Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, actress and top coffee barista Celeste Wong has held senior positions in leading artisan cafes all over the world for over a decade. Since migrating to the UK, she has been listed as one of London’s top five baristas in The Financial Times and noted for her excellence in a plethora of other publications. Previously, Celeste created, produced and starred in “The Girl in the Café,” an internationally screened video-series in which she interviewed inspirational coffee shop guests.
Celeste now writes, creates and curates visual content for lifestyle brands (including her own) and consults on a range of services for cafés. She’s a regular contributor to various publications, has an industry-recognized blog, and her very own coffee-inspired product line. Celeste believes that “a life of good coffee and conversation is for everyone.”
What does babes supporting babes mean to you?
A “Babe” to me is someone who’s secure enough in themselves that they’re willing to make room for others to join in the fun and success. Babes to me can be women or men, who are willing to help, give advice or encouragement to others who are hustling and trying to reach their goals.
If you could choose your nickname, what would it be?
I kind of did already… The Girl in the Café!
What’s your spirit animal?
A black panther.
What’s your proudest babe moment or achievement?
When I was able to explain to a massive room full of my peers, friends, colleagues and future business partners, the inspiration behind my web series and thank all the people who helped make it a reality. And then also telling them that it was going to be screened all over the world as part of Air New Zealand’s inflight entertainment. That felt pretty good.
What’s the most unexpected thing you have in your purse or wallet?
My sister’s gold earrings.
Tell us about a time where you were faced with a situation that you could have been unkind, but chose to be a babe instead?
A friend really let me down, behaved unfairly and it hurt me. It was tough not to behave equally unkind back, but I realized that she was doing it to herself. I took responsibility for my part (it’s never one sided) and opened up opportunities to have fair dialogue. Being unkind back really isn’t worth the negative energy. I believe if I act with integrity as much as possible and in line with my personal truth and values then regardless of whether the outcome is favorable or not, I won’t carry guilt or shame around for my behavior or actions.
What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren’t selling it anymore?
MAC’s waterproof liquid eyeliner.
If you had a yacht, what would be the name of it?
“Celeste” Or “Celestial” or “The Girl in the Café”!
What was the best piece of advice you received when you were first starting your career?
So many things… Take action. An idea doesn’t actually exist if you don’t take action on it, so don’t think about “ideas” for too long.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received now that you’re in your career?
Start small, think BIG!
Red, white or rose?
Red.
When I dance I look like…
JLo in my head but really more like Carlton from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
Who do you channel when you’re about to do something that scares you?
Beyonce — doesn’t everyone??
What’s your favourite destination to visit?
Spain and Italy.
What’s your favourite meal to eat?
My mum’s homemade fried Won Tons with sweet and sour sauce.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your career?
Creative Freedom. Figuring out what it is that I want to do and say, and then figuring out how to do it. I love being able to choose who I want to work with, and creating a lifestyle that’s fun, while knowing that everything I do all goes back into the vision that I created.
Where’s your favourite place to draw inspiration from?
Friends, podcasts, nature.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Dressing up in amazing outfits I’ll probably never get to wear out.
What quality are you working on yourself right now?
Making my health and fitness a priority, which ultimately means taking care of my mind too.
What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in business?
Listening to my instincts and really believing in my value.
Coffee meeting or drinks meeting?
Coffee of course, but drink meetings are fun too.
If you’re going out for a cocktail you’d order…
Hands down, a Negroni.
If you had unlimited budget for 2 hours of shopping where would you go?
Dover St Market, London. Barneys in LA.
What’s your favourite movie?
I can never remember, but I really loved these at a time (probably because I was preparing for a film role or something – I’m an actress too): Zero Dark Thirty, Melancholia, Enemy.
Click here to visit The Babe Shop!
Keep up with Celeste on Instagram @the_girl_in_the_cafe.
Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.