JUSTIN & PARIS CELESTE: Building a Legacy of Love, Faith, and Boundless Horizons

Occasionally, a couple dares to reimagine what’s possible. Justin and Paris Celeste are that couple. As tech professionals and devoted parents, they’ve traded comfort zones for global impact—choosing a life of cultural exploration, spiritual alignment, and purpose. Their journey proves that faith-fueled decisions, built on their shared respect and unwavering vision, lead to a life rich in meaning.

In this candid interview with VBD Magazine, Justin and Paris share the joys and challenges of parenting abroad, launching a business from the ground up, and nurturing a resilient marriage—all while anchored in faith.

UNITED IN VISION

Their story begins with two paths—destined to cross.

Justin, born in Monterey, California, moved frequently as the son of a U.S. Army servicemember. From California’s coasts to the Philippines and Germany, his childhood was a global journey. Settling near Atlanta, Georgia, he discovered his calling in college while working in IT at Valdosta State University. “I knew even back then,” he reflects, “that tech was the future—and I wanted to be part of it.”

Paris, raised in Buffalo, New York, moved to Atlanta in high school—a shift that proved to be divine positioning. Fueled by a natural curiosity, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of West Georgia and a master’s in journalism and mass communications at the University of Georgia.

During graduate school, she discovered a new path. Working with software for academic research, she found herself captivated by the architecture of digital systems and the potential to create more human-centered experiences. “It sparked something in me,” she recalls. “I wanted to help build technology that was intuitive and worked seamlessly.”

Her transition from aspiring television producer and writer to tech strategist was driven by a desire and commitment to create technology that truly serves its users. After graduation, she landed her first job in tech and never looked back, eventually moving into product management and shaping how people experienced the technology she helped create. This shift not only defined her career; it also set the stage for a serendipitous encounter that would change her life.

That moment came while Paris was working at a firm in Midtown Atlanta. Justin asked her for help with a report, and she happily pitched in. A week later, he invited her out to say “thank you” for her help. “At first, I thought it was just a work outing with a coworker,” Paris laughs. “But then he asked what kind of food I liked, and that’s when I realized he was asking me out on a date.”

It was a date that neither of them would forget. Over shared tapas and hours of uninterrupted conversation, they found themselves closing the restaurant—unaware of the time, but deeply aware of the connection forming between them. “She had me laughing, thinking, and dreaming all in one night,” Justin remembers. “From that night on, we were inseparable.”

As their professional lives continued to thrive, their relationship blossomed. They began traveling the world together and deepening their faith as a couple, discovering new places and building a shared life rooted in mutual respect and unwavering belief in Yahweh. This laid the foundation for a future that would reach far beyond city limits or corporate ladders.

CHOOSING A SET APART LIFE

For Justin and Paris, the decision to move overseas wasn’t a whim—it was a spiritual, emotional, and strategic leap of faith rooted in a shared vision.

In 2020, during a whirlwind trip to Dubai, the couple was captivated. “We had the time of our lives,” Paris recalls with a smile. From desert safaris to city skylines, the experience sparked something deep. But what lingered long after the vacation ended was something deeper—peace. “We’ve been to places like Singapore, the Galapagos, and Saudi Arabia, but Dubai felt different,” Paris says.

As seasoned travelers, they had always known they wanted to live abroad. The birth of their daughter made that goal feel even more pressing and real, turning it into a prayerful pursuit.

 “Once she arrived, everything changed,” Paris shares. “I wanted peace, safety, and mental clarity. I didn’t want to keep forcing myself to thrive in places that weren’t designed for me. I wanted to create something new, on my own terms, and with my family’s future in mind.”

That fire was intensified by a moment Justin will never forget. “I was in my office in downtown Atlanta,” he says. “There was an active shooter situation a block or two away, and the building went into lockdown. Our daughter was just a few months old. That moment solidified for me that it was time to go.”

True too, the urgency for Paris had been growing for years. “Corporate America taught me a lot and stretched me professionally,” she reflects. “But it came with a cost—enduring macro and  microaggressions, gaslighting, and misogyny. Every day felt like yet another test of my armor.”

In 2024, after months of research, legal paperwork, and planning, the Celestes relocated to Dubai. “It checked every box,” Paris says. “It’s modern, safe, clean, and culturally diverse. For us—an interracial couple raising a child with a multicultural heritage—it offered a level of ease and quality of life we couldn’t ignore.”

