We recently had the chance to connect with Celia Zaga and have shared our conversation below.
Celia, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
What makes me lose track of time is dance and performing—it’s where I feel most alive and connected to myself. Jessica Lee Goldyn played a huge role in helping me find myself through dance. She believed in me before anyone else did, and that belief gave me the power and confidence to truly own who I am. Dance became my way to both lose and find myself again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Celia Zaga is a young, passionate artist who recently moved from Mexico to New York City, seeking not only to perform but to find a place where she truly belongs. Through resilience and joy, she’s been creating something magical—a space that feels like home in a new city. What makes Celia truly special is her powerful “redo” — the courage to start over, embrace change, and trust herself along the way. A big part of her growth comes from the mentorship and friendship of Jessica Lee Goldyn, who believed in Celia before anyone else did, helping her gain the confidence to own her unique story and artistry with joy and strength.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Jessica Lee Goldyn saw me clearly before I could see myself. She has an incredible heart and passion that shines through everything she does. From the very beginning, she believed in me—not just my talent, but who I am as a person. Our trust and friendship grew naturally, built on her genuine willingness to help others and lift them up. Jessica has this amazing ability to see the light in people and be a light herself, guiding and inspiring those around her. Her support touched my life deeply, encouraging me to trust my journey and find strength and confidence when I needed it most. She didn’t just change how I see myself—she helped me become the person I’m proud to be.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was definitely a time I almost gave up. Back in Mexico, I faced a lot of lack of support and people often told me I wasn’t good enough. Hearing that repeatedly made me doubt myself deeply, and I almost lost my passion and love for dance because I stopped believing in myself. It was a really dark place where I questioned if I should even continue. But eventually, I realized that my love for dance was stronger than the doubts others placed on me—and that belief helped me keep going and eventually find my path in New York.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d say the public version of me is very real. I’m naturally raw and outgoing—I wear my heart on my sleeve and love expressing myself openly. But beyond that energy, I care deeply about my people and those close to me. There’s a softer, more thoughtful side that might not always come through right away, but it’s always there. So yes, what you see publicly is me, but there’s also a depth of care and connection that grounds everything I do.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
I will never regret finding and chasing my dreams. No matter the challenges or sacrifices, working hard toward what truly lights me up has given my life purpose and meaning. Even in the toughest moments, knowing I’m following my passion keeps me going—and that’s something I’ll always be proud
Contact Info:
- Instagram: celiazaga24
Image Credits
Jessica Lee Goldyn, Celia Zaga
