Meet Esther Hambolu | Adventurer and socialite

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

Hi Esther, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
I’m happiest when I’m surrounded by good energy. Whether that’s laughing with my friends at a field day, dancing at a club with Afrobeats blaring, or getting sweet messages from people who believe in me and my content. I love building community and bringing people together because it reminds me that joy multiplies when it’s shared.

I’m most happy when I feel free. Free to explore, to be spontaneous, to take trips, try new things, or just follow where God’s leading me. I don’t like being boxed in. So any moment where I’m living life out loud, making people smile, or realizing just how far I’ve come? That’s my kind of happy.

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.
What really sets me apart is my enthusiasm and my “we’ll figure it out” attitude. I’ve never been afraid to try something I’ve never done before, whether that’s planning a large-scale event, launching a creative project, or taking on a new challenge in my career. I genuinely enjoy stepping into new spaces, learning as I go, and turning ideas into reality.

I’m most proud of the community I’ve built around me, friends, collaborators, and people who share the same passion for fun, connection, and growth. Those relationships are the foundation of everything I do.

What excites me most is that I don’t fully know where all of this will take me. Between my hobbies, interests, and the projects I’ve poured myself into, I feel like I’m writing a story that’s still unfolding. And that’s the fun part. I get to keep building, experimenting, and seeing where it leads.

I got to where I am today largely because of the guidance of my mom and older siblings. They recognized my interests and skills early on and encouraged me to pursue data science because of the breadth of opportunities it could open up. That support gave me both direction and confidence to step into a field that challenges me while still leaving room for creativity and growth.

It definitely wasn’t always easy. I’ve had to navigate the normal challenges of learning new tools, finding my voice in professional spaces, and balancing different passions. But what’s carried me through is curiosity and the belief that I can figure things out as I go.

Along the way, I’ve learned a few key lessons: always stay curious, always speak up about what you like and don’t like, and don’t be afraid to claim the opportunities you want. When you do that, the right doors start opening.

What I want the world to know about me and my story is that I’m here to experience all that life has to offer and to contribute with the best energy and optimism I can. Whether it’s through my career, events, or creative projects, I want to leave behind spaces where people feel inspired, connected, and excited about possibility.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend loves visiting Dallas because there’s just so much to do—great food, amazing people, and endless ways to have fun. If they were here for a week, I’d plan it like this:

We’d kick things off Thursday with happy hour at Chelsea Corner, then head over to The Group DTX’s biweekly trivia night. If the energy’s right, we’d end up at Double Ds, dancing the night away to R&B and whatever the rotating DJ has in store.

Friday, after work, we’d start the weekend vibes at Palma’s happy hour. Later, we’d head to Casablanca for karaoke and stay for the global sounds party that follows, with DJ Elkin keeping everyone on their feet.

Saturday would start with brunch at my ultimate hidden gem, Beehive. It’s the one spot I’ve never even shared on TikTok, but everyone I bring leaves with a full tummy and the biggest smile. From there, we’d spend the afternoon at the Dallas Museum of Art—checking out the new exhibits and revisiting the classics—then head to Legacy West for some window shopping and a nice dinner, maybe Asian fusion at Kai or Japanese at Uchiko. After a little rest, the night would be reserved for dancing at one of Dallas’s incredible Afrobeats and Amapiano parties. Organizers like Apollowrldx, Curated Vibez, True Colors, and Afrobeats and Happiness always bring the best energy.

On Sunday, we’d go to church at New Covenant House, which feels like home with its Nigerian community and modern teachings. After service, we’d grab some Nigerian food at Salt and Pepper or Kanny’s, then rest up before closing out the weekend at Vice Park’s legendary Sunday Funday party.

To me, Dallas is special because it has this unique blend of culture, community, and creativity! You can meet the most exciting people and have a completely different experience every night if you want to.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out my siblings, who constantly inspire me just by being themselves. Watching each of them grow, evolve, and chase their dreams reminds me to keep pushing toward mine. Specifically, my older sister Bola she deserves a huge thank you. She’s always gone after what she wanted with confidence and grace. Her drive and determination taught me that it’s okay to dream big and take bold steps. Seeing her navigate life fearlessly has given me the blueprint to do the same in my own journey. I’m beyond grateful for the example she’s set and the love she pours into our family.

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Image Credits
Photographed by Toluwani Ajayi, @Toluajay1 on Instagram