For years, she was a prominent voice in journalism, rising to become Director General of the Liberia Broadcasting System. With degrees in public administration and international relations, she had reached the pinnacle of her profession. Yet, while reporting Liberia’s challenges and aspirations, she felt another calling: to help Liberians produce, process, and market their own food.
Her answer to why she left the newsroom is simple: “Change.” That change meant moving from reporting problems to building solutions.
Building with her hands
Today, Estelle identifies as a journalist, farmer, agropreneur, processor, and mother. Her company, Purukpeh Agriculture Farm Incorporated, produces organic green plantain fufu powder and cassava deepah, sourced from local farmers — mostly women. By buying their crops, she reduces waste and provides them with reliable markets. She also hires young women, offering contracts and training, because for her, entrepreneurship is about opening doors.
“Inspired by our women farmers and processors whose work today is helping to put quality food on the tables of our families while at the same time growing the economy,” she explains.
Learning resilience
Three years in, her client base has expanded by 50–60 percent, signaling growing trust in locally processed food. The venture has even led to a second business. Still, she insists, “We are still learning how to stand.” Starting was the hardest part, but discipline, teamwork, and persistence have carried her forward. Challenges, she says, are opportunities for growth.
Anchored by grace
Estelle credits her family as her foundation: “There is no journey without them.” Her son, sisters, and father provide emotional and practical support, while she emphasizes the importance of self-care for entrepreneurs — health, rest, and balance are essential for strategic thinking.
Eyes on the future
Her vision is clear: to become one of Liberia’s leading agribusiness processors, expanding across counties and eventually West Africa. “Keeping my eyes on the ball,” she says, she hopes to empower more young people and inspire future businesswomen.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is grounded in her own experience: “You don’t need to have a million dollars to start a business. Make up your mind, ask God for wisdom, take the first step, be financially disciplined, be prepared to take risks, build a good network, humble yourself, and leave the rest to our Creator.”
Estelle’s story is not just about leaving journalism for farming — it is about continuity. From reporting Liberia’s struggles to actively building solutions, she embodies the belief that the greatest stories are not only told, but lived.
