My Life’s Colorful Journey

Where do you begin to tell the tale of a life bursting at the seams with adventure, faith, and a whole lot of girl power? Well, like every good story, let’s start at the point where it all began.

Born on May 15, 1965, to the warm and wise hearts of Aaron Mbi Egbe (of blessed memory) and Clara Mbi Egbe, I proudly hold the seventh spot among 10 dazzling daughters — a true sisterhood extravaganza! My early years unfolded in the enchanting world of Pamol Estates, where childhood was anything but ordinary. Imagine endless acres of fruit trees, glassy waters teeming with fish, and a little girl with clothes always dirty, and boundless curiosity. Yep, that was me! My days were spent climbing trees like a fearless primate, trailing fishermen like a mini detective, and running errands for my beloved father, who believed I could do anything. And I believed him.

Life was a moving adventure, literally. Our family changed locations as often as some change hairstyles, and every new place was a new playground for me to explore.

When it came time for boarding school, Saker Baptist College in Limbe became my next big adventure. Surrounded by hundreds of spirited young girls, I learned fast — and played even harder. Survival sometimes meant standing tall (even to older girls), and I did so with flair. Saker wasn’t just a school; it was where my foundation of biblical principles took root, and where sisterhood bloomed into life-long bonds. It was also where life hit hard: I lost my father in my third year. But with resilience stitched into my DNA, and the unwavering support of my amazing mother and older siblings, I pressed on.

Enter my oldest sister, Emilie Egbe, a guiding light who helped steer me to Washington, D.C., in March 1987. That fall, I became a proud Bison at Howard University, marching toward a dream. By May 1992, I had a Pharmacy degree from Howard University College of Pharmacy tucked under my belt and a new chapter waiting to unfold.

Now here’s where the romance comes in — cue the violins! I met my future husband at my cousin’s wedding in Atlanta in August 1990. I was a bridesmaid, he a groomsman. Sparks didn’t just fly — they lingered. We reconnected two years later at yet another wedding and said “I do” in December 1993.

We welcomed our son Nyenty, in December 1994, followed by Bessem our daughter in July 1998. Our son, Ebai, later joined our family from Cameroon in 2007, completing our vibrant household.

Although I wore the white coat and carried the credentials, pharmacy alone didn’t light the fire within. So, I took a leap (okay, maybe a flying jump) and enrolled in Emory University’s Master of Public Health program. I graduated in 1999 with a degree in Epidemiology and a hunger for more.

Still, something was missing. That restless, adventurous spirit from my Pamol days was calling, and I answered. In 2001, while still working full-time as a long-term care pharmacist, I did the unthinkable at the time: I got licensed as a real estate agent. People thought I was a little crazy. Maybe I was. But it was that kind of “crazy” that changes lives.

By December 2007, right as the real estate market was crumbling, I launched Bess Realty. It wasn’t easy, but I’ve never looked back. Helping families build wealth, guiding people into their dream homes, and transforming neighborhoods — that’s the kind of impact that fills your soul. And, trust me, it’s been rewarding beyond measure.

Still not done collecting degrees (because why stop now?), I went back to school, again! In 2022, I enrolled in the Master of Science in International Real Estate program at Florida International University and proudly graduated in August 2023. That same year, I attended the African Real Estate Society (AFRES) conference in Nairobi and visited Rwanda for the first time. Talk about soul-stirring!

Later in December, my husband and I celebrated 30 years of marriage with a whirlwind trip through Senegal, The Gambia, and Cape Verde. Those magical journeys made one thing crystal clear: if I was going to celebrate a milestone, it had to be on the Mother Continent.

And here I am, grateful, reflective, and overwhelmed by the love that surrounds me. As I prepare to celebrate this beautiful chapter in Rwanda, I’m in awe of the many friends and family members making incredible sacrifices to be there. To my amazing husband and three wonderful children — thank you for your love, your laughter, and your patience. To my mother, my sisters, my nieces, nephews, and life-long friends, thank you for always being my cheerleaders.

And to everyone joining me in celebration, whether in person or in spirit: your presence is the icing on this very sweet cake of life. Here’s to more adventures, more love, and more reasons to dance through life.

With love and gratitude,

Esther.