MANHATTAN BEACH
MB WEEKLY
“Once A Week, But Never Weakly”
SPECIAL ISSUE
WOMEN OF IMPACT 2026
Thursday March 19, 2026
Stella Shirman
(Owner Of Estell Boutique)
Q: WHAT IS THE MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU FIRST REALIZED YOU WANTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, NOT JUST A LIVING?
A: The realization came gradually, during my years in the corporate world. On paper, I had everything I was supposed to want a stable career, a strong education, and a clear path forward. But the longer I stayed behind a desk, the more disconnected I felt from the parts of myself that thrived on creativity and human connection. Fashion had always been my language. I loved not just how clothes looked, but how they made women feel more confident, more visible, more themselves. I knew then that I didn't want my work to be only about earning a living; I wanted it to have purpose. That understanding became undeniable after I moved to Los Angeles and opened my boutique on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. Watching women light up when they found something that truly fit them physically and emotionally showed me that business could be deeply personal. Creating a space where women felt seen, confident, and inspired was more fulfilling than any title or paycheck. That was the moment I understood that my path wasn't just about making a living, but about making a difference one woman at a time.
Q: MANHATTAN BEACH IS KNOWN FOR HIGH STANDARDS AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS. WHERE DO YOU BELIEVE OUR COMMUNITY IS THRIVING AND WHERE DO WE NEED TO RAISE THE BAR?
A: Manhattan Beach thrives because of its strong sense of community engagement and quality. The locals care deeply about their community - from supporting local businesses and schools to maintaining beautiful public spaces and a vibrant coastal lifestyle. There's a shared expectation of excellence. High standards also encourage businesses to keep evolving. We can raise the bar in inclusivity and support for small businesses, who bring creativity to the city. When we balance excellence with openness and community-minded growth, we don't just maintain high standards - we elevate them.
Q: WHO BELIEVED IN YOU BEFORE YOU FULLY BELIEVED IN YOURSELF?
A: Before I fully believed in myself, my parents and close friends believed in me. My parents gave me a strong foundation through education, support, and unwavering encouragement, even when the path forward felt uncertain. My friends saw my calling before I was ready to claim it myself reminding me of my strengths, pushing me to take risks, and trusting that I would find my way. Their belief carried me forward until I learned to fully believe in myself.
Q: IF YOU COULD SOLVE ONE LOCAL ISSUE TOMORROW WHETHER CIVIC, CULTURAL, OR EDUCATIONAL - What WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
A: If I could solve one local issue tomorrow, it would be creating stronger, more practical support for small businesses. Independent retailers are the heart and soul of a community, yet in today's challenging economy, even small regulatory pressures can make a big difference. Greater flexibility around sidewalk racks and sandwich-board signage would allow local businesses to better connect with foot traffic without compromising the city's aesthetic standards. In addition, simple wayfinding - such as directional "Shop & Dine" signs at key intersections like Manhattan Avenue and Manhattan Boulevard - could significantly increase visibility for areas that don't naturally receive the same flow of traffic. These small, thoughtful changes would help local businesses thrive, strengthen the local economy, and ensure that the character and creativity of our commercial districts continue to flourish.
