Meet Celeste Escalera

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

Hi Celeste, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?

I didn’t grow up thinking I’d end up in film – I started in traditional accounting. For years, I worked as the Senior Accountant and Controller at Planet Hollywood Casino in Las Vegas. But something in me always craved more than numbers; I wanted creative purpose. In 2013, a few industry friends asked me to help produce an event for the Defend Paris clothing line. I had the connections, they had the brand – and XperyenceZ was born. That single event opened a world of red carpets, brand activations, and celebrity collaborations.

I stayed at Planet Hollywood until 2014, then stepped away to grow XperyenceZ part-time and support my daughter’s acting career – getting her on red carpets, into films, and fully immersed in Hollywood. That journey made it clear: I needed to be in California. So, in 2016, I relocated to Los Angeles and searched for a way to merge my financial expertise with the entertainment world.

At first, breaking into film accounting wasn’t easy. The process was filled with gatekeepers who weren’t willing to share how to access opportunities. But after a lot of research, networking, and persistence, I discovered the freelance side of production accounting and began my pivot. Since then, I’ve worked on notable projects including Black Barbie (Netflix), Fast X (NBCUniversal), The Gray Man (Netflix), Reservation Dogs (FX), Pieces of Her (Netflix), Everything’s Trash (ABC/Disney), and The Decameron (Netflix).

Now, I also run XPYZ, a creative development and management company. I’ve applied for WGA signatory status so I can support not only my own screenwriting journey, but also help other writers, including several well-known producers and celebrities, navigate the path to selling their scripts to studios. XPYZ also manages top-performing TikTok creators, helping them grow their brands, monetize through livestreaming, and explore crossover opportunities in film and television. Because of my background in production accounting and my direct connections within the studio system, many creatives turn to me as a trusted guide through the process.
What started as a personal passion for writing has evolved into something much bigger. I’ve written multiple screenplays – including The A-I “Lies” Within, which was officially selected by the Seoul International AI Film Festival, and The SEED Between Worlds and Stars, which has been officially selected by both the New York Screenwriting Awards and the Bangkok Movie Awards.

For me, creativity wasn’t a detour – it was a full-circle return. I’m now blending finance, storytelling, events, and empowerment into a purpose-driven career that bridges both business and imagination.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
About My brands:

I started XperyenceZ out of a moment of creative restlessness while working as an accountant at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. A friend asked me to help produce an event for Defend Paris, and that one opportunity sparked something I didn’t realize was missing. From there, XperyenceZ grew into a red carpet and experiential brand strategy company, helping others create unforgettable moments.

Years later, after relocating to Los Angeles and breaking into film and TV production accounting, I founded XPYZ – a creator-first company focused on screenwriting development, TikTok creator management, and industry consulting. Through XPYZ, I’ve helped develop creators globally and supported the growth of other TikTok creator management agencies, especially in South Korea, where I’ve played a part in helping livestream talent and agency ecosystems expand and professionalize.

In addition to supporting others, I’ve written and produced my own award-winning scripts, including The A-I “Lies” Within and The SEED Between Worlds and Stars, both of which have earned recognition at international film festivals, including Seoul, New York, and Bangkok.
What sets me apart is my dual background: I understand the creative side and the business infrastructure that supports it. I’ve built a network that spans both sides of the industry, and I’ve used that to mentor, guide, and uplift other talent.

Today, I’m expanding again – launching BADA CHIC, a bold, unapologetically luxe clothing and purse line that represents everything I’ve learned about reinvention, resilience, and aesthetic power.
It hasn’t been easy. Gatekeepers don’t like to give up their secrets, but I learned how to build my own door and then leave it open for others. That’s what I want the world to know: success is never just about you. It’s about who you bring with you.

Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way:

I’ve learned that gatekeepers don’t hold all the keys – sometimes, you have to build your own door. Creativity is just as valid as professionalism, and I don’t have to choose between being analytical and artistic – both fuel my path. Helping others succeed has opened more doors than I ever imagined, and consistency is what builds trust, whether you’re working across studios or time zones. I’ve also learned that your story can pivot at any point and still lead to purpose – and that reinvention isn’t failure; it’s freedom.

Bridging creativity, commerce, and global community – one bold move at a time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite spots in the city is Perch Restaurant. I’m definitely a rooftop food and lounge type of lady – everyone knows if there’s an outdoor city view or ocean view, I’m there! Perch has that perfect mix of ambiance, music, and great food. It’s one of those places where the vibe matches the view – elevated, stylish, and unforgettable.

I’m also really into roller skating, and one of my favorite places to unwind is Malibu Bluffs Park. I love skating around the open paths and then taking time to sit by the ocean and watch for whales. It’s such an amazing place – calming, inspiring, and pure California magic.

Anything ocean-related has my heart. That’s what makes California so special to me – the views, the energy, and the connection to nature. When I first moved to Cali, my home was in Belmont Shore, Long Beach for three years, and my daughter still lives there. It’s one of the most amazing coastal spots – full of charm, beauty, and that peaceful beach-town vibe I’ll always love.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out Netflix, for continuing to offer me opportunities, even during one of the toughest times in our industry. When work was scarce, they trusted me to help create e-learning modules for production accountants, allowing me to contribute to the field while continuing to support myself and others.

To my children, you are my greatest inspiration. Even when you wanted to give up, you kept going. Watching you push forward gave me the strength to do the same. Your support means everything to me.

To all the creatives who’ve trusted me with their scripts, careers, and dreams – you remind me every day why I do what I do.

And finally, thank you to everyone I’ve had the opportunity to help grow, mentor, or work alongside. And to every “gatekeeper” who wouldn’t let me in, you pushed me to build my own door, and now I leave it open for others.

Website: https://XPYERNECEZ.COM

Instagram: @CHESCALERA

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celesteescalera

Other: THEAILIESWITHIN.COM

TIKTOK – @CHES_XPYZ