What does faith have to do with entrepreneurship, business, and purpose?

In this episode of From the Ground Up, Esther sits down with Pastor Andy Havel for a deep conversation about God, entrepreneurship, kindness, purpose, church culture, and how faith can show up in everyday work and business.

En este episodio de From The Ground Up with Esther, converso con Pedro Falcón, músico, educador y líder comunitario venezolano que llegó a Estados Unidos hablando solo cinco frases en inglés y hoy está transformando la vida de niños a través de la música.

Pedro comparte su historia de inmigración, cómo la música le abrió puertas académicas y profesionales, y el impacto que tiene Project Music en la comunidad latina de Connecticut. Hablamos sobre propósito, disciplina, becas universitarias, identidad cultural y lo que significa empezar desde cero en un nuevo país.

Una conversación llena de inspiración, comunidad y crecimiento personal.

Síguenos para más historias de personas que están construyendo sus vidas y sueños desde cero.

https://www.instagram.com/pjfm33/

https://www.instagram.com/fromthegroundupwithesther/

In this powerful episode of From the Ground Up with Esther, Esther sits down with Nick Sarraco, a nonverbal motivational speaker whose life challenges everything we think we know about limitations.

At just two months old, Nick was diagnosed with a rare brain injury that took away his ability to speak and caused nerve damage in his hand. Despite this, he refused to let his circumstances define him. With the support of his family and a strong mindset, Nick built a life rooted in resilience, discipline, and purpose.

Communicating through his phone, Nick now speaks to schools, teams, and communities, sharing a message that hits at the core: no obstacle is greater than your mindset. From becoming a professional wrestler to working in social media and now inspiring others through speaking, his journey is a living example of overcoming.

This conversation explores identity, faith, perseverance, and what it truly means to build your life from the ground up.

Key takeaway: You are not defined by your limitations—only by how you choose to respond to them.

Connect with Nick :

https://www.instagram.com/npsarracco/

Connect with Esther & Follow the podcast 💗  / fromthegroundupwithesther  

💗  / marysalfajores  

Don't forget to follow and leave us a comment!

25-year-old entrepreneur Anthony Ramo shares how he went from a difficult past to building multiple six-figure businesses through faith, discipline, and resilience. A real conversation about breaking cycles, finding purpose, and building a life from the ground up.

Connect with Anthony

https://www.instagram.com/anthony.raimo/

Connect with Esther & Follow the podcast 💗https://www.instagram.com/fromthegroundupwithesther💗https://www.instagram.com/marysalfajores

#youngentrepreneur #success, #discipline and #faith

En este episodio, Esther tiene una conversación profunda con Ana Cristina Gordillo sobre el crecimiento personal, el emprendimiento y la importancia de la educación emocional en los niños. Exploran cómo las experiencias de la infancia moldean nuestra identidad y creencias, los desafíos de construir un negocio y la importancia de estar presentes en nuestras interacciones con los demás. Ana comparte su camino hacia el descubrimiento de su propósito y las herramientas que ha desarrollado para ayudar tanto a niños como a adultos. La conversación resalta la necesidad de la conciencia y la presencia en la crianza, así como el poder transformador de superar creencias limitantes y miedos.

Además, Ana Cristina Gordillo comparte su perspectiva sobre la belleza de la creación, la importancia de la conciencia y la magia de la infancia. Habla sobre su camino en el liderazgo, el papel de la fe para superar desafíos y el empoderamiento de las mujeres a través del liderazgo. También presenta su proyecto, “The Magic Box”, enfocado en brindar a los niños herramientas para desarrollar la inteligencia emocional y la creatividad. La conversación destaca la importancia de la conexión, tanto con Dios como dentro de las comunidades, y el poder transformador del amor y la comprensión en las relaciones.

