Lifestyle

Celeste Starre | 24 hours with founder Andraya Kenton

A firm favourite among the biggest fashionistas, it’s safe to say Celeste Starre’s jewellery has an acclaimed cult following. Seen on Winnie Harlow, Maya Jama, Dua Lipa and the Hadid sisters to name a few, the playful, stackable, statement jewellery has become something of a wardrobe secret weapon.

Originally from the US founder, Andraya Kenton spent many years in London. Now catching up on where she is in the world today, here’s everything you need to know about Celeste Starre…

Thank you for taking the time to talk to us today! How do you start your day?

I was excited to wake up early this morning and collect my crystals. I left them out overnight to charge in the light of the full moon. I love to keep crystals with me in my bag or pockets. After an early morning beach walk in Canggu, I love to sit in the quiet and enjoy a fresh green juice, while I start and make notes about my goals for the day.

What does an average day look like to you?

When I’m not stuck doing admin, I love to design jewellery and create content for our social channels. I really enjoy photography and the creative stuff is definitely my passion!

I will always try and get on my Pilates by Bryony app as well. I adore her workouts, they always make my days better. Being on the go makes her 5-30 min workouts perfect for me.

Are you a coffee person?

Matcha always!

Celeste Starre Andraya Kenton

How has your background influenced you today?

I grew up in the beautiful state of Washington in North West of the US a small town complete with its own Main Street. I went to school with the same 18 children in my class for most of my youth. Having a loving family has shaped me today and they taught me a strong work ethic.

Running my own brand is a total dream but never short of challenges. My parents instilled in me, that nothing worth having comes easy and that if you are going to do something, you should do it right the first time.

I always dreamed of living in a big city so I ended up moving to London for a Fashion school. I went on to live there and raise my family. That dream has now taken us to Bali, where I feel so grateful to be soaking up all of the magic from the Island of the Gods.

How did you come to start Celeste Starre?

I officially launched Celeste Starre just before the pandemic. Having already owned the jewellery brand MeMe London for 8 years I had a good understanding of what was needed to launch a brand. Celeste was born out of my desire to create a line deeply rooted in inspiration from all the beauty and wonder of the universe. It was important to me to be able to design pieces that not only looked fabulous but helped to inspire the women who wear them to be their best selves. I am also really passionate about making as many changes as we can to make Celeste Starre as sustainable as possible.

celeste starre Andraya Kenton

What inspires your designs?

Many of my Celeste Starre designs are inspired by the powers of the universe and I try to incorporate my favourite crystals in my designs whenever I can. Each one of my designs was created to attract love, luck, health or good fortune.

What is the meaning behind the name Celeste Starre?

Celeste was my great-grandmother. Although I never had the privilege of meeting her, I have always felt very connected and inspired by her. At a time when most women did not have a career, she immigrated from Italy to NYC with her family, learned to speak English, and became the right-hand woman of one of the greatest mayors of New York City. I have several special pieces that belonged to her that I carry with me that act as constant inspiration.

She was brave, stylish, hard-working, and a true dream chaser.

Away from work, what do you do for downtime?

There is nothing better than curling up and reading a classic book in the sunshine. My Celeste Starre sunnies and 50spf are never far from my beach bag.

What will you be doing this evening?

Probably enjoy a casa amigos on the rocks, definitely a favourite but it’s hard to beat a good Bloody Mary at sunset … Como Uma actually makes the best ones in town!