Inspiring Conversations with Celeste Leon of Nashville Book & Sip Club

Today we’d like to introduce you to Celeste Leon.

Hi Celeste, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After moving to Nashville in 2023 from New Jersey, I found myself in a season of transition—new city, new routines and little to none familiar faces outside of my partner. Like many people who move to a new place, I was searching for connection. I wanted to find real friends—people to grow with, learn from, laugh with and share life’s beautiful (and sometimes messy) moments.

In early 2024, I decided to do something about it. I founded the Nashville Book & Sip Club, not just as a book club—but a space for women to connect, to feel seen and to talk books and more. I envisioned high energy and lively gatherings where we’d read engaging and inspiring stories, dive into honest conversations and explore the amazing venues and gems of Nashville together. I started with a simple Instagram + Facebook post, a bit of hope and a lot of heart.

A year later, I’m still blown away by what this community has become. From our first small meetup to hosting sold-out monthly book parties and themed socials, our Book & Sip Club family has grown into something deeply special. With over 1,000 women on the waitlist, I think that speaks to how hungry we all are for authentic connection. This isn’t just about books—it’s about belonging and I’m incredibly grateful to be building that here in Nashville.

As a Peruvian girl who moved to the United States at 13 years old, starting over in new places isn’t unfamiliar—but that’s also why I know just how powerful it is to take action and create the community you crave. Community shapes our well-being. It reduces stress and isolation, boosts happiness, offers emotional and practical support during tough seasons and fosters personal growth. I’ve seen this firsthand and it fuels everything I do with Nashville Book & Sip Club and my other businesses. Outside of the book club, I’m a dynamic TV Host with Telemundo TN, public speaking coach and professional speaker and emcee. I graduated from Monmouth University in 2019 and I’ve had 5+ years of corporate experience.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road but when you truly believe in something, the obstacles become part of the mission! Every challenge I’ve faced has taught me something about resilience, purpose and the kind of leader I want to be.

1) Being underestimated: As a young woman in my 20s, I’ve often found that people struggle to see the full scope of what I’m building. It’s easy for others to project their own limitations onto you, especially when your vision doesn’t fit into their frame of reference. This has been a consistent challenge throughout my journey—having to advocate not only for my ideas but for myself. But instead of letting it discourage me, I use it as fuel and I stay focused on the vision, because at the end of the day, I know that I control my actions, my mindset and my ability to turn dreams into reality.

2) Embracing the unknown: The leap from a stable corporate job into entrepreneurship is both thrilling and terrifying. For those who’ve done it, you know—there’s no safety net. The mental and emotional battles are real. There are days full of doubt, fear, and financial uncertainty. But there’s also incredible freedom and fulfillment in betting on yourself. I’ve learned to trust the process, stay rooted in my “why,” and surround myself with people who remind me of what’s possible. I am grateful for those around me and for all the things that have worked because I was bold enough to go for it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Nashville Book & Sip Club?
The Nashville Book & Sip Club is a premier women’s book club and social community that brings women together who are seeking connection, inspiration, and fun. We host monthly book discussions, wellness experiences and curated social events all across Nashville—creating intentional spaces for deep conversation, real friendships and collective empowerment.

Our signature event is the Book Party™️, where members come together to discuss our Book of the Month over cocktails, coffee or creative activities. These events go far beyond book discussions—they’re vibrant gatherings filled with laughter, upscale vibes and shared experiences. We also host themed socials, pop-ups and wellness events that offer something for every woman looking to explore the city while building meaningful relationships.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to intentional community. We’re not just a book club—we’re a movement. We inspire growth. We partner with local and diverse businesses across Nashville, making each event a celebration of both women and the city we call home. From boutique bars to fun large venues to creative studios, we turn each venue into a space for magic and connection.

I’m proud to share that our chapter is part of a larger movement. Book & Sip Club®️ was originally founded in Houston by my incredible friend, Ana Rocha, and has grown into a powerful sisterhood with over 50 chapters across the U.S. and beyond. Bringing this movement to Nashville has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. We offer a paid membership that includes access to exclusive events, early registration, special perks from local partners, and—most importantly—a seat at the table in a supportive, high-vibe community. If you’ve ever craved deeper friendships, fun experiences and real conversations with like-minded women, Book & Sip is for you.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We love to collaborate with local businesses to co-create our special events! We are also open to sponsorships to showcase your services or products to our community. Please reach out to me personally at [email protected] or our book club team at [email protected].

Contact Info:

• Website: www.celesteleon.co or www.nashvillebookandsipclub.com
• Instagram: @celesteleon.co @nashbookandsipclub
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celesteleon