Connectate con Ana Cristina

https://www.instagram.com/anacristina.gordillo/

Connect with Esther & Follow the podcast 💗https://www.instagram.com/fromthegroundupwithesther💗https://www.instagram.com/marysalfajores

#fe , #proposito #pequenonegocio #empresaria #saludmental

In this episode of 'From the Ground Up,' Esther interviews Monika Ruiz, the owner of Allora Coffee Shop. They discuss Monica's journey from Colombia to the U.S., her entrepreneurial spirit, and the importance of service in the coffee industry. Monika shares personal stories about her experiences with customers, the challenges of running a business, and the inspiration she draws from her son. The conversation emphasizes the significance of kindness, empathy, and the impact of personal connections in both business and life. In this engaging conversation, Esther shares her insights on positivity, the joy found in simple moments, and the importance of family support. She discusses the balance between work and passion, the challenges of starting a business, and the significance of community and collaboration for growth. Esther emphasizes the need to overcome fear and take risks in pursuing one's dreams, while also highlighting the realities of entrepreneurship, including marketing and managing relationships.

Visit Allora in Norwalk CT💗https://www.instagram.com/alloracoffee_norwalk/

Connect with Esther & Follow the podcast 💗https://www.instagram.com/fromthegroundupwithesther💗https://www.instagram.com/marysalfajores

In this episode of From the Ground Up with Esther, Esther sits down with Luis Omar Figueroa for an honest conversation about family, entrepreneurship, work ethic, faith, and what it really takes to build from the ground up.

Luis shares how growing up in the Bronx, watching his mother’s work ethic, and taking on responsibility early shaped the man, entrepreneur, husband, and father he is today. Together, they talk about breaking limiting beliefs, taking risks, building relationships, understanding family dynamics, and defining success beyond money.

This episode is for anyone building a business, a life, or a new version of themselves.

Follow/Connect:

🔵 Ask Luis Omar https://www.instagram.com/askluisomar/

https://www.hgrncapital.com/ 

Connect with Esther & Follow the podcast 

💗https://www.instagram.com/fromthegroundupwithesther

💗https://www.instagram.com/marysalfajores

En este episodio, Juan Pablo comparte su historia de superación como inmigrante venezolano en Estados Unidos. Habla sobre dejar atrás su vida en Venezuela, empezar desde cero, aprender inglés, trabajar en limpieza y construcción, y cómo con fe, disciplina y educación logró crecer profesionalmente y emprender.

Una conversación llena de inspiración, realidad y consejos para quienes están construyendo sus sueños paso a paso.Connectate con Juan Pablo y Esther 💗 https://www.instagram.com/altcons/Alt Consultants Connect with Esther & Follow the podcast 💗 https://www.instagram.com/fromthegroundupwithesther/💗 https://www.instagram.com/marysalfajores

In this episode Esther interviews Jillian Gagnon, founder of Haus of Harmony, who shares her journey from struggling with chronic illness to becoming a successful home organizer. Jillian discusses the emotional aspects of organizing, the importance of letting go, and practical steps for decluttering. She emphasizes the personal nature of her work and how it transforms her clients' lives. The conversation also touches on finding purpose and strength through service and the impact of faith in her journey. In this conversation, Jillian Gagnon shares her journey of discovering her purpose through professional organizing, emphasizing the importance of finding joy in unexpected places. She discusses the significance of creating calm spaces in our lives, particularly in our bedrooms, and how organization can lead to mental clarity and emotional well-being. The dialogue also touches on the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, the necessity of letting go of the past, and the transformative power of choosing oneself first.

Follow/Connect with Jillian

💗 https://www.instagram.com/hausofharmonyct 

Connect with Esther & Follow the podcast 

💗https://www.instagram.com/fromthegroundupwithesther

💗https://www.instagram.com/marysalfajores

In this episode of From the Ground Up with Esther, I sit down with John and Cecilia, the couple behind On The Brew Coffee Company, a Guatemalan-rooted brand built on family legacy, resilience, and intention. We talk about how Cecilia’s curiosity uncovered John’s family coffee history (including generations of farmers and a Q grader), and how that discovery sparked a mission: honor microlot farmers, educate people on what coffee really is, and deliver a true “farm-to-cup” experience. They share the real obstacles of starting—especially capital, doubt, and doors closing—plus how one “yes” from a farmer changed everything. You’ll also learn what microlots are, what cupping means, and the surprising truth about light vs. dark roast caffeine. If you’re building something and need encouragement to keep going, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Follow/Connect:

☕https://www.instagram.com/onthebrew.coffeeco | onthebrew.com

Connect with Esther & Follow the podcast 

💗https://www.instagram.com/fromthegroundupwithesther

💗https://www.instagram.com/marysalfajores

💗https://www.skool.com/ftgup-ceos-accountability-4341/about