What is the best thing that I love about my work? That it brings me face to face with truth. My work demands honesty, with myself and with others. It creates space for what is often pushed aside. It’s not comfortable. It’s alive. It is my freedom to fully express myself.
What is my idea of happiness? Freedom. Not perfection. The freedom to follow my own rhythm, make my own choices, and stay loyal to what I feel, even when it’s uncomfortable. Becoming truly myself without any limiting beliefs or behavior.
What is my greatest fear? I think my biggest fear is staying stuck in a version of myself that no longer fits, instead of allowing growth and change. But my greatest fear is outliving my son.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? My tendency to be too hard on myself. As if rest is something I have to earn.
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? Women who don’t wait for permission. Who use their voice, claim their space, and don’t fight the system. They rewrite it.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Moments when systems matter more than soul and quality. We applaud the old masters, the familiar gets love, but the new, the living, the deep gets ignored.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? In moments of intense focus, when everything else disappeared and only the present remained. When I was fully immersed and forgot myself and the rest of the world.
If I could, what would I change about myself? I would trust myself sooner. Wait less. Doubt less what I already know deep inside.
What is my greatest achievement in work? That I stayed. That I keep choosing authenticity, even when it’s the hardest path.
Where would I most like to live? Somewhere with space. Somewhere I can breathe. Somewhere between the forest and the beach, destination unknown because wherever I’ll choose to live I’ll make a home.
What is my most treasured possession? My intuition. It has never failed me.
What is my most marked characteristic? Depth. I don’t do shallow. Ever.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? The Rijksmuseum tunnel is one of the most beautiful places in Amsterdam.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? I have so many great food spots, but I often eat ramen at Umaimon, it never disappoints.
What books influenced my life and how? Women who run with the wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, it taught me that women don’t have to be gentle to be worthy. That complexity is strength.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen to on my last day? Contemporary soul & jazz, this music makes me drift down memory lane.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Celie, The color purple. She learns to claim herself!
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Everyone who has the courage to turn their monsters into flowers. These are the modern wayshowers the world so deeply needs right now. And single parents, they are pure heroes and heroines who deserve far more recognition.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? The Shack (2017) based on a book of William P. Young. This movie changed my life! Pro tip, have tissues within arm’s reach, you’ll need them!
What role do stories play in my life and work? For my soul portraits, the stories of the painted families play a very important role, as they are the starting point of my painting process.
What do the words “You are the storyteller of your own life” mean to me? That no one else gets to edit my narrative. I’m fully responsible for my own life.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? That is without a doubt my son. He is my biggest cheerleader and the one who truly wants to see me win!
Which people or companies would I like to work with? I would love to collaborate with the Rijksmuseum, creating portraits of modern families through my Soul Portrait concept. This would give everyday families the opportunity to be visible in a museum, while also showing that the Rijksmuseum welcomes artists who are not only academically trained but are born for their craft.
What project am I looking forward to work on? At this moment I would like to combine my poetry with art and something is definitely cooking in my kitchen at the moment. Of course I’m looking forward to make more Family Soul Portraits, making the invisible bonds visible, through plant, flower and animal symbolism. I also hope to find a publisher who wants to publish my first poetry bundel!
Where can you see me or my work?
Online via instagram: (Art) esthersaja.lestoir, (words) womanwiththekite or my blog:
http://www.womanwiththekite.com
Youtube: https://youtu.be/3fHd-wwK_Y8?si=BeEsyTpiiANDazD
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? I believe it’s true. Passion never retires, but sometimes it pauses, asking for rest before it rises again
The Heroine’s Journey Coaching – by Peter de Kuster
Because every story you read can spark your own.
You’ve just read the story of a creative woman who followed her passion and shaped her own path. Maybe something in her journey resonated with you — a moment of courage, a turning point, or a dream you recognize. The Heroine’s Journey coaching invites you to explore your own story — not as fiction, but as a life you’re ready to shape.
Over the past ten years, more than 3,000 creative female professionals have shared their journeys with Peter de Kuster. Their stories form a living library of creative wisdom — stories about risk, renewal, and joy in meaningful work. Now, their inspiration can help illuminate your next step.
Why – Because Inspiration is Just the Beginning
Reading someone else’s story can awaken deep curiosity: What if I dared to do the same? What would my next chapter look like? The Heroine’s Journey coaching helps you answer those questions by turning reflection into direction. It’s designed to give you clarity, courage, and momentum on your creative path.
How – Story as a Path to Action
You’ll work with Peter de Kuster in three weekly, one-hour sessions — an intimate and practical program focused on your own story. Between sessions, you’ll spend 2–3 hours exploring exercises, reflections, and “testdrives” — real-life experiments that give you a taste of what your dream work could feel like.
Each session helps you uncover:
- Your personal story as a creative professional.
- The deeper themes shaping your work and life choices.
- Concrete next steps for moving toward what truly matters to you.
What You Receive – The Heroine’s Testdrive Package
- Three one-hour coaching sessions: €595 (excluding VAT)
- Opportunity to have your own story published on The Heroine’s Journey website — free publicity and visibility for your creative work.
- 40% discount on Heroine’s Journey seminars.
- Opportunity to interview one creative professional who inspires you — your testdrive in your dreamjob . This personal encounter lets you learn from a real role model who does what you love — bridging the gap between imagination and reality.
Book a free 30-minute conversation with Peter de Kuster to explore if The Heroine’s Journey coaching is right for you.
The Heroine's Journey 