The Story Behind Merkive Heartworks

The best advice I’ve ever been given? Just start. And focus on progress over perfection.

That’s exactly what I’m doing here—building my personal brand, one that isn’t tied down to corporate job titles or limited by what I “should” be. This is about creating something that truly reflects who I am. Something that grows with me.

How "Merkive" Came to Be

My real name is Esmaerle, but if you know me in real life, you probably call me Mer. I’ve always liked short names, especially one-syllable ones—they just make things easier. But “Mer” isn’t just a nickname; it’s a name that holds weight.

When taking a French class during my degree, I learned that Mer means "ocean"—and I immediately felt a deep connection to it. The sound of the waves, the vastness of the sea, the calmness of the water—it brings me peace. It reminds me of endless possibilities, clarity, and a sense of belonging. And here’s the thing: the people who call me Mer are my closest friends. When someone calls me that, it feels personal. Like a small, unspoken understanding.

Then there’s "kive." This one’s fun because it actually comes from "archive." I’ve always loved the idea of an archive—not just as a collection of things, but as a record of progress. A history of versions. A timeline of growth. I tweaked the spelling (because why not?) and combined it with Mer to create Merkive.

In a way, this name represents exactly that—who I am to others, the many versions of myself, and the continuous journey of growth.

And Then, There’s "Heartworks"

This part is special to me. "Heartworks" is a play on "hard work," but honestly, it’s so much more than that.

My journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to be resourceful, to work nonstop, to figure things out as I go. But what truly defines me is this: when I commit to something, I give it my whole heart.

Every project I take on? It gets a dedicated space in my mind. I think about it, I care about it, I put everything into it. I don’t just work hard—I work with heart. That’s why it’s "Heartworks." Because it’s not just effort, it’s commitment.

Merkive Heartworks: A Work in Progress

This brand isn’t just a label—it’s a living, evolving reflection of me. It’s not a finished product. It’s an archive of my growth, my passions, and my progress.

I don’t have it all figured out yet, and honestly, I don’t need to. What matters is that I’ve started, and I’ll keep building it—just like we all keep building ourselves.

So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to start your own thing—just like I have—this is our reminder: Just start. The pieces will come together as we go. Because like Merkive, the best things are built over time.