Meet Ana Celeste | Model, Photographer, & Founder of Network Night

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

Hi Ana, what do you attribute your success to?
Everything changed for me and my business when I noticed the incredible connections and collaborations happening beyond my events and my work. In the past, I had hosted events only for models and photographers to meet and collaborate on themed photoshoot projects; but what I really loved to see was the art they created throughout their professional relationship after meeting at my events. I decided to embrace the evolution of my role as a community connector, not only for models and photographers, but also for local businesses and other creative professionals.

The most important factor contributing to the success of Network Night was hands-down the community I spent years building and creating. After working as an actor, model, and photographer, I had met so many people including business owners, filmmakers, hair/makeup artists, designers, brands, and more. I knew people that could help each other tremendously if they only knew each other.

The first Network Night in July 2024 sold out 120 spots and garnered the attention of 4 talent agencies across North Carolina. I never expected one of my events to be so widely successful, or to become my signature event in the way Network Night has. What makes this possible are the thousands of inspiring, kind, and talented people that make up our creative community!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Network Night is an exclusive networking event for any CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL or BUSINESS OWNER, including:

MODELS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, CONTENT CREATORS, INFLUENCERS, FASHION DESIGNERS, HAIR/MAKEUP ARTISTS, ACTORS, FILMMAKERS, PODCASTERS, MUSICIANS, PRODUCERS, WRITERS, RESTAURANTS, BARS, & SMALL BUSINESSES

At Network Night, we connect, collaborate, and explore beautiful venues — all while uplifting and supporting our creative community and local businesses.

What sets me apart from other event planners and hosts is my unique position as a model, actor, photographer, and business owner, and the diverse community that has come together as a result of my connections and experience.

What I’m most excited about is the NEXT NETWORK NIGHT!

January 25th, 2025 — 6pm-9pm
Euphoria, 701 Trade St NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Tickets are only $35 + tax

Link for tickets and more information: https://www.anaceleste.com/events/

How did I get to where I am today? It wasn’t easy! Apart from growing my own network as a model, actor, and photographer, putting on something like Network Night takes a lot more than my typical scope of work. That includes taking some pretty big risks, like booking expensive and exclusive venues before I can start selling tickets, and cold-emailing and DMing invites, proposals to special guests, etc. Each event comes with its own challenges. I never expected Network Night to be such a hit or to sell over 250 tickets. Not only have I seen wild success and more modeling and photography bookings for myself since starting Network Night, but my guests have also shared this success. They are hiring each other, buying from each other’s businesses, and helping each other grow. Some models and actors have even been signed by one of our Special Guest Talent Agencies.

The most important lesson I learned by hosting 3 successful Network Nights in 2024 was believing in myself before I had the proof I could do it. In the same way, I hope to inspire all my Network Night guests to believe in themselves before they have the evidence that they can achieve their goals. Don’t be held back by the thought, “I’ve never done it before,” because believing in yourself doesn’t magically happen after you achieve success. It has to happen before.

What I want the world to know about me and my story is that this didn’t happen overnight and it didn’t come without sacrifice. I’m a full-time mom, model, and photographer — So when it’s Network Night season, there are often long stretches of time when I don’t take breaks, other than a few hours of sleep at night! 100% of my time goes to taking care of my clients and my family (and sometimes myself, too).

I also want everyone to know that they are invited to grab their tickets to NETWORK NIGHT and join our big, creative family!

Join and see future events here: https://www.anaceleste.com/events/

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Our previous and current Network Night venues are great places to check out for a drink:
Marjae’s Wine Bar, Greensboro
Canteen at Camp North End, Charlotte
Melrose Coffee and Wine Lounge, Greensboro
Euphoria Cocktail Lounge and Dance Club, Winston-Salem

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to all past and present Network Night attendees and special guests, but especially to those already registered for the upcoming Network Night on January 25th, 2025 in Winston-Salem:

Joanne Gonzalez
Thor Rippy
Allen Nop
Grace Van den Berg
Laney Roberts
Miles McGee
Darin Fritz
Shalyn Johnson
Yenaira Rodriguez
Yaril Rivera
Johyl Green
William Frady
Kailyn Jackson
Melissa Chadwick
Jacqueline Davis
Olivia Salmon
Ardyn Bean

and our Special Guests:
Tracy Gray, Founder & Agent at Gray Models and Talent
Zach Dunlap, Talent & Scout at Gray Models and Talent
Howie Lindeman, Grammy-Winning Music Producer
Olivia Gough, Agent at Marilyn’s Agency
& Erik Sommers, Community Director for Yelp NC Triad

I’d also like to thank my husband @JBlanked for his endless support, love, and mentorship to get me where I am today.

Website: https://www.anaceleste.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ana_celestial/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-celeste/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnaCelesteArtist

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKGUoXHYXLTfeOCBhapSHzg

Other: https://www.anaceleste.com/events/

Image Credits
Celestial Studios Photography