My Story
Celeste Chong
Founder of The Inside Job
Guiding you home to your heart and the magic that lies within
My story
All through adulthood, alcohol was that constant companion that got me through life. I drank and I got sh*t done. I knew nothing about emotions, except I was terrified of them and I did everything to avoid them. Alcohol was the perfect ally, it helped to numb all discomfort, until I pretty much stopped feeling anything. I believed I was mentally strong; I threw myself into the hustle and grind. And I was proud of myself for building my career around my life companion - alcohol! In my mid-20s, I cofounded The Butter Factory, one of Singapore’s top nightclub.
The Butter Factory was the perfect escape. The music, bass, atmosphere, it helped me to disconnect. And I was DISCONNECTED. I was disconnected from myself, my body, my feelings and others. Other than work and drinking, I had no curiosity and little interest in anything else. My world was incredibly small. I was extremely uncomfortable in my own skin, and always needed a few drinks before I could do anything. I carried a huge amount of guilt and shame and had a constant stream of negative self-talk. I blamed myself for a lack of self-control and always wondered why I couldn’t just be normal.
In early 2017, out of nowhere, the alcohol that provided relief stopped working. Out of sheer desperation, I surrendered and experienced a moment of grace. And my journey towards recovery and self discovery began.
A year and half into sobriety, anxiety started to surface. In my search for the cause and cure, it led to my spiritual awakening (or what I like to call my heart awakening) in 2019, and I left my full time job 6 months later. I began diving into my inner work, spirituality and learning about trauma through Dr. Gabor Mate's Compassionate Inquiry professional online training.
My awakening has been the most challenging and also the most beautiful experience, a homecoming. Since then, I have been on a roller coaster ride home to my Heart. In March 2022, I followed my heart’s calling to South Africa, without a plan, dancing (at times kicking and screaming) to the rhythm of life. Today, I continue to take the next step trusting that the path unfolds before me.
With a background in Marketing, Branding and Events, I love creating unique experiences. In the past, these experiences served as a means of escape from reality and to disconnect.
Today, I create soulful experiences to help others connect with Self, awakening to the essence of who they truly are and remember their purpose.
My Gene Keys Life Work is 39.6 – Teacher of Liberation. Through my own (ongoing) experience of unlearning, I guide others on a journey home to their hearts through private and group ceremony with the gentle heart opening medicine of Cacao.
I’m not sure who said this originally, but the longest journey in life one takes is from the head to the heart. How true! It is also the most worthwhile and meaningful journey. As Ram Dass said, “we’re all just walking each other home”.
Cacao Ceremony in Ascension Cave
I facliated a Cacao Ceremony in the Ascension Cave in South Africa. What an experience!
More about Cacao
Curious to find our more about Cacao? Here are the answers to your most frequently asked questions.
My first Cacao Ceremony
I attended my first Cacao Ceremony in Bali and it was a heart opening experience. My anxiety subsided and I felt a warmth in my heart.