In Conversation with Celeste Wong: The Top Coffee Barista Behind The Girl in the Cafe
Can you share a bit about who you are and what led you to become The Girl in the Cafe?
I’m originally from New Zealand, spent time in Melbourne, and then many years as a barista in London. I was named one of London’s top five baristas by the Financial Times. Most of my barista career was with New Zealand/Australian-owned Flatwhite & Milkbar in Soho, one of London‘s original specialty coffee cafés, and later as Head of Coffee at the award-winning Australian Lantana Cafe, known for its amazing breakfasts. People started recognizing me on the street as The Girl In The Cafe, and it became my moniker and personal brand. I created a web series combining my love of people, media, and coffee, and my business encompasses a wide range of activities.
How do you stay inspired? Are there any particular sources of inspiration you turn to regularly?
These days, with the oversaturation of social media and constant world events, it feels more challenging to stay focused. I make a conscious effort to stay grounded by doing activities and being around people with good energy. Daily walks or hikes in nature or by water help me clear my head and solve problems. Recently, while working in Hungary, I took a couple of days off in Budapest to scout cafes and explore the city. Despite a tight schedule, I felt more energized and inspired than before. Seeing different cultural approaches to coffee reminded me of the industry’s diversity and renewed my passion.
Who are the people who have left a significant mark on the woman you are today, and what lessons did you learn from them?
This is a really difficult question! There have been different people throughout different phases of my life who have had a big positive impact on me. Though I have also found that some of the people responsible for negative situations have also taught me a lot. Strangely, perhaps counterintuitively, these experiences have resulted in positive outcomes in terms of learning – preventing me from future similar situations and providing deeper self-confidence from the insight.
What keeps you motivated during challenging times?
Reminding myself of my goals and asking if those goals are still relevant and aligned with who I am and want to become. Imagining where I want to be in the future, but really trying not to fixate on that and be present.
How do you maintain your creative drive, especially when balancing multiple roles and projects? Do you have any routines or practices that help you stay inspired?
Over the last couple of years, my regular routine has included consistent walks and exercise. I never used to exercise regularly, but some major life changes led me to rely on exercise as a positive alternative to my usual habits of turning to food or other vices for comfort. It was hugely beneficial to me. However, I found it challenging to maintain this routine recently due to a busy schedule and projects that involved a lot of socializing and temptations not conducive to a healthy lifestyle! I usually try to strike a good balance. When I manage to keep my movement, exercise, and diet consistent, and ensure I get enough alone time, often through my walks, I stay much more present, organized, energized, and focused. Better and longer sleep is something challenging for me which I’m working on. But I do find I can tackle any problem and enjoy the day more when I’ve had a good sleep. When I was younger, I probably did not recognize this as it seemed to be a sort of badge of honor in my family to need or go on very little sleep.
I also find that an art show, cinema, music, or talking to close friends who are aligned, can be inspiring. It often helps ignite my imagination.
How do you manage the diverse aspects of your career, from being a top barista and actress to running your own coffee brand and creating content as an influencer?
Sometimes I feel like I’m doing well, and other times I know I could do better. It’s definitely challenging to manage everything on my own, but it also simplifies things in some respects. Having support shows me how much can be accomplished quickly and highlights the potential of scope. I’ve learned to go with the flow, letting the stronger side pull me along, and that’s okay. When deciding whether to take on a project, I ask myself: Does it sound fun? Will I enjoy it? Will it lead to personal growth? Will it benefit or help others? It’s really important for me to believe in what I’m doing and who I’m working with, and the role it plays in my own (personal and business) goals. Even with multiple projects in different areas, I just need to organize my time and stay disciplined. When I’m not disciplined, everything spirals, and I have to return to my base to reset.
My definition of success has evolved over time and continues to change. I believe ultimate success is feeling grounded and secure in yourself, with high self-worth and confidence, no matter what you’re doing or who you’re with.
What inspired you to create your own line of coffee beans, and how do you ensure quality and uniqueness in your products?
It was a natural extension of what I was already doing with pop-ups, workshops, and educational activities. Initially, it was a fun gimmick, but once I left the cafe, I missed designing and creating my own blends. I loved this aspect when I was running cafes, and I was good at it. I started designing coffees for home use because at the time I felt that high-quality specialty coffee was expensive and inaccessible. I wanted to offer that. An amazing roaster, Dumo Matthea (now at Code.194 Coffee Roasters in the UK), impressed me early in my career with his coffee experience and inspiring ethos. Collaborating with him was a natural choice. We calibrated our palates together, and I was involved in the tasting process from the start. We have regular meetings to discuss supply and flavors, ensuring we create the best coffee for everyone. He has not only become a good colleague but a great friend to talk to about business ideas. It’s great to know I have his support whenever I am feeling low on inspiration or creativity. I always come away from our conversations feeling energized about work and life in general.
How do you define success, and has this definition evolved over time?
My definition of success has evolved over time and continues to change. While financial success does play a role, in the sense that it provides a certain amount of freedom, I believe ultimate success is feeling grounded and secure in yourself, with high self-worth and confidence, no matter what you’re doing or who you’re with. Also, knowing I have positively helped and inspired people defines true success for me.
Reflecting on your journey, what wisdom would you share with creatives who admire your work?
It’s not as easy as it sometimes looks, but for me, it’s usually mostly fun! If your intentions and goals are authentic, even the difficult things are not really that difficult or daunting.
Is there a piece of advice you’ve received over the years that has profoundly influenced your path?
Maybe one is to make sure that you have a good support system in place. A friend of mine reminded me recently of Brene Brown’s rule that you should keep only 4 to 8 names in your wallet of the people whose opinion really matters to you. Anyone else’s opinion does not. I would say this is really helpful, especially if you are in a public space of some form or struggle with people-pleasing.
Throughout your journey with The Girl in the Cafe, what have been some of the most significant lessons you’ve learned about yourself and the way you engage with the world?
Throughout my journey with The Girl in the Cafe, I’ve learned that I’m much faster and more capable than I often believe. The idea that I’m slow or incapable is simply untrue when it is the right project, and I have the right support and mindset. I’ve realized that I can tackle almost anything I set my mind to. I’ve discovered that I’m logical, resilient, and determined, and more disciplined than I give myself credit for, though maintaining that discipline is a constant effort. I’m pretty sure this is a common feeling amongst other women too. I would encourage people to look at this because these insights have contributed to a growing self-confidence. I strive to maintain a growth mindset, be aware of old habits but not dwell on them. I’ve set up systems and a support network to help me stay positive and productive, continually striving to improve. I hope this helps me engage with the world in a more compassionate and kind way.
I strive to maintain a growth mindset, be aware of old habits but not dwell on them.
Lastly, as we look toward the future, what dreams or aspirations are you most excited to pursue, and how do you envision them shaping the next chapter of your story?
Funny you mentioned the word chapter…I’ve just finished writing my first coffee book, Coffee Creations, which has been an exciting and fun project. It’s being published by Octopus publishers on September 12 in the UK, with plans for a worldwide release and translations into multiple languages. I hope it helps people understand the basics of coffee and specialty coffee, from choosing beans to brewing methods, and includes 90 coffee recipes. The book also features personal stories and nods to significant people who have inspired and helped me throughout my career, making it a truly personal piece of work.