On Education Through Entertainment: Celeste Quesada
Leading up to our Summer ‘20 iteration of WORK, we'll feature select interviews with some of our conference's speakers and thought leaders. In conversation with bbatx staff member Margeaux Labat, event architect and creative producer Celeste Quesada discusses how she came to discover her creative purpose, recognizing the importance of signs, and how to know when it’s time for a career change.
WHO: CELESTE QUESADA
Celeste Quesada is an event architect, maker of creative magic and real estate agent specializing in unique, historic and affordable homes. Known for creating community by weaving together her 22 years of working within the cultural arts, social impact, home-building worlds – she loves to inspire, educate, and share her expertise with others.
Though she enjoys all her hometown has to offer, Quesada admits her favorite “haunt” is her South Austin home, which she shares with her husband, producer & musician Adrian Quesada; their daughters, Amelie and Marcelle; two guinea pigs; two parakeets; and their 100 year old chihuahua named Ana Empanada Quesada.
1.) You're an event architect, having produced grand-scale events such as the Austin Music Awards. Can you tell us more about your work?
I have a BFA in Studio Art from the University of Texas at Austin. After that incredible yet elite experience, I felt a bit out of place within the art world. I realized I was attracted to the artists that weren’t trying to get into the NYC gallery scene, but the grandmothers that sewed gorgeous complex quilts, for example. I enjoyed the artists that didn’t create art for prestige or name recognition, but the artists that created art because it was part of their nature, intimate stories and traditions.
In my own way, I felt my higher purpose was working within my own local “tribe” and celebrating my own culture, particularly through the power of film, music and events. My 1-2 punch was educating people through entertaining people.
It was a defining moment in my life. And out of that seed, I’ve slowly cultivated a 23+ year career of focusing on the alchemy of social change and social transformation. I envision casting a spell over a group of people - an incantation filled with food, drink, smells and images…. I apply that recipe for all kinds of different clients, non-profits, organizations and special moments in people’s lives.
2.) As a speaker in our WORK Conference, you'll be discussing career pivots. So we're curious—what do you think are some key signs that indicate making a career change might be for you?
There is a card in my desk that reads, “I know I’ve truly grown into a strong, powerful woman because I can literally do anything while crying.” I giggle every time I read it because there’s always a bit of truth in humor. I’ve definitely experienced reaching a big goal or wrapping up a work project and realizing, I am not as happy as I should be. That’s a sign it may be time for a change.
I’m a big believer in looking for signs, recognizing serendipitous occurrences and cosmic, coincidental “clues”. Pay attention to your surroundings and often, the next steps are right in front of you. I find that answers like to live within quiet, unassuming moments (...and I don’t mean Instagram ads after you’ve had a conversation with a girlfriend on the phone.)
Every so often, ask yourself this important question: What is my highest and best use? If you aren’t in that general vicinity, you need to make a move or an adjustment. Values, lessons and characters do develop within chapters of the book of life.
3.) Between your event production work, creative direction roles and career as a real estate agent, you must keep pretty busy! How do you find time to unwind and reset your energy?
It has taken me decades to realize the importance of making time for yourself and recharge. This sounds so easy, but it is not always so… especially if you love what you do and can’t stop thinking about your work.
Do not underestimate the power of these two gifts: Exercise and Nature.
Whether it's going for a walk, a jog, stretching or even working in the yard, think of exercise as being for your brain, not just your body. Exercise can actually help you unwind, and will literally give your body fresh air and energy.
Same is true with nature. We are human animals, so get instinctive and go walk on Lady Bird Lake’s boardwalk at dusk. Take a bike ride, stroll through a park in the morning. Listening to the birds, enjoying the shade of trees and staring in the sky provides all kinds of healing.
4.) Apart from your work life, you’re a full-time wife and mother. How do you best balance your professional and personal life?
Life is an art, not a science. I wake up early in the morning, make my coffee, take my vitamin C, read a couple of headlines and hit the ground running. Sometimes literally.
My husband is a musician and producer and we do often collaborate on projects. Luckily, he’s truly a life partner. Our two children are our pride and joy. I love who they are and I want them to have special, creative lives.
Everyone has their own path with personal, intimate relationships, but make sure you take care of yourself so you can be your best self for yourself, and others.
5.) You’ve been working to promote, educate and inspire cultural arts & social impact in the Austin community for over 20 years. So tell us, what keeps you wanting to contribute to the community?
I come from humble beginnings, and that was a gift. I had a teenage mom who immigrated from Piedras Negras, Mexico. She was the oldest of ten children.
I grew up acutely aware of social injustice and racism. I grew up visiting family in Guatemala, in the 70s. I knew what it was like to see people wash their clothes in streams, ride in crowded buses to go to work and truly know the meaning of natural disasters. That said, I never felt sorry for people with a different way of life. These experiences just made me recognize when you have extra—then you share, you teach, you care for others and give back. And honestly, sometimes the people we need to educate the most, are those who come from privilege.
In conclusion, here’s the thing: the most important gift and most valuable commodity we have on earth is TIME. Once it is gone, it’s gone. One does not need to wait to make a difference in one’s life, someone else’s life or contribute to your community.
PS: If you haven’t already, read Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. That’s an enlightening homework assignment.
All photography provided by David Brendan Hall, Alison Narro and Cecile Fusco.
About WORK: WORK is a biannual conference, exploring ideas and approaches to creative, collaborative and entrepreneurial work. Hosting 300 guests every summer and winter, this biannual, one-day event's panels, workshops and speaker sessions touch on personal and professional development, marketing, wellness, business management and entrepreneurship. ✨Click here for more information.
