Meet Amaria Webster | Entrepreneur & Founder of Esse

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

Hi Amaria, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started Esse because I saw a gap. Men often don’t get the same care, conversation, or safe spaces that women do—especially when it comes to wellness and self-care. I wanted to create more than a body care brand. I wanted a brand that addressed the whole man: mind, body, spirit. The body butter is just the first step—it’s a tool for daily care, but also a symbol that you deserve more than just survival. You deserve legacy, confidence, and community.

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?
Esse is more than a men’s body care brand—it’s a movement for whole-man wellness. We create premium, high-quality products, beginning with our 24-hour hydrating body butter, but our mission extends beyond skin. At Esse, we’re committed to the mind, body, and spirit of men, creating a community where they feel truly seen, heard, and valued.
What sets us apart is that we’re not just offering a product—we’re building a safe space. Through our “Gentlemen of Esse” community, men connect, share their journeys, and gain access to resources for emotional, mental, and spiritual growth. Every jar of body butter is more than skincare—it’s a reminder that self-care is not vanity; it’s legacy.
I’m most proud of how Esse has grown so quickly from a personal mission into something with real impact. It began when I helped my grandmother manage skin irritation from her medication. That experience sparked a vision that evolved into a brand designed exclusively for men, filling a gap I saw in the market.
The road here hasn’t been easy. I started with little money, no investors, and plenty of moments where giving up would have been easier. But my faith in God and the vision He placed on my heart kept me moving forward. I’ve learned that perseverance is everything, and starting small doesn’t mean staying small.
What I want the world to know is that Esse is here to shift the culture for men—breaking cycles of neglect, encouraging wholeness, and building confidence from the inside out. This is about more than skincare. It’s about creating legacy, strength, and wellness that lasts far beyond the surface.

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?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the very best of Dallas–Fort Worth.

We’d start with brunch at Paradiso in Bishop Arts—because it’s more than a meal, it’s an experience. Afterward, we’d stroll through Bishop Arts to explore the boutique shops and local art scene.

Midweek, I’d mix in some adventure with a trip to Bolder Adventure Park or K1 Speed for adrenaline and laughter. Evenings would be reserved for music and connection—hidden gem spots like Sidecar Social, The Freeman for live music, or The Gallery Rooftop Lounge for skyline views.

For shopping and strolling, Legacy West in Plano is a must with its mix of modern shops, great food, and people-watching. We’d also stop by Coco & Shea to make custom perfumes—because I love experiences that feel personal and intentional.

One of the highlights would be a visit to The Aroma Lab in downtown Dallas to create a signature fragrance—something unforgettable to take home. To close out the week, we’d celebrate with dinner at The Evelyn for an elevated, high-end dining experience.

By the end of the trip, my best friend would have not only seen the city but felt it—through food, art, adventure, and experiences that leave a lasting memory.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I have to give glory to God. None of this would be possible without His guidance, grace, and provision. I also dedicate my shoutout to my grandmother, who passed in 2023. She believed in me wholeheartedly, always encouraging and pushing me to go after my dreams. In fact, she’s the reason I started Esse. It began with me trying to create something to help her with skin irritation caused by her medication. From there, the vision grew, and I eventually branched out to create a line specifically for men. Her influence and love are woven into every part of this journey.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to my best friend’s family for always pushing me and reminding me of my potential, and to my church family at The Church of The Redeemed for covering me in prayer, love, and support. Having a community that believes in me as much as I believe in myself has made all the difference.

Website: https://esseformen.myshopify.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esseformen