Cimani Estelle shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Cimani, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately outside of work, I’ve been happiest learning new things to expand my mind and also exploring the beauty of nature. Both growing mentally and slowing down to notice the beauty in things around me helps keep me grounded and inspired.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey everyone, I’m Cimani Estelle, formerly known and previously featured here as Candie Paint. I’m a proud Kansas City, Kansas, Wyandotte County native. A creative young entrepreneur, and CEO of the upcoming clothing and lifestyle brand ESTELLE, the official home of the $TARS. I also run The GFX Boutique, where I specialize in graphic design, small business branding, and creative consulting.
Entrepreneurship has been in me since my teens; I always dreamt of being my own boss. At 15, I started selling lashes, and in 2023, I officially registered my business, The Candie Shop (TCS) , with the state of Kansas. I’ve been committed to the $TARS, online and off, ever since. TCS was the foundation, and I feel it walked so ESTELLE could shine.
The name Estelle means “star” of French origin, and Cimani means “God’s gift” of African origin, which perfectly reflects where I’m at in my journey. Owning my light, but always remembering its worth and who it came from.
Rebranding from Candie Paint to Cimani Estelle, and evolving The Candie Shop into ESTELLE + The GFX Boutique, represents my growth and my focus on intention. Every move, every design, every drop has meaning now.
ESTELLE is about wearing your worth and making you feel like a $TAR, no matter who or where you are. And a reminder that the glow always starts within.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped my view was realizing that everything; good or bad, happens for a reason. Even the hardest seasons carried lessons I couldn’t see or understand at first. That mindset changed how I move through life and business and is what pushed me to rebrand. Understanding that growth, change, and hardships can create purpose. I learned how to pour what I felt into what I love. That’s what Estelle represents to me, intention, healing, and confidence. Evolving through it all and still choosing to shine.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were several and honestly, there were moments I wanted to give up on everything. But every time I got to that point, something small reminded me why I couldn’t. Whether it was a goal, a prayer a vision, a person. Each time I almost let go, I found new reasons to hold on. That’s how I learned my worth and my purpose, through the moments that tried to break me.
Now I move knowing that if I made it through that, I can make it through anything. That’s what keeps the $TAR in me shining.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me, just a little refined. I’m learning to adjust and be fully myself in every space I walk into. I don’t broadcast too much personal life, but everything that I do choose to share; from my work to my style, is genuine. I want to redefine what it looks like to be a creative and a businesswoman and make it more authentic, more personal, less stuffy. I’m bringing real energy back into professionalism. You can be polished and still be you.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop procrastinating and selling myself short. I feel like I’ve wasted too much time second-guessing things I was more than ready for. I’d move like everything I wanted was already mine, no hesitation, no fear. I’m learning that time is real and short, so within that I can only squeeze in planning and action.
Contact Info:
- Website: tinyurl.com/estelle1of1 , https://gfxboutique.my.canva.site/the-gfx-boutique
- Instagram: @estelle1of1 . @thegfxboutique
Image Credits
N/A, credits to me
