We were lucky to catch up with Victoria Celeste recently and have shared our conversation below.
Victoria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
19th and Bell is a multifaceted lifestyle consulting company that focuses on business/life coaching, fashion/image consulting, helping authors publish their life’s work, and helping young artists/aspiring models to break into the rather challenging industry of modeling/entertainment and begin to make a name for themselves.
19th and Bell was created because every single human being on this earth has a dream, goal, purpose, calling on their life or however you would like to label it … but not everybody sees those things come into fruition.
While working in the industry I crossed paths with people who were hurting, searching and seeking support, guidance, and direction beyond image consulting! Many were stuck and I understood all too well what being stuck looked like. I wasn’t exempt from disappointments, hardships, and life changes. When I started my career there was no blueprint or master class as it pertained to creative careers or even navigating life.
My commitment and our mission is to provide our clients with the tools, support, resources, guidance, and community they need in order to reach their full potential.
The story behind our mission is “The pain will not be in vain!” My passion to empower, inspire, serve, and impact lives birthed 19th and Bell.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a Certified Life Coach, Published Author, and Celebrity Fashion Stylist, I have dedicated my career to helping others live their best lives. I am also a passionate Advocate for Domestic Violence Rehabilitation and believe strongly in using my platform to make a positive impact on the world.
In addition to my work in coaching, fashion, and advocacy, I am also the Creative Director of The Fashion Boot Camp and the Creator of Proper Men’s Skincare. As the Owner of 19th and Bell Lifestyle Consulting Firm, I am committed to providing the very best in lifestyle guidance and support.
Above all, I am a proud Wife and Mother and believe that family is the most important thing in life. I am constantly striving to find balance in my personal and professional life, and I believe that my diverse background and experiences have given me the tools I need to succeed in all areas of my life.
I started my career over 20 years ago in Atlanta, Georgia, just three weeks after losing my mother to cancer. After owning and operating my own fashion boutique, I expanded into consulting entertainers and freelancing as a stylist for recording artists and models. Along the way, I published a book of poetry sharing my past pain and triumphs.
While working in the industry, I realized that there was a greater need for support and guidance beyond just image consulting. I encountered many people who were struggling and searching for direction. I understood their struggles all too well, having faced my own disappointments, hardships, and life changes. But through faith, strength, self-awareness, self-love, and determination, I was able to heal, rebuild, and live with purpose.
People have always come to me for support and motivation, and I realized that I had a gift for providing guidance and direction. With a diverse client base that included corporate professionals, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an Associate’s degree in Ministry from Ohio Christian University. Later, I pursued a Master’s certification in Life Coaching from Grand Canyon University and became certified in Diversity Equity and Inclusion- Executive Leadership by Cornell University. This education, combined with my life and industry experience, has helped me to establish longevity in this ever-changing industry. Through my professionalism and creativity, I have been able to form meaningful relationships that will impact my career and those I encounter for years to come.
What problems you solve for your clients: Our mission is to help people overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of their success. We have identified several common problems that our clients face, and we provide solutions to help them get unstuck.
One of the primary challenges that we see is that people often have a limited perspective on their own lives, businesses, and creativity. We help our clients by providing a fresh perspective and helping them spot opportunities for growth and improvement that they may have overlooked. By working with us, they gain a new level of clarity and direction for their life, business, and craft.
Another common issue that we address is the tendency to try to do everything alone. While it is certainly possible to achieve a great deal on one’s own, we believe that asking for help is an essential part of reaching one’s full potential. We provide our clients with the tools, resources, and guidance they need to take their success to the next level.
In addition, we also work with clients who struggle with taking risks and facing failure. We help them overcome their fears and gain the confidence to pursue their dreams. We believe that everyone has the potential to achieve great things, and we are committed to helping our clients believe in themselves and their abilities.
Ultimately, our goal is to help our clients improve their lives by improving themselves. We provide the support and community they need to reach their full potential and create a fulfilling life.
What you think sets you apart from others:
One of the things that I believe sets me apart is my philosophy of being a student of life. I never stop learning and growing, and I believe that this mindset allows me to bring fresh ideas and approaches to my practice. I am always seeking out new information, techniques, and best practices so that I can provide the best possible support to my clients.
I am also intentional about sharing my knowledge and empowering others to do the same. I believe that by sharing what I have learned and helping others develop their skills and knowledge, we can create a culture of growth and improvement. This approach has the potential to create a limitless impact, both for my clients and for the broader community.
Ultimately, I believe that my passion for empowering others is what sets me apart. I am deeply invested in the success and growth of others, and I am always looking for new ways to support people in achieving their goals and creating fulfilling lives.
What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc:
I am incredibly proud of the impact that my work has had on the lives of others. Seeing the positive results and feedback from clients or followers has been a rewarding experience.
I want potential clients and followers to know that my work is driven by a strong sense of passion, purpose, and integrity. I strive to provide personalized, innovative, and effective solutions to their needs and challenges.
