We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Esther Fitz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Esther below.

Esther, appreciate you joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

Earning my first dollar was quite thrilling, actually! I was in college, at least pretending to go for my parents sake, and I decided that if I was to be in school, that I might as well take classes doing things that I enjoy as well. So I sought out a vocal instructor to help me balance out my musical interests and school life. Well , in my searching, I ran across Lakeland School of Music and quickly fell in love and signed up for classes. On my first day of classes, I was delighted to meet my amazing instructor. His name was Allan Licht and he was completely amazing! He was a songwriter, singer, pianist and all around amazing person. Then came the moment for the first song and to me, the first test. lol. Can’t lie, I was miles beyond nervous as I belted out “No One” by Alicia Keys! But he provided me with encouragement and assurance of my ability. I had never been truly affirmed by a professional before and it was such a boost for me. My instructor was such a source of inspiration and I was delighted to go back f0r my second lesson. At my second lesson, Allan informed me that he was working on a collaborative album and asked me if I would be a part! I couldn’t believe it! For the next few weeks I was thrilled and looking forward to joining him in the studio and helping with his creation and when that moment finally arrived, I wanted to nail it. When that day finally arrived, I was ecstatic! I had never been in a professional studio, I had never worked with a sound engineer and I had never featured on anyone’s album! I will never forget that day and that session. I felt like I was finally in the right place with the right people. We recorded our version of “The Closer I Get To You That Day”. And not only did I receive my first dollars as a musician, but it also affirmed my musical path as a singer. I am forever grateful for that time.

Esther, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born and raised here in Cleveland, Ohio. I got into music at a very young age because of my mother. She is also a singer, songwriter, as well as a composer and classical pianist. So, she always had me and my siblings singing, whether it was at home or in church. She wrote us songs to remember details, like her work number and location, etc. She was the musical director and praise team leader at our church so I grew up in a musical world. Me and my mother used to share the piano bench when I was a child and we would sing together all the time. And so, I like to think that my mother engrained the most beautiful parts of herself, as well as her gifts into each of her children and I’m grateful for it.

When I was a child I often wrote poetry and songs with my sister. We had our own girl group and I had another girl group that I joined in elementary school. I spent most of my lunches and time on the playground making and singing songs with my girlfriends. During highschool I was in gospel choir and theatre and when I left highschool I began trying to find my lane in the musical world, often finding open mics and jams that I could join and collaborating with various artists, both local and national. Eventually, I wrote my first project entitle “Phases Of Love” and when it released it changed my life. I realized that my journey had begun. Since then, I have released 3 EPS and several singles, with my most recent project being “Sweet Things” which I released at the tail end of August 2022.

Now, I am a full blown entertainer and I truly love it! I provide an exclusive experience to anyone listening by offering dynamic visuals, great music and great energy! I want everyone who comes to see me to truly feel what they hear and love what they experience! I am often joined on stage at my shows by my dance team and personal band and we love to leave it all on the stage! I have a solid team of musicians and we customize and cater our show specifically for our clients. I also do musical directing and coordinating for wedding, parties, and events! Often providing and coordinating all the musical needs for any given event, so that my clients don’t have to scramble with details! I take care of everything from the DJ, to the band, to those specific little moments. Whether it’s just me , a duo or a full band, I am always happy to grace any stage with my gift. I truly love what I do!

I feel like what sets me apart is just being myself. I am eclectic! I love every type of music, all genres! I don’t like to be put into any box or do any singular type of music. I love it all! I think when you’re open to all types of music, it allows you quite the range to play with and I like to play! We are unique and that’s what sets us apart, but I feel like the true commitment to be yourself and all that you are is what truly makes you stand out.

I am most proud of my journey in music. Anyone who knows me, knows how long that I have been on this journey. It has any ups and downs and hills and valleys, but I am proud of my journey! I am proud that I have never given up. I’m proud that my passion and love for music only grows. I am proud of every accomplishment along the way. I am proud to be able to share my gift with the world. I am proud of the music that I have put out and proud that I reached beyond my fears and put myself out there. I am proud of the artist I am and the person I am becoming.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to Unlearn: The Goal Is To Be Perfect

I think we all have this drive for perfection and this notion to never let our flaws be seen. I held on to that idea for far longer than I’d like to admit. I was a perfectionist my whole life and I never realized until recently how much that was holding me back. There were so many things that had not come to completion or that I was waiting on because I was constantly waiting on the perfect factors, Well, the truth is, there is no such thing as perfect. Nothing is 100%. Upon this realization, I understood so much more and realized this: if I could just strive to be the best version of me, my ideal self, then I can progressively move forward with boldness. Kick the idea of perfection to the curb. People relate to realness, rawness and authenticity so much better anyway. Love yourself. Better yourself. Kick the idea of perfection to the curb and enjoy yourself as you are.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

One book that really changed my perspective is “Successful Women Think Differently” ! It is one of my favorite books and you’ll often catch me reading it over again. I found this book to not just insightful, but powerful. In the book, Valorie Burton, emphasizes the power of the mind. It is where everything begins and ends. This book truly got me thinking about the way i think, what I think, how I think, and how I speak to myself. In the book, there are promises and decisions that you commit to yourself. The seven key decisions in this book were the start of a new path for me. I learned to choose courage over my fears, a major step for me, and to not downsize my dreams for any reason whatsoever. I highly recommend this book to women like myself, who need to get out of their own way and change their way of thinking.

Contact Info:

• Website: estherfitz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estherfitz216/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estherfitz216/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/estherfitz216?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EstherFitz

Image Credits
Esther Fitz (@efitzphotos) Michael Brown (@sharpshootmedia)