Her Story
About Esha
I am originally from India and moved to the United States two years ago in pursuit of growth and new opportunities. I began my academic journey with a Bachelor’s in Education in India, and upon relocating, I transitioned into studying psychology, aligning more closely with my passion for understanding people and human behavior.
Alongside my studies, I started working as a teacher at a Guidepost Montessori school, where I developed hands-on experience working with children. When the school closed last year, I embraced change and explored the hospitality industry, believing that diverse professional experiences—from interacting with children to engaging with adults, would deepen my understanding within the field of psychology.
Continuing this exploration, I later joined my college as a barista, balancing academics and work while refining my interpersonal skills. During this time, I also took a leap into entrepreneurship by starting my own business, Smily Designs - ‘where ideas become art‘. What began as a graphic design venture has now evolved into creating luxury designer candles, allowing me to blend creativity with business.
Looking ahead, I aspire to build a career in industrial-organizational psychology while continuing to grow my business. My daily routine reflects my commitment, starting my day at 5 a.m., dedicating my afternoons to studies, and spending my evenings nurturing my entrepreneurial journey.
One of my most significant achievements has been building my business amidst this demanding schedule and, alongside my brother, becoming a homeowner within just two years of moving to a new country. This milestone represents the resilience, hard work, and determination that define my journey.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Esha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success entirely to my family. Their unwavering support has been the foundation of everything I’ve been able to achieve. My uncle, Jag, and my aunt, Hannah, have been my greatest mentors and guiding lights. From career direction to financial decisions, their wisdom has shaped my journey in countless ways.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I’m deeply passionate about becoming financially independent, and the best advice I’ve received is: make your money work for you, rather than working for money. That perspective has completely shaped how I approach both my career and my business.
It encouraged me to think beyond traditional paths, take initiative, and build something of my own while continuing to learn and grow. I’ve focused on creating multiple streams of value, through my education, my work experiences, and my entrepreneurial journey so that I’m not limited to just one source of income or growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering business is to trust your vision and back yourself, even when the path feels uncertain. Confidence isn’t something you wait for, it’s something you build by showing up every day and taking action.
Don’t be afraid to start small or juggle multiple roles. I’ve balanced being a full-time student, working, and running my own business, and that experience taught me resilience, time management, and self-belief. Growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing challenges rather than avoiding them.
Most importantly, stay consistent and don’t let setbacks define you. Every obstacle is part of the journey, not the end of it. If you stay committed, keep learning, and surround yourself with the right support system, you can create opportunities for yourself and turn your ambitions into reality.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see in my field, particularly in psychology, is the rapid rise of AI. It’s fascinating to see technology entering spaces that were once considered deeply human, including emotional and mental well-being. While AI can be a powerful tool, I believe it cannot replace the authenticity of human connection, the empathy, understanding, and trust that come from real human interaction.
There is a growing trend of people turning to AI for emotional guidance, but mental health is complex, and not every situation can be addressed through generalized responses. The human element in psychology carries responsibility, intuition, and accountability—things that technology is still evolving to fully support. This shift challenges future professionals like me to adapt, while also preserving the core value of genuine human care.
From an entrepreneurial perspective, my challenge has been scaling my business beyond Minnesota. As a small business owner, growth comes with uncertainty, whether it’s navigating logistics, reaching new markets, or building brand presence. However, I see these not as obstacles, but as learning curves. Every step is teaching me how to refine my strategy and expand with intention.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are honesty, trust, and humility. These principles shape both my personal life and professional journey.
Honesty and trust are the foundation of every relationship I build—whether with my family, my customers, or the people I work with. I believe that genuine connections and long-term success are rooted in transparency and reliability.
At the same time, humility keeps me grounded. No matter how much I grow or achieve, it reminds me to keep learning, stay open to feedback, and appreciate the people and experiences that contribute to my journey.
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