When you’re one of the most wanted and most requested plastic surgeons on the planet, and you’re balancing family life, plus your other obligations, how do you keep yourself from neglecting yourself? Dr. Ruth Celestin of Oculus in Georgia is one of those always-on-the-go medical professionals. When the whole world looks at you as if you always have it together, and don’t need any self-nourishment, how do you handle things? And what about friendships, especially women friendships? How meaningful are they to a professional woman’s well-being?

Here she is answering my questions about self-care and friendships…

Kreyolicious: As someone who is hugely successful…people come to you not only for their plastic surgery needs but also to be mentored, to be counseled. We hear of people who are the go-to person for everybody’s needs but who have no one to turn to for those needs. How do you make sure you take care of “you” too? Wow, hugely successful?
Dr. Ruth Celestin: Consider me flattered. I see myself as more of a work in progress [Winks]. But to answer the question, I do give 100% of me to my patients and staff, sometimes to the point where it can be stressful. There are days where I have talked so much all day to so many people that I come home and don’t want to utter another word! But I’ve also learned that you have to prioritize yourself to have anything left to give others. To take care of me, I lean on lessons I learned from mom, who is a cosmetologist as well as a nurse and absolutely beautiful at her age: I find enjoyment in self-maintenance. You feel good when you look good and this is not vanity it’s reality. I have a “girl cave” as my husband calls it where I spend quiet time and beautify. Hair, nails, massages, spa days, shopping, workouts, girlfriend time. All to-do’s, but I make sure I enjoy them by putting the phone down and engaging with my friends, trainer, stylist or technician. Or, if I’m just too tired, it’s headphones and great music while I’m getting pampered or working out. No emails or calls during “me” time! For a doctor that is very difficult, but having a great team in place makes it possible even if only for short periods of time. I have a lot of respect for their personal time and in return they do for mine as well and I’m grateful for that. Last but certainly not least I’m super blessed to have a wonderful husband who takes excellent care of me, even when I forget to take care of myself!

Kreyolicious: Are you going to write a book someday?
Dr. Ruth Celestin: Yes! I am going to put it out there so as to hold myself accountable! Writing a book is on my list of things I want to do. I have a lot of life yet to live and I don’t think I or anyone has all of the answers but… I’d like to think that my struggles and experiences might serve as inspiration and give someone a more clear path to their own success. And also tell a fun/entertaining story while I’m at it. Maybe there’s more than one book in me??

Kreyolicious: What else are you working towards accomplishment wise?
Dr. Ruth Celestin: Oh so much, it’s impossible to list. My mind is always working on the next project. As I mentioned, I see myself as a perpetual work in progress— I’m a perfectionist and happen to be my own biggest project. God is not done with me yet, and I’ve got some big dreams. In the short term, I plan to travel much more (we just got back from Paris celebrating our one-year wedding anniversary!). We’re getting a puppy, planning to have a family, and long-term I’m planning to take over the world. Nothing big. [*winks*]

This concludes the three-part interview with Dr. Ruth Celestin, plastic surgeon and reconstructive surgery expert! CLICK HERE if you missed the previous installments.

CLICK HERE to follow her journey on Instagram |CLICK HERE to visit Dr. Ruth Celestin’s website | OCULUS on Facebook |

Even if Judy Leger chooses not to enter another pageant, she’s already made her mark in the world of pageantry. The mommy pageant queen recently made history at the Mrs. International pageant when she made history as the first representative from Haiti to figure in the Top 16 pageant. As the reigning Mrs Haiti International, she had much to say about her growth as a person, female friendships, and sisterhood friendships.

Kreyolicious: What made you enter the Mrs. Haiti Intl pageant?
Judy Leger: I wanted to be able to promote my platform, domestic violence, on a higher level. The Haiti International pageant is all about leaving a legacy.

Kreyolicious: Do you believe in female friendships?
Judy Leger: I most certainly do. I believe only women understand women. Although we make it hard for one another, I know we need each other. That is why I founded my nonprofit organization, Chit Chat with Juju. I am pro-women!

Kreyolicious: What was the best thing about being part of the pageant?
Judy Leger: To be able to meet other incredible women promoting their passion and giving back to their community. Also, I got a chance to promote my nonprofit organization, Chit Chat with Juju. My organization believes [in] rehabilitating women that are or [or have] had a dramatic past. We give them courage and hope with the brunches and workshops that we have.

Kreyolicious: When do you feel the most beautiful?
Judy Leger: I feel the most beautiful when others know where I come from and what my past was like yet find me inspiring anyway.

Kreyolicious: What books have changed your life?
Judy Leger: The Sisterhood Effect is a very good book. We are reading it in our small group at church. It talks about pulling other women up as we come up.

Kreyolicious: What is the one thing that you used to be mediocre at that you now excel in? How did that develop?
Judy Leger: I use to be mediocre in speaking in front of a crowd. With my nonprofit organization, we do empowerment brunches and panels a lot. I had to put my fears aside to be able to give other women hope. Letting them know that their current situation is not their final destination.

Kreyolicious: Mark Twain is credited with saying that we tend to regret the things we didn’t do in life than the things we did do. Can you relate?
Judy Leger: Oh, yes! I can relate on so many levels. I wish I would’ve paid more attention to the signs of a womanizer. I also wish I wasn’t such a loner and was more spontaneous. I have always been extra safe.

Kreyolicious: What if you had to curate songs to reflect your life…a soundtrack…what 6 tracks would make it on there?
“Prettiest Girl in the World” by Tamar Braxton. “Trust in You” by Lauren Daigle. “You Are My Strength” by William Murphy. “Day One” by Tamia. “Soldat” by Maxiimus. “It’s Just You and Me” by Phyllisia Ross.

Kreyolicious: What’s next for you?
Judy Leger: I plan to one day open a safe house for abused individuals. With God’s help, I will promote my platform internationally.

CLICK HERE to visit Mrs Haiti International via her Instagram page!