Meet Celeste Washington | Food & Cocktail Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Celeste Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Celeste, what do you attribute your success to?
The key to any success I’ve had really boils down to staying true to who I am. In a space where “going viral” can sometimes mean sacrificing kindness or integrity, I’ve learned that being genuine matters way more than chasing views. I show up consistently as myself, and that honesty has built trust and a real connection with my community. Sure, the internet can reward drama, but I’d rather build a space based on respect and positivity than get quick attention for something I don’t stand by.

Having a moral compass is everything to me. I’m not here to follow trends that don’t align with my values just for a spike in engagement. My goal is to create content that I’m proud of—content that reflects who I am and that my audience can count on to be uplifting, insightful, and real. This commitment to authenticity has shaped the way I approach everything, and while it might mean slower growth at times, I know it’s worth it because it’s rooted in integrity and respect. And at the end of the day, that’s what feels like true success to me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is my authenticity and my lifelong love for food and drinks. Food isn’t just “content” to me—it’s been a constant in my life, and it will always be a passion, not just a trend. In a time when the foodie space has blown up, I know my excitement and curiosity come from a genuine place. Creating food and drink content feels natural, not like an obligation, and it’s how I stay connected with myself and my audience. Sitting down to eat and drink is one of the best ways to connect with others, and I’m excited to bring even more of that into the cocktail space, where I have the freedom to create recipes and express myself in fresh, fun ways.

Building my brand hasn’t always been easy, though. I’ve learned that networking is everything—opportunities don’t just show up on their own. Putting myself out there to talk about my brand can be uncomfortable, but I’ve gotten more confident asking for the things I want to make my goals happen. In everything I do, I try to keep things positive and authentic. My content is all about bringing people joy and creating a space that feels like we’re all at a table together, sharing food and drinks. My goal is that anyone who comes across my brand feels like they’re part of a welcoming, fun, and genuine community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta has so much to offer, and the variety here makes exploring the city an adventure every time. I love kicking off my itinerary with some outdoor activities, because there’s no shortage of beautiful trails and green spaces that set the tone for the day. The BeltLine is one of my go-tos for a scenic walk or bike ride; it’s lined with plenty of cool spots to grab a bite or a drink along the way, so it’s easy to turn a casual stroll into a mini food tour!

For the ultimate Atlanta day, though, I’d start with a morning hike at Sweetwater Creek State Park. The trails aren’t too long, making it a perfect option for all experience levels, and the views are absolutely incredible—a great way to recharge and connect with nature before diving into the city’s lively food and drink scene.

Typically, when people come to the South, soul food is a must! I always recommend Twisted Soul, where they put a creative, global spin on traditional Southern flavors. It’s the perfect spot to get a taste of Atlanta’s diverse culinary scene. For a relaxed evening vibe, I’d head over to 12 Cocktail Bar, a speakeasy tucked away in Ponce City Market. It’s got the chill atmosphere I love, and their cocktail menu never disappoints.

I’d wrap up the night with something unique like a pop-up concert in the city, which always brings a fun energy to the evening. And if you’re up for a little more, spending the night at The Interlock is a great call. With a mix of food and entertainment options scattered throughout, it’s a spot that lets you keep the night going in whatever way you want.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A huge part of my journey wouldn’t be possible without the support of two incredible people: my mom and my best friend, Tyler Chanel. My mom has been my biggest cheerleader from day one, encouraging me to take the leap into content creation even when I had my doubts. She doesn’t just talk about supporting me—she lives it! She’s bought branded shirts and custom cutting boards to promote my content, and it’s hard not to feel inspired to give it my all when she’s this invested in my dreams.

Then there’s Tyler, who’s been my rock in the content world. She’s not only a talented creator herself, but she’s also a constant source of advice, especially when it comes to navigating brand partnerships and staying true to what we believe in. Tyler’s been a huge advocate for fair pay and work-life balance in a field where creators are often underpaid and overworked. She reminds me to hold my ground and to stay authentic, even when it would be easier to follow the crowd. Both my mom and Tyler play such important roles in my story, and I’m incredibly grateful to have them in my corner.

Instagram: celesteinthecityy

Image Credits
Hannah Longyear