LIFE AS EXPATS

Relocating across the globe came with its share of adjustments. “The biggest challenge has been parenting without our village,” Paris says. “In the U.S., we had family support. Here in Dubai, it’s more common to rely on nannies. That was a culture shift for us.” They took a gentle approach, easing into it with cameras and in-home supervision while building trust.

Cultural differences also presented friction, particularly in customer service experiences and navigating unspoken racial dynamics. “There’s a clear hierarchy based on nationality,” Paris notes. “It’s not like the U.S. where racism is overt, but there are biases that impact day-to-day interactions, especially between expat communities.”

Still, the rewards outweigh the challenges. “Dubai is incredible for families because the UAE has such a strong family-forward culture,” Justin says.

Paris chimes in, “Every week we can do something new: Safari Park, Global Village, Green Planet, Ski Dubai, wildlife sanctuaries, and even weekend trips to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. And the peace of mind of being able to walk around without worry is priceless.”

THE POWER OF PRAYER AND PARTNERSHIP

Every decision the Celestes made—career pivots, marriage milestones, international moves—has been grounded in prayer. “Faith is the foundation for everything we do,” Justin says. “We pray together, we study the Word together, and we don’t make decisions without seeking Yah’s guidance.”

Living in a predominantly Muslim country has deepened their faith and strengthened their commitment to biblical principles. “It’s pushed us to be even more mindful and intentional about what we believe,” Paris shares. “We’re grounded in Scripture, and that has given us a sense of stability and peace here.”

Parenting and partnership go hand in hand for the Celestes. “Marriage and parenting aren’t always 50/50,” Justin says. “Some days I give more, some days Paris does. The key is knowing we’re a team.”

Their teamwork is intentional. On tough days, they support one another. On good days, they celebrate their wins. They even renewed their vows in the South of France on their five-year anniversary. It was part of what they planned on their wedding day: to renew their covenant every five years as a way to celebrate their love, reflect on their journey, and recommit to the future. It was also a perfect way to combine their love of travel with a moment to honor their bond.

Now six years into marriage and a decade into their relationship, their bond is stronger than ever. “The hard work of marriage comes after the wedding day,” Paris says. “It’s about choosing someone you’ll love on their worst day and who will love you on yours. Even as we age and change, what stays constant is that it’s me and him, no matter what.”

DESIGNING SOLUTIONS

Recently, Paris launched NextGen Consulting, a premier digital experience consultancy dedicated to elevating small and mid-sized businesses. Its mission is to empower clients to design seamless, conversion-driven digital experiences that accelerate growth.

“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and when we moved abroad, I saw an opportunity to turn years of corporate experience into something of my own.  I wanted to build something lasting: a legacy that would create generational wealth and ownership for my family.”

“NextGen Consulting is about solving problems and removing friction points,” Paris explains. “So many businesses here have incredible potential, but their digital infrastructure is lacking. We help them optimize for growth. My vision for the future is to grow NextGen across the region, and possibly beyond; whether that’s expanding to other continents or adapting with wherever life takes us. I’m building a business that’s rooted in flexibility, excellence, and impact.”

Meanwhile, Justin continues to thrive in tech, with a renewed focus on balance. “I’ve been in technology since 2008. Over the years, I’ve gained experience and expertise in various roles and industries,” he states. “Becoming a parent and supporting my wife’s international business has definitely shifted my perspective. It’s made me more intentional about how I manage my time and how I think about work-life balance. Having a global outlook, especially through my family’s experiences, has been eye-opening both personally and professionally. I set boundaries. After hours, I’m not a tech consultant—I’m a dad, a husband.”

To other couples considering a move abroad, they offer this wisdom: Think through every aspect of daily life, and be ready to pivot—life abroad won’t always go as planned. Most importantly, Paris says, “Don’t move without Yah. He has been our source of peace, guidance, and provision.”

BEYOND BORDERS

While the Celestes love Dubai, they’re not ready to commit to it as their forever home just yet. “We’re open,” Paris says. “Maybe Abu Dhabi. Maybe Panama. We’re still seeking where Yah wants us next.”

As they contemplate expanding their family, their focus remains steady: to raise their daughter in an environment of peace, to run businesses with integrity, and to remain faithful to their calling wherever it takes them.

Justin and Paris Celeste are choosing something different: intentionality, integrity, and faith. Their story is one of risk, reward, and real love—an inspiring reminder that the boldest journeys begin when you trust the Most High.

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Website: https://www.nextgenconsultae.com

Photo Credit (Wedding): LaJoy Photography