We recently connected with Dr Zee Celest and have shared our conversation below.
Dr Zee, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
Over the course of my life, I’ve displayed a proclivity for embracing risk. As the fourth of five children, raised in a household guided by a religious mother, I consistently found myself testing the boundaries and challenging established rules. I was unafraid to take risks, even if it meant the possibility of facing trouble for my covert participation in school activities such as sports and dance. Despite the lack of resources or guidance to support my dreams, I remained steadfast in my belief in my own talents, resolutely showcasing my creative abilities. In due time, my mother came to appreciate that I harbored my own aspirations.
One of the most pivotal gambles I ever took was the decision to decline an enticing opportunity to sign a management contract with a major record label, a choice that could have potentially propelled me towards superstardom. My rationale behind this decision was a desire to gain a more profound understanding of the music industry before fully committing to such a path. Consequently, I turned down the contract and made the deliberate choice to embark on a journey from California to Alabama, where I pursued a major in Business at Alabama A&M University. This educational pursuit was unconventional, as I hadn’t followed the standard path of college preparation. The decision to apply was largely influenced by a friend’s suggestion, and I was elated to receive an acceptance letter. Filled with enthusiasm, I took a leap of faith and reinvested my graduation money in myself once more.
A mix of fear and a whirlwind of emotions accompanied my departure, as I left behind everything and everyone I had ever known. Venturing into uncharted territory, all on my own, was a daunting prospect. Nonetheless, I took the risk and chose to attend college on the opposite side of the country. The outcome of this decision was that I became the first person in my family to graduate from college, a feat that not only altered the course of my life but also served as inspiration for other family members and individuals who followed suit. The risk I undertook, along with my unwavering belief in my abilities, encouraged my loved ones and others to do the same.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
LaZandrea Celestine is my name. Throughout my life, I’ve been unafraid to take risks. One significant change I made was to create some distance between myself and my given name, opting to go by “Zee Celest.” This decision stemmed from a desire to maintain a certain level of personal space when meeting new people, as I found introducing myself with my full name or family name to be too intimate. As I journeyed further along the path of healing, one of my dearest friends encouraged me to embrace the earned title of “Dr.,” thanks to my doctorate degree in education. To me, these degrees are symbolic of my potential, not badges to assert my worth to others.
From an early age, my dreams have always been grand, and I’ve nurtured aspirations of making a significant impact in the worlds of movies and music. I yearned to become a superstar singer and dancer, and my college years kindled a love for the film industry. However, my journey was marred by considerable challenges. My upbringing was marked by a father battling narcotics, which brought its own set of trials and tribulations. Witnessing the hardships and mistreatment endured by the women in my family due to their relationships with chosen partners was deeply affecting.
My teenage years were marked by an early love, followed by a painful heartbreak that left me questioning my worth. Not being chosen by someone I cared deeply for cast doubts upon my self-esteem. To cope with this emotional turmoil, I sought attention by socializing and partying, a path that eventually led to a traumatic incident of sexual assault. What’s more, when I confided in two of my closest friends about this ordeal, they did not believe me. This disheartening response silenced me for years, and I never reported the incident. This trauma left me with the belief that my looks and body were my only assets for attracting attention, plunging me into a period of desolation, heartache, and loneliness.
During my junior year of college, I crossed paths with my now ex-husband, who initially appeared to be a departure from the men in my life. I was oblivious to the fact that he was precisely what I had been trying to escape. Our relationship quickly took a dark turn, becoming controlling, violent, and abusive. I endured physical, verbal, and emotional abuse, all while continuing my education, which served as my lifeline as he couldn’t take that from me. It was during this tumultuous period that I earned my master’s and doctorate degrees.
The abuse escalated to the point where my life was in constant jeopardy, and I finally reached a breaking point. I spent time in the hospital, separated from my children, which prompted me to devise a plan to escape this perilous situation. The unwavering support of family and friends, who provided financial assistance and opened their homes, allowed me to regain my footing. However, the weight of guilt and anger I carried made this process incredibly challenging.
The cumulative trauma began to manifest physically, leading to severe illness that began with migraines and eventually rendered me incapable of working. Despite consulting numerous specialists and undergoing countless tests, no clear diagnosis emerged. My depression deepened to the point of contemplating suicide. Unable to work and without a clear diagnosis, I eventually reached a breaking point.
My younger sister’s encouragement spurred me to seek help, leading me to reluctantly enter a hospital and a treatment center, marking the commencement of my true healing journey. This was a difficult path for someone who had been taught to be strong and self-reliant. Thankfully, I encountered a compassionate therapist who guided me through my trauma, providing invaluable tools and resources as she helped me emerge from the darkness. Over time, I internalized the lessons and found the right medications to support my journey.
My struggles eventually led me to doctors who helped me unlock the mystery behind my health issues. The road to healing was challenging and extended, but it reinforced my belief that I was worth the fight. As I healed, I sought additional resources and training, sensing a higher purpose in my experiences. Through prayer and introspection, I realized that my trials were not in vain; they were meant to help others. Consequently, I immersed myself in research and training, becoming a certified life coach with a mission to alleviate the prolonged suffering caused by trauma.
