In Focus | Celeste de Muelenaere

Meet Celeste! She's originally from South Africa and has called Kelowna home for 3 years now!

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am originally from South Africa and moved to Canada in 2003. I relocated to Kelowna in 2017 after having lived in Brandon (Manitoba), Toronto (Ontario) and then Calgary (Alberta).

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My South African gang of friends - Vernon, Christoff, Nicci, Pierre - who I have known for years but only get to see every couple of years or so. We laugh so much my cheeks and stomach hurt and we have the kind of friendship where we hardly communicate when we apart but when we see each other again, we just pick up where we left off.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Lakehouse Home Store. I love hunting for awesome house-hold items and they just have the coolest stuff - especially nifty cooking gadgets. But I don't go in often as I just want to buy everything, which my bank account won't allow.

Describe yourself in one word.
Curious.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Pretty much anywhere in Europe. I just love the culture, architecture and the street-side cafe lifestyle. I recently spent 24hrs in Amsterdam en route home from South Africa and was bummed out that I wasn't able to stay longer.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
River/lake floating. I haven't had much chance to do more things but am planning to this year.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Ummmm I'm pretty good at embarrassing myself. This is a tough one. But I once tried to sneak into a celebrity party in Toronto and then blew it just as the bouncer was going to let us in by freaking out when Ben Affleck walked past. I definitely don't know how to play it cool. I would say it definitely makes the top 5 list.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Sitting around a campfire in the middle of the South African bushveld laughing at my uncle's stories. And then waking up and watching the sunrise over the long grass.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I periodically purge my closet and house and always donate to the Salvation Army and homeless shelters.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
For people to be more open to laughing about things. Find the humour in the sometimes absurd instead of blowing it out of proportion and spreading the negative narrative.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The beach. By myself. With a book.

Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
More affordable housing for lower income families. I think it will also help with the homeless situation.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The scenery. Nothing beats having lunch on a deck overlooking a vineyard, lake and mountains.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Travel
2) Paint more
3) To finally start writing that book I have always wanted to/ have been meaning to write.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Pretty much anyone who has ever met me can see that I am an extrovert, but what they may not know is that I have my introvert moments - I also need my "ME time" where I just want to not talk, socialize or even pick up the phone.



How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Twitter: @CelesteDeM
Insta: @cdem_photo

What is the name of your business/organization?
Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board.

Why did you get into this business?
I have always had a love for real estate - I watch all the HGTV shows like "Property Brothers" and "Love It Or List It" on the regular - and thought my writing skills and marketing experience could meet my passion by being on the communications side of things.

What is the goal of your business?
To provide leadership and support to our REALTOR® members in their pursuit of professional excellence.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Finding a work/life balance.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I think some things would be different but I couldn't say if they would be better or worse, so I prefer not to go down that rabbit hole.



What do you always find yourself saying?
Is it too early to go to bed yet?

What is your best piece of life advice?
Travel more when you are younger. It's harder getting the time off when you are already in your career.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
mmmm this is a long list, as I generally find interesting things about people that I can latch on too and ponder. But I think Bill Murray would be fascinating and entertaining to have a drink with.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
You not only supporting the community but the local products (especially fruits and veggies here in BC) are so much better for you. It's greener and more sustainable products. Plus you know there are labour laws and that they were upheld.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Moving to different cities by myself so many times and, essentially, starting from scratch every time.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My friend Kayleigh Williams. She is an inspiration with how hard she works. She is not just a REALTOR® but also teaches at Orange Theory Fitness. She is also just a fun, easy person to be around.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Darlene Richard of Richard Consulting

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thanks for this amazing opportunity. I feel fortunate to be included and to live in a great city like Kelowna where the views inspire me daily.

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!