Q and A with Celeste from St. Louis, Missouri, living in Smyrna, Georgia
“…resilience, faith, and perseverance can transform pain into purpose.”
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I am passionate about helping people heal, rediscover their purpose, and understand that their story still has value no matter what they have been through. As an ordained minister, life and grief coach, author, and community advocate, much of my work centers around supporting people through life’s difficult transitions, including grief, trauma, incarceration, family challenges, and personal reinvention.
My passion was born from my own experiences. I have faced seasons of loss, disappointment, and challenges that forced me to rely on faith, resilience, and God’s grace. Those experiences taught me that healing is possible and that our greatest pain can often become the foundation for our greatest purpose.
Currently, I am developing faith-based resources, devotionals, grief support materials, coaching programs, and community initiatives that help individuals find hope, healing, and direction. I am especially passionate about supporting women, families, and individuals rebuilding their lives after setbacks.
Q: What were your younger years like?
A: My younger years were shaped by both challenges and valuable life lessons. Growing up, I learned early that life does not always follow the path we imagine. Family responsibilities, personal struggles, and unexpected circumstances taught me resilience at a young age.
One of the experiences that most impacted my life was becoming a mother as a teenager. While it brought many challenges, it also taught me responsibility, perseverance, sacrifice, and unconditional love. That journey forced me to grow up quickly and helped shape the woman I am today.
Education came both inside and outside the classroom. Some of my greatest lessons came through life experiences, relationships, faith, and overcoming adversity. Looking back, I can see how every obstacle helped develop my compassion for others and strengthened my desire to serve and encourage people who are navigating difficult seasons.
Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?
A: One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that your past does not have the final say over your future.
Many people carry shame from mistakes, losses, disappointments, or circumstances beyond their control. My story has taught me that healing begins when we stop allowing our past to define our worth. We can acknowledge our wounds without allowing them to become our identity.
I want others to know that setbacks do not disqualify you from living a meaningful life. You can experience grief and still find joy. You can make mistakes and still become successful. You can face rejection and still walk confidently in your purpose.
If people learn anything from my story, I hope they learn that resilience, faith, and perseverance can transform pain into purpose. What you survive can become the very thing that helps someone else heal.
Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: To me, feminism means recognizing the inherent worth, dignity, and God-given value of women. It means supporting opportunities for women to grow, lead, learn, serve, and use their gifts without unnecessary barriers.
As a woman of faith, I believe feminism is not about competing with men but about ensuring that women are respected, heard, protected, and empowered to fulfill their purpose. It means advocating for women who have been overlooked, marginalized, or silenced and creating spaces where their voices and experiences matter.
I am especially passionate about supporting women through healing, personal growth, leadership development, and life transitions so they can live fully and confidently in who they were created to be.
MORE ABOUT CELESTE: At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to service. Whether through ministry, coaching, writing, mentoring, or community outreach, my goal is to leave people better than I found them.
I believe healing and growth happen in the community. I believe faith and practical action work together. I’ve been a part of Kiwanis of Greater South Cobb for over 13 years, that’s dedicated to improving the lives of children and communities
Most importantly, I believe every person has a purpose, regardless of their background, age, mistakes, or current circumstances.
My life’s work is helping people discover that purpose and giving them the tools, encouragement, and support they need to walk in it.
I am a transplant from St. Louis, Missouri, but live in Smyrna, Georgia, (20+ years) a city just outside Atlanta, Georgia. Community involvement and ministry work have allowed me to serve people throughout the metro Atlanta area and beyond, helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges while building stronger, healthier futures.
Contact Information
Podcast: “Confidently Speaking” anchor.fm/celeste-houston
Facebook: www.facebook.com/celicacoaching
ministry
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/celestehouston
website:https://www.purposefullylivingnotperfect.com
Book Resources:
Purposefully Living Not Perfect: [https://a.co/d/7lroDfo]
– Coloring Through Clouds of Loss: [https://a.co/d/azUaVKs]
– Coloring Your Way Through Grief: [https://a.co/d/iVdf60T]
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