Esther Molyneux - She Is Found Studio
Esther Molyneux
Esther Molyneux is the founder and creator of She is Found Studio, a British faith-based stationery and self-development brand with a fresh perspective.
Esther’s background is in design and creative problem- solving; taking a seed of an idea and turning it into reality. She’s worked for brands such as ASOS, Kurt Geiger and French Connection, in senior roles as part of their creative and fashion teams. Esther seeks to combine effortless design, luxury and utility.
After a difficult past few years with a lot of change - the breakdown of her marriage left her as a single mum, losing her home, job, and identity. Her relationship with her faith has inspired her to set up her own business to work around motherhood. Today, she’s a coffee-fueled single mother juggling life with a passionate drive to serve others. She’s spreading messages of love to help women feel less alone in their journey, and encourage women to own and celebrate their enough-ness.
She is Found Studio has created ‘Her Collection’ which is a modern stationery edit carefully crafted to combine words of faith, self-development and creativity. Blank pages and empty lines can sometimes be discouraging, so Her Collection uses beautiful photography and layouts that create a bold, stunning backdrop. Esther has made her dreams a reality, and she is inspiring others along the way, and I’m so excited for you guys to connect with her, check out her work, and follow along!
I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.
I'm Esther, a thirtysomething coffee-fueled single mother juggling life with a passionate drive to serve others. At the moment I'm working on the launch of my new brand 'She is Found Studio'. 'She is Found Studio' is a British stationery brand, seeking to combine faith, effortless design, luxury and utility. The products are formed for women wishing to be faith-centered, self–aware and rooted in integrity. The practical modern and considered stationery is designed to be functional, beautiful and overflowing with truths. The paper goods comprise of seven pieces: a workbook, faith journals, faith planners and notebooks–all simple tools to change your day–to–day life.
The Studio's first range is called 'Her Collection' 2020. Whether you want to read, journal, pray, practice gratitude, set goals, doodle, plan, organize or simply take notes; there is something that can elevate your faith. Equip yourself with beautiful, long-lasting tools. Not only will they get the creativity flowing but ground everyday living, too.
How did you get started?
Following 12 months of research, prototyping and design, I started She is Found Studio in May 2018. I created the brand to not only be a business; but a design space, creative outlet, and a chance to connect with like-minded women. It is evolving into an innovative platform; not only space for her to create beautiful products, but to collaborate, and write.
What inspired the work that you're doing?
My inspiration and drive are to spread God's message of love, help women feel less alone in their journey of faith with someone by their side. I want to encourage women to own and celebrate their enough-ness. My heart is for women, women who need help and support to realize how focusing on faith can lead to a simpler, slower and more wholesome life filled with love and adventure. What sets apart the brand from others is that I don't just offer positivity and happiness. I seek to share truth. I want to inspire women to follow their passion, hopes, and dreams.
What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?
Foremost I am passionate about my faith, but womanhood, culture and creativity all play a role in my outlook. All of my passions are combined in work I am doing. I know my purpose is to empower and encourage women. Through working in fashion and graphic design. I've always been captivated by design. I want everything I create to look and feel considered, fresh and I believe that shows in my collection.
What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?
My joy blueprint is to always look for the small things that make me come alive even through the rough valleys. For me, that means practicing gratitude as often as possible. I think, when we become so immersed in our pain, we can often be blinded by grace and blessings.
Moments that make me come alive are things like jumping on the bed with my toddler, hearing him laugh, exploring nature with him. Seeing the world through a child's eyes is so lovely, the awe and wonder encourage paying attention to the small pleasures.
How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?
Writing is a tool that allows me to live intentionally. Creative writing and journaling are soul–care practices are so important within the modern and busy life. So, I choose to put down the screen and pick up a notebook. In the evenings, I find a quiet space and allow the ink to keep flowing. Journaling allows space for written records of experiences like a memory capsule. It also forms a safe space to pour out ideas, thoughts and emotions. I also try and let my creativity flow through design and research. I try and spend as much time as possible, creating and visualizing ideas. Usually, this means spending thirty minutes a day on Pinterest, which is never a bad thing!
What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?
I think my younger self has always wanted to own a creative business. I used to dream if designing magazines, working with fashion and lifestyle brands, and even owning my own shop/studio. However, I think I would have been shocked to hear that faith would be the reason I started the venture. Despite coming from a Christian home, I wasn't interested in anything faith-related in my teens and twenties. Life takes so many twists and turns but my early dreams and turned them into a reality.
Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?
Yes, I've written my own actually: My past does not define me. It prepares me for my future. I will encourage myself and others to treat themselves with understanding, gentleness, patience, respect and all that embodies love. I will live life in the truth.
What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to take 'She is Found Studio' offline to make the brand personal. My vision is to have a studio, store and event space where women can gather and collaborate. Community is essential and personal relationships need to be invested in. I really believe that having a space to connect, learn and support one another is so vital. I'd run workshops, mentoring, have a space for creativity and healing. As I type I am so excited by this, but I need to get through the launch first!
To learn more about Esther and her work, you can connect with her on her website www.sheisfound.com and on Instagram @sheisfound.studio and Pinterest @sheisfound.studio and you can find more information about their Kickstarter here
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