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

Hi Celeste, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I believe chasing balance is comparable to chasing perfection; an empty, difficult, pursuit that is more likely to lead you down a rabbit hole of comparison and never enoughness than it is to lead you to fulfillment, sustainability, and empowerment. Balance is usually associated with keeping many areas of life in proportion to others. But what happens when one area needs your attention more than the other? Are you no longer ‘balanced’? When I consider balance for myself, I try instead to consider my life values and how each is satisfied by where I am putting my energy. If my core values are being upheld, I am likely to generate a feeling that is superior to that of satisfying what others believe would be a balanced life. Someone might look at me and say, ‘she works too much’ or ‘she is always at the gym’ but it depends where I am, who is around me, what needs my attention, and what I am striving toward. I really believe aiming for balance keeps us limited but aiming to expand a threshold for living and giving our energy to the things which matter most to us actually allows us to create what we think or have been taught comes with ‘balance’. Rather than pursuing a perfect give and take in every area, why not aim to create a beautiful harmony that satisfies whatever music style you want to live your life to?

What should our readers know about your business?
My business primarily revolves around helping people to make peace with food, their body image, and their goals. I set out on a mission in 2015 to help others to, Build More than Just a Body. When I first started, I worked as a personal trainer while studying Nutrition and Dietetics but I came to realize my passion was in Psychology which later evolved into Counseling. Getting to where I am now was not as easy or glamorous as the end results of contribution, travel, best selling book, speaking engagements, partnerships, a well known podcast, and a thriving coaching service make it seem. I started my business when I was 18 years old and had many years of working multiple jobs just to be able to afford to run the systems or invest in mentors so I could grow and run my business. The testing, tweaking, environment changes, networking, expansion, and trials were all very taxing. Not to mention all the behind the scenes things like simple errors in a funnel or figuring out taxes. Going to school full time from launch of business to just recently also brought challenges with scheduling and scaling. It is nearly impossible to put in words the ups and downs of launching and scaling my business to where it is now. Running a business comes with doubt and difficulty and prioritizing this while also staying focused on school, family, bodybuilding, it can be a lot. But to me, it was always worth it. When I would wonder if my business would ever ‘take off’ or if I would ever find ‘my niche’ or if people would see the value in what I was bringing to the table, I would remind myself that no matter how long it takes or what it takes, it is worth it because it is my soul’s purpose and mission to fulfill. In 2018 I launched my podcast, Confessions of a Bikini Pro, which revealed to me that my mission could be taken to the bodybuilding community. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of that before! I did lots of market research and remember getting my first two clients and thinking, this is really taking off now. People doubted me, told me other people in the industry wouldn’t want to see me win because they would think of me as competition, even made it seem like what I had to offer was important but not worth the risk for me to leave everything else I had built in my business behind for. But my heart really spoke to me. I never felt more certain that the community I was meant to serve was one that had been underserved when it comes to mental health care. I knew what it was like to struggle with disordered eating, body image related concerns, and the difficult transitions that come with competing. I also was equipped with knowledge and experience in the mental health field that empowered me to bring it to competitors through psychoeducation, events, courses, and programs. I was able to position myself as the expert in this field and I continued to expand my own knowledge. I also formed and continue to form such genuine, awe inspiring connections that really remind and teach me that this community is so powerful and everyone wants to see each other win and have longevity and the support needed to fulfill their dreams and goals as athletes. My coaching is different now than when I started. I don’t find passion in the training or nutrition. I am all about the mentality of these athletes and supporting people in seeing that you can achieve your fitness goals without sacrificing your mental health and you really do not have to take an all in approach or let go of your discipline, drive, and desire to be better in order to find inner peace.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I always take people to downtown Chandler, I just think it is sooo cute and I love the little shop, D’Vine Gourmet, for perusing around. Honestly, all the little shops are awesome and the area is just so cute. We would definitely have to go hiking. I would take them to South Mountain trails, Apache Junction for the Superstitions and stop at the goldfield ghost town after, and a sunrise or sunset walk at Papago. Since we are planning a trip for my best friend, of course I would take them to the gym I workout at since they have the best people there and working out is a non-negotiable. As far as food goes, I haven’t had the opportunity to taste much of this area since I moved here because of my competition lifestyle but my go tos would be Coffee Rush on Ray Rd for the beautiful waterfront view, Pita Jungle for an awesome gyro pita, Pizza at the Stillery, and Si Senor’s for a full spread of their food. If we can go to the Old Town Gilbert Farmer’s Market that’s a must see too. I also love Snowbowl trails up north during the ‘yellow trees’ time. We might even end the day with a walk around Veteran’s Oasis Park. I know I have a lot more to see and do here so I will be trying out other suggestions on this site too 🙂

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If I could thank every single person I have ever spent time with, known, or been mentored by, I would be so happy as every one of them has made an impact on me. I would love to dedicate this shoutout to my dad, sister, and late mother who always believed in and encourage me as well as to my best friend Rachael who never stops cheering me on and to my local and international bodybuilding community that gives me and sees my purpose.

Website: www.celestial.fit

Instagram: https://instagram.com/celestial_fit

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celestialfit

Facebook: https://www.youtube.com/c/celestialfit

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/celestialfit

Other: Podcast: itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-a-bikini-pro/id1385048193 spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2esHgdYUxugUgU9gskwNb5?si=-LrJ1x4ARuqBs9EJgMlfpQ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@celestial_fit Live Events: www.BuildMorethanJustaBody.com ‘Believe your way to Badass’ book: https://amazon.com/author/celesterains-turk

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