My personal journey to healing and peace spanned two decades, and I am committed to ensuring others do not endure such prolonged suffering. I’ve developed skills and resources to assist my clients in identifying the root causes of their trauma and any obstacles hindering their goals and dreams. Recognizing the root cause is just the beginning; the next step is embracing accountability, often one of the most challenging aspects of healing from trauma.
Acknowledging that blame is sometimes deserved, but we are also the architects of our own destinies, is a pivotal realization. In my case, I had to accept responsibility for not being in a healthy state of self-love when I allowed the abuse to continue. This process of accountability led to self-forgiveness, a lesson I now impart to my clients. Forgiving oneself is the gateway to shedding layers of pain.
By helping my clients find clarity in years of confusion, I empower them to step into their authentic selves. In today’s world, where many are rekindling their dreams and aspiring to greater heights, I strive to be a guiding hand. I assist clients in expanding their ideas and crafting clear roadmaps to achieve their goals efficiently. The lines between personal and professional life have blurred, making it challenging to compartmentalize, and I aim to help my clients find clarity and success in both domains.
I’m deeply committed to sparing others from the prolonged agony of trauma and guiding them toward a path of healing, growth, and fulfillment. My mission is to share my own journey, offering support and guidance to those navigating difficult times. In the current era of renewed dreams and aspirations, I am here to assist those who need help in taking the first steps toward making those dreams a reality.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
My journey from side hustles to my current full-time career has been a rewarding and diverse path, blending various skills and experiences that I’ve accumulated over the years. I’ve always had a passion for helping others and a penchant for trying my hand at different ventures, which naturally led me to engage in various side hustles. These side gigs included hair, makeup, marketing, promotions, remodeling, tutoring, and more, encompassing a wide array of activities I love to do and learn.
What truly sets me apart is my drive to utilize my skills and knowledge to assist individuals who may not possess the same expertise. I take pleasure in guiding people towards their goals and ambitions. When individuals approach me with their ideas, I help them craft a comprehensive strategy to turn those ideas into reality. Moreover, I provide ongoing coaching to ensure they stay accountable and achieve the desired transformation.
The effectiveness of my coaching approach is a product of the diverse experiences and knowledge I’ve acquired over the years from working with a wide range of people in various settings. Some key milestones in my journey include:
Working alongside a Music Executive: I spent several years as the “right hand” to a music executive, gaining invaluable insights into the music industry. This experience provided me with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the field, which later became an essential asset in my career.
Innovation and Technology: I had the privilege of collaborating with a group of technology innovators. During this time, I played a crucial role in developing operational strategies and managing teams. These skills proved to be pivotal in my ability to scale up my business.
Community Outreach: Working with underserved children and families to access much-needed services allowed me to hone my skills in community engagement and support. These experiences instilled a strong sense of empathy and understanding, which I carry into my coaching practice.
Graphic Design and Social Media Management: My side hustles also included graphic design and social media management, which equipped me with the tools to enhance the online presence and branding of businesses, a skill set that is in high demand today.
All of these experiences, along with various others, contributed to my diverse skill set and understanding of different industries. These milestones were instrumental in shaping my current career, where I have successfully integrated all these facets into my business.
Today, my career is centered around helping individuals, startups, and businesses to strategize, grow, and achieve their goals. The extensive background I’ve built up through my side hustles has allowed me to provide well-rounded support and guidance to those I work with. It’s a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions and leveraging a wide range of experiences to create a fulfilling career path.
Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?
Absolutely, my business is designed with multiple revenue streams to cater to a diverse range of clients and their unique needs and goals. Here’s an overview of the various revenue streams I offer:
Customized Services: I provide tailored services to each client based on their specific requirements. This flexible approach ensures that I can meet the individual needs of a wide variety of clients, allowing for a personalized experience.
Books: I have authored several books, which are available for purchase on my website and through Amazon. These books serve as additional sources of revenue and also provide valuable resources to my clients and a broader audience.
Webinars: I host webinars that are brimming with information, resources, and training. These webinars offer participants the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and insights, and they contribute to my revenue stream.
DIY (Do It Yourself): For clients who prefer to take charge of strategy implementation themselves, I offer a DIY option. This allows them to access my expertise and guidance while handling the execution on their own terms.
DWY (Do With You): Some clients prefer a collaborative approach where I assist with certain aspects of their strategy. This “Do With You” model enables clients to work alongside me to achieve their goals.
DFY (Do For You): For clients who prefer a more hands-off approach, I offer a “Do For You” service, where I take care of all the implementation for them. This comprehensive support simplifies the process for clients and allows me to manage the entire project.
Having multiple revenue streams is a crucial element of my business strategy. It not only provides financial stability and opportunities for growth but also ensures that I can meet the diverse needs and preferences of my clients. This multifaceted approach allows me to adapt to a rapidly changing market and maintain the flexibility necessary for entrepreneurial success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://DrZeeCelest.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dr_zeecelest
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZeeCelestConsulting/
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/zeecelest
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/zee-celest-consulting-atlanta