We had the good fortune of connecting with Esta Bernstein and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Esta, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
That you have to have a “Job” to survive. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am the founder of Saffyre Sanctuary, Inc., a Los Angeles based, 501(c)3 horse rescue. We are a 100% volunteer organization. Not only do we rescue horses, but we have incorporated a spiritually based equine therapy program, and are changing the stereotype about horse ownership and their true purpose in our lives. This year I published my autobiography, Changing Horses, which explores my personal journey on how Saffyre Sanctuary and it’s programs came into being. I got where I am today by riding the waves of life. I was an early graduate from high school and all my business experience came from hands on work at my prior places of employment. It was effortless, and every experience I had gave me some tool or piece of information that I incorporated into my nonprofit. I had to learn how to appreciate the people that helped me along the way, and how to be more empathetic to their needs and concerns. Becoming an effective leader takes a great deal of balance between being business savvy and people orientated. But I also had to learn how to receive help from others. Running this type of business can cause extreme emotional burnout, and making time for yourself has to be a priority along with all your other daily duties. I would like the world to know that if you have a dream, and the desire, anything can happen. When you have nothing left to loose, and you let go of all your expectations on how something has to manifest, you will receive more than you could have ever hoped for.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For people visiting our area, there is more to do than you can imagine. I would take them to our rescue to play soccer with the horses, then spend an evening at the Griffith Park Observatory. On another day I would visit the Huntington Botanical Gardens, and have a great meal on the West Side of Los Angeles. We could also take a drive up the coast in Malibu and watch the sunset, or take a ferry to Catalina Island (my favorite!) and visit the sea lions.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this Shoutout to all of the volunteers, donors, supporters, friends, and family members that have made it possible to see my dreams come to fruition, and to those who have been with me through the ups and downs of life.

Website: https://saffyrsanctuary.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saffyresanctuary/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esta-bernstein/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ebsaffyre
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saffyresanctuary
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ebsaffyre

Image Credits
Robin Constable Hanson

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.