that environment to my two boys. There were many things ‘I was not allowed’ to do, from when to wash my hair, when I could cook or when I could purchase certain food items, to being told what to wear, what to eat and when to eat. There were so many other situations that occurred. However, there was a determination and a fight in me to hold onto who I was and my identity, which I almost lost at one point. Exercise, prayer, mediation and music got me through and a deep inner knowing that I needed to get out of this situation, otherwise I would never be able to achieve what I have now achieved and the strength and tenacity I developed because of this situation was priceless.

I learned a lot about myself in that space, about resilience, the need and desire to seek and hold onto my truth, about the importance of building and nurturing honest, authentic communication in a relationship, without communication the very foundation to build on is unstable and I felt I had to be a mind reader in order to understand any requirements in that marriage.

After my divorce, and to help me heal and understand my journey, I went further on a personal development deep dive. I took Anthony Robbins courses, I had a few friends who I became accountable to. As part of this journey, after filing for divorce I was homeless briefly, and had to draw on all my resources to survive, whilst striving to find a base to live where I could raise my two boys. I have been able to use that journey to do the intuitive healing work that I do with people from challenged/abused backgrounds, because my life has taken me into many places.

Another situation was my youngest son, got stabbed a few years ago. We’ve also had a petrol bomb put through our letterbox by a gang member, where my eldest son had to jump out the back window with our dog. My sons have experienced gang intimidation and so much more.

I lost my younger sister at 38 to breast cancer in 2006. We were close and this experience was one that really tore at my soul. Other than my aunt, who I mentioned above, who too died at an early age, my sister was the only other person I felt totally knew me. We were there for each other no matter the time of day or night. She helped me so much with my children in their formative years and they grew a tight bond with her. When she died that bought me to my knees. However, what that experience did, it opened up a deeper spiritual connection and awareness within me and the desire to support, inspire and encourage people in need and in pain, because I had been strong enough to rise, and I realised a lot of people don’t have the strength to do it on their own.

What do people usually not know about you?

Esther Austin: Hmmmm….Interesting question. I’ve been told many times that people don’t quite understand my drive and curiosity about life and why I help so many people. I get told often ‘oh you can do that as well?’ Well yes I can. I have been gifted with being able to do many many things. I believe we all have gifts within us, but often times we spend so much time watching others, we fail to see what we have within ourselves. I’m a curious life adventurer and if I feel to do something I will try, because these are gifts that have been given to us to utilise. Variety is the spice of life.

I love animals and I am an Animal Communicator. I have a strong connection especially to dogs, cats and horses. I can sense when they are in pain, emotionally and physically and I have an intuitive process of connecting with them that brings about healing and peace. Animals reflect what is going on inside of us and in our homes and spaces, so this is a very powerful healing process for both the animal and the owner.

What sets you apart from your competitors in the industry and in life?

Esther Austin: I would say being able to see people for who they really are and to create an energetic space of authenticity and integrity. I’m also able get to the heart and soul of those I interview where people often share authentic stories which they have usually never shared before, because they feel comfortable. In an industry that is known for being cut throat and lacking in integrity, and where people don’t’ feel they can truly be who they are, this is priceless. For the older artists they feel they are still being valued and listened to and I feel this is what sets me apart. For me it’s the honouring of others, not just as artists, or products but as human beings.

What are your upcoming major events?

Esther Austin: Austin Global will be touring the states in the Autumn 2023 on a ‘Meet and Greet’ tour promoting our magazine ‘TurningPoint: Your Lifestyle, Your Well-Being’ which is a Music and Lifestyle publication and talking about my international podcast ‘On the Sofa with Esther’ where I interview legends and pioneers from the entertainment and music industry. I also host an empowerment segment of that podcast called On the Sofa with Esther: ‘Men Supporting Men’ which specifically focusses and discusses encouraging black men and their emotional challenges and awareness. This is a very powerful podcast, where black men from all disciplines and backgrounds and music legends come on board to talk and share about their emotional challenges and share the tools and resources and support they received that helped them transform their situation.

Rates of suicide amongst men are incredibly high and this podcast is to encourage men to talk, to seek help. I will also be conducting speaking engagements talking about some of the lifestyle programs we will be rolling out.Another major event is the continued roll out and promotion of our magazine at some major events both in the USA and the UK.

What are your food preferences and physical attributes?

Esther Austin: I love to eat ‘healthy’. I try to balance my vegetable intake with fruit. I usually drink water or herbal teas. I am mindful of what I eat because it affects my energy. I am sensitive to junk food and alcohol because I get sluggish quickly. Junk food has no nutritional value and because I am incredibly busy, I need food that nurtures and energises. (However, on occasion I do indulge and yes…it tastes good). I work out regularly. I working out with light weights, I do a lot of cardio and yoga. I walk a lot as well, so I am pretty active.

Your love life, relationships and family?

Esther Austin: I am the mother of two young men 32 and 29, and grandmother to 3. We are a close knit family. I have the most amazing fun with my gran children. I learn so much about life, about myself and more so about pure love, fun and joy. My two young men are like my overseers, which is funny in a way because sometimes I feel it’s like roles reversed. But we have a good relationship, and good healthy communication is a huge part of that. We laugh a lot and have strong family values.

What expert advice would you like to give?

Esther Austin: People know what I stand for and what is important to me and that is to be authentic with yourself, because then you can be authentic with others. Also it’s important to strive to hold onto your individuality, and not follow the masses/what is in season or the in thing. We are all unique. Individuality is a beautiful thing, because it allows us all to be free within our soul, and not a carbon copy. Harnessing and nurturing ones individuality, along with being authentic to self and having integrity is one of the most freeing and self-less acts you can give yourself, whilst also constantly working on your emotional awareness and finding the time to have fun.

Your social media handles and website links?

Esther Austin:

Website: www.estheraustinglobal.biz
IG: Esther Austin Global, TurningPoint: Your Lifestyle, Your Well-Being
Facebook: Esther Austin Global – https://www.facebook.com/EstherAustinGlobal
Facebook: Turningpoint: Your Lifestyle, Your Well-Being https://www.facebook.com/Turningpointmagazine
Linkedln: Esther Austin Global
Magazine: https://www.issuu.com/estheraustinglobal