My brand is built around my values of transparency, reliability, and trustworthiness. I prioritize transparency and open communication with clients to ensure their satisfaction and build strong relationships. I am committed to staying current with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to offer the latest and most effective solutions.
Overall, I want potential clients, followers to know that I am passionate about what I do and fully committed to helping them achieve their goals and aspirations, I aim to make a positive difference in their lives and contribute to their success.
PROPER Men’s Skincare was born from my passion for enhancing lifestyles. As the CEO of 19th and Bell Lifestyle Consulting Firm and a former owner of a men’s grooming parlor, I saw the need for a natural and effective skincare collection for men. I wanted to create products that aligned with men’s low-maintenance lifestyle and utilized premium, natural, and organic ingredients without harmful chemicals and toxins. I believe that self-care is crucial to a well lifestyle, and what better way to contribute to wellness than by providing a superior skincare experience.
At PROPER, we are committed to contributing to wellness and self-care by providing a superior experience through our naturally effective skincare products. We believe that men should start and end their day looking and feeling good, and our family-owned and operated team takes pride in creating products that epitomize confidence, care, and luxury. Our products offer natural benefits and long-term effects that fit into any lifestyle.We are proud to be Cruelty-Free and Made in the USA.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Can you share the story of a time when you had to pivot (in business, career or life).
When I first started out in the industry, my dream was to open my own boutique. I had a clear vision of the style, aesthetic, and designs that I wanted to showcase. I spent months researching the market, developing my business plan, and sourcing the best pieces. I poured my heart, soul, and a significant amount of money into the venture, determined to make it a success.
However, after the grand opening, reality set in. Running a boutique was not as glamorous as I had imagined. I found myself bogged down in the day-to-day tasks of managing inventory, tracking sales, and dealing with the constant pressure of meeting financial targets. I was frustrated and felt stuck.
It was during this period of frustration that I realized that what I truly loved about the industry was the creativity, freedom, and entrepreneurship. I enjoyed the process of designing and creating. I had always been drawn to the idea of being my own boss and charting my own course in life.
With this realization, I began to explore other avenues in the industry that aligned more closely with my passions. I pivoted from owning a boutique to becoming a freelance stylist and consultant, which gave me the freedom and flexibility to focus on what I loved most. This shift in mindset allowed me to thrive and led to the career that I have today.
Looking back on my journey, I realized that it was important to follow my heart and be okay with pivoting when necessary. Sometimes, our initial plans may not work out as we envisioned, but that’s okay. We should never be afraid to reassess our goals, pivot, and pursue our passions with renewed enthusiasm and determination.
One story that illustrates my resilience:
Isthe time when I escaped from an abusive marriage. It was a difficult and dangerous situation that required me to summon all of my strength, courage, and determination. Despite the fear and uncertainty that I faced, I knew that I had to leave for the sake of my own and my son’s safety and well-being.
In the aftermath of leaving, I faced a number of challenges, including financial instability. However, I refused to let these hardships defeat me. Instead, I turned to my faith in God, my love for myself, and my commitment to healing and rebuilding my life.
Over time, I was able to rebuild, build my career, and pursue my passions. I also discovered my gift for coaching, mentoring, and empowering others, which ultimately led me to start my own business, 19th and Bell Lifestyle Consulting Firm.
Through all of these experiences, I learned that resilience is not just about bouncing back from adversity, but also about using that adversity as a catalyst for growth, transformation, and purpose. Today, I am proud to be a Certified Life Coach, Published Author, Celebrity Fashion Stylist, Advocate for Domestic Violence Rehabilitation, Creative Director of -The Fashion Boot Camp, Creator of Proper Men’s Skincare, Owner of 19th and Bell Lifestyle Consulting Firm, Wife and Mother, and to be able to use my story and my skills to help others overcome their own challenges and live their best lives.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Early on in business, the lesson I had to unlearn was that my personal preferences and needs shouldn’t be the only factor in determining the direction of my business. Instead, I needed to be more attentive to my clients’ needs and make sure that my products and services aligned with those needs. This shift in mindset ultimately allowed me to create a more successful and fulfilling business.
The moment I realized that this approach wasn’t working was during a meeting with a potential client. I was pitching a new service that I was extremely excited about, but as I explained it, I could see the client growing increasingly uninterested. It wasn’t until I stopped and asked them directly what they needed that I was able to shift my mindset and approach to better meet their needs.
From that moment on, I started taking a more individualized approach with my clients. I made a conscious effort to understand their unique needs and preferences and adjusted my products and services accordingly. This approach not only improved my business, but it also strengthened my relationships with my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.19thandbell.com www.propermensskincare.com
- Instagram: @19thandbell @propermensskincare
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/19thandBell/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/19th-and-bell/
- Twitter: Victoria Celeste-19th and Bell @TheVeeCeleste
Image Credits
Two credits Sadie Larrimore Photography Cecile Boko