Describe yourself in 3 words…

“Creative, Fun, Hilarious.”

Tell us about your work… 

“I co-Founded Celui fragrance in 2019 and absolutely love being part of the beauty world. Fragrance and aromas are like memories so it’s important that the perfumes we develop speak to us, but others as well.”

Do you work in the spare room, a skyscraper or other? 

“I work out of my home office- and now share my space with my husband who has been working from home since covid-19.”

What parts of your work give you energy?

“I love my work and what drives me is being creative and using my energy to be motivated to push further.”

What parts of your work drain you?  

“It’s challenging trying to balance home life and work especially working from home, but I wouldn’t do it any other way.”

Most pivotal point of your career so far? 

“Seeing our creation come to life and how much our customers are loving our brand brings me so much joy.” 

Advice you were given that you would like to pass on?

“This is not your practice, life, said to me by a good friend. It helps me to be present and remember that life is what you make it, and I strive to make my life amazing.”

What’s your context outside of work? 

“I’m a wife and stay at home mom of two babies. My son Christopher is 2.5 years old and Madelyn is almost 7 months now. I love being active with my family and in my daily life to walk, workout, gold, play tennis and hang out with friends and family.”

Describe your pre-pandemic day-to-day…

“My pre pandemic day to day was busy, but my current day to day is even busier now with a new baby and growing business.”

How has your daily life changed? What is your new normal? 

“My life is still very much the same, but my new normal is Zoom meetings and being my son’s preschool teacher.”   

Has the Corona crisis impacted you personally and professionally? How? 

“It has impacted us professionally as a small business. We had to slow down upcoming plans and visits to more boutiques and retailers, but we are moving forward with the world opening back up.”

What, if anything, keeps you up at night?  

“So many things – family, work!”

What  have been your  2020  coping strategies?  Do you have any objects, routines or tools that you  found particularly uplifting?  Gin or Gym? 

“Yes, for me walking and being outside is therapy. I love taking long walks with my daughter in the stroller and enjoy these special moments with family.”

What has kept you sane? And kept your family sane? 

“Being together and having family time has been amazing for us.”

Did 2020 change your outlook on life in any way? 

“2020 made me realize what is really important which is health and family. Everything else can come and go, but it’s our family unit that matters.” 

Are you travel-ready? Where do you want to go, with who or would you rather stay home?

“I would love a Cabo trip with my husband and friends. No kids.”

Finish this sentence “If you look in my handbag at any time you will ALWAYS find….”

“Celuí Fragrance and lip gloss!”

What are your work from home saviors? 

“I have loved being more intentional with my self care and have stepped up my skin care routine. My husband and I always have our morning cup of coffee together and chat about what’s going on for the day and I love that. We listen to music, grab a glass of wine and watch our kids play in the backyard.”

Name your 5 essential items of clothing:

“My style is classic with a little edge- 5 essentials would be a leather jacket, leggings, diamond studs, Janessa Leone hat and Chanel slingback flats.” 

How do you see your business or career in two years from now? 

“I hope to see our business grow in two years. Sky’s the limit!”

What’s something you haven’t conquered yet but really want to? 

“Would love to see Celuí in a national retailer!”

What could you say to your 20 year old self that would help her the most?

“Just go for it. Put yourself out there and see what happens.”

Do you have a life motto or mantra that really resonates with you?

“Enjoy the moment. Big or small – life is short so smile, be kind and laugh.”

Take a look at Celui’s website here and their Instagram here.

If you loved reading this then you will love peeking into the life of Simone Gonzalez, a designer for Shelter.