Meet Celia Yuen

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

Hi Celia, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“What’s the best that can happen?”

This question came to me while I was lying in a park in Lisbon, completely alone and feeling a little lost. But instead of panicking or distracting myself, I just sat with it. And that’s when it hit me—I was more in tune with myself than I’d ever been. Fully present. Fully open. It was kind of shocking, honestly. I wasn’t rushing to fix the discomfort. I was just there, grounded, and trusting that something beautiful could come next.

We’re so used to asking “What’s the worst that can happen?” but that question never really served me. Shifting to “What’s the best that can happen?” opened something up in me. It felt lighter, more expansive—like I was giving myself permission to actually receive good things, instead of constantly preparing for the worst.

And once I embraced that? The best really did start happening. I found myself exploring sea caves in the Algarve, sipping port wine with strangers at sunset, and saying yes to unexpected, beautiful moments. Every time I chose to trust myself, more unfolded. That one trip ended up turning into solo adventures through five different countries—all because I followed that feeling of introspection.

Now, this question is my rock. On hard days, it brings me back to myself. It reminds me to stay curious, patient and open to what’s possible. It helps me quiet the doubt and move through life with intention. Because truly—so much is available to us when we choose to believe in the best.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite places are spread all over the incredible neighborhoods in Miami. When my best friend visits, we have to start out with a sunrise beach yoga at 3rd street, then a quick cafe con leche and a empandada from Under the Mango Tree! Then, we do a longgg bike ride from Sobe to North Beach Oceanside park with amazing music and then relaxing at the beach by Surfside! For lunch, if we are up for it, Makoto is absolutely a must!

To end the night, we will have a great get ready session to go have dinner at Upper Buena Vista like El Turco or any of the tasty restaurants in the space. The night will carry on going to Sylvester, Medium Cool, Zey Zey, or the Pool hall at Red Rooster!

I personally love Upper East Side/ MiMo area along with Coconut Grove and Coral Gables for long bike rides!

Thankfully, this type of day can be done across Miami’s best neighborhoods!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this chapter of my life to Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being. This book completely reshaped how I see my soul, my art, and my community. It changed the way I move through the world—especially in my own creative pursuit. It pushed me to explore new paths and practices that truly honor my craft. I started planting seeds intuitively, not always knowing where they’d lead, only to realize they could bloom into something magical. This book reminded me to embrace experimentation and wonder, and that’s exactly the energy I’m stepping into.

Website: https://www.celiageorgiaphotography.com

Instagram: @celiagyuen & @creativesbycelia

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celia-yuen/

Other: Spotify: @directioner434 (I promise i have some firee playlists under this user)

Image Credits
For the Art Basel Guide Cover Model: Kitham Asad