Meet Estella Altman | Business Strategist & Mentor for Ambitious Women Entrepreneurs

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

Hi Estella, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in California but spent my childhood between Long Beach and Oahu as a military child. Growing up in an environment marked by domestic violence, child abuse, and the challenges of low-vibration dynamics, I witnessed firsthand the struggles of my mother, who eventually gave up on herself, her dreams, and her self-worth. Watching her journey made me realize, later in life, that I was unintentionally recreating the same patterns and cycles.

This realization became a pivotal moment for me. As an independent mom raising my children alone with little to no support from family, I made the decision to rewrite my story. While balancing motherhood, I educated myself and climbed the corporate ladder, eventually becoming an executive in corporate operations. But even at the top of my career, I found myself deeply unfulfilled. I was following a path that others expected of me, not the one I truly desired.

The breaking point came when I was diagnosed with cervical and ovarian cancer while pregnant. That moment forced me to confront the cycles I had been perpetuating and the habitual mindset that kept me playing small. I made a decision then to draw a line in the sand—to heal, to break free from limiting beliefs, and to step into the life I truly wanted. Leaving my 20-year career wasn’t just about stepping away from the corporate world; it was about stepping into my purpose.

Today, my upbringing and background fuel my mission. They’ve given me a deep understanding of the strength it takes to overcome generational cycles and limiting beliefs. I’ve dedicated myself to helping women shift their mindsets, align their lives with their self-worth, and turn their dreams into reality. Using my 20 years of expertise in streamlining operations and creating business success, I guide women to build and scale their own businesses while embodying their best selves. My journey is proof that it’s possible to turn pain into purpose, rise above circumstances, and create a life that reflects the power and potential within.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, SheBoss Media Marketing, is all about empowering ambitious women entrepreneurs to build, grow, and scale online businesses that align with their purpose and create financial freedom. What sets my business apart is the deep understanding and empathy I bring from my own journey. I’ve walked the path of breaking generational cycles, healing from limiting beliefs, and building a life on my terms—all while raising my children as an independent mom. I use that experience, coupled with 20 years of corporate operations expertise, to help women not only shift their mindsets but also create streamlined, profitable businesses.

What I’m most proud of is the impact my work has had on other women. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see women step into their power, reclaim their worth, and design businesses that reflect their dreams. Whether it’s helping someone launch their first Instagram theme page or guiding them to scale to six- or seven-figure months, seeing their transformation fuels my passion every day.

Getting to where I am today was far from easy. I left a successful 20-year corporate career after being diagnosed with cervical and ovarian cancer while pregnant. That moment forced me to reevaluate everything. I realized I had been living for others’ expectations, not my own purpose. Starting over as an entrepreneur was intimidating, especially with no family support, but I leaned into my resilience, healed from my past, and embraced a growth mindset.

The biggest challenge was overcoming self-doubt and breaking free from the fear of failure. I had to unlearn habits of settling and playing small. I poured into personal development, leaned on mentors, and committed to building a business rooted in authenticity and service. Along the way, I’ve learned the power of perseverance, the importance of trusting your intuition, and the necessity of balancing strategy with heart.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that SheBoss Media Marketing isn’t just about business—it’s a movement. It’s about helping women realize they can create lives filled with abundance, freedom, and purpose. My brand represents breaking cycles, rewriting stories, and proving that no matter where you come from or what challenges you face, you can build a life that reflects your highest potential.

At SheBoss Media, we don’t just teach women to create financial success; we show them how to embody their worth, align their lives with their values, and leave a lasting legacy. My story is proof that transformation is possible, and my mission is to help other women achieve their own breakthroughs and rise alongside me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles County for a week, especially considering the recent wildfires that have impacted many areas, I’d plan a thoughtful itinerary focusing on places that remain open and safe to visit. We’d start with a relaxing day at DuBunne Spa to unwind in the city I live in. For dining, Manhattan Beach Post offers a great atmosphere and delicious food. A stroll along the Manhattan Beach Pier would provide beautiful ocean views.

Given that some attractions like Universal Studios and Warner Bros Studio Tours have faced closures due to the fires, we’d opt for cultural experiences such as the Getty Center, which houses impressive art collections and offers panoramic city views. It’s important to note that while landmarks like the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign remain undamaged, some may have temporary closures, so we’d check their current status before visiting.

To support local communities affected by the fires, we might visit areas like Atwater Village, where initiatives have been set up to aid wildfire victims. This would be a meaningful way to contribute to recovery efforts while exploring the city.

Throughout our week, we’d remain mindful of air quality and any travel advisories, adjusting our plans as needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother, Nerissa. Although it’s been painful to acknowledge, she played a significant role in shaping my thought process and ultimately the person I’ve become. Growing up, I watched her endure physical, mental, and emotional abuse, along with infidelity. She was trapped in a cycle where she felt powerless to leave because she didn’t have her own income or the financial stability to create a life of her own.

Her experiences lit a fire within me to break those cycles; not just for myself, but for the women around me and for my daughters. I want my daughters to see that women never have to settle. They can create their own financial stability, reclaim their power, and design a life filled with freedom, choice, and purpose. My mother’s story may have been rooted in pain, but it’s the foundation of my mission to show women that they are capable of so much more than they may believe.

This journey is about honoring her struggles while redefining what’s possible for the women who come after her, including myself and my daughters. Her story was the spark that ignited my drive to help women step into their worth, create financial independence, and break free from the limitations placed on them by others.

Website: https://herpowerwithin.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herpowerwithin/

Image Credits
Photography by Yaz