Celena is a jane-of-all-trades: attorney, blogger, professional stylist, and mom. She runs her own image consulting company, Style DC Image Consulting Services and has a blog, Strictly Fabulous Style that show off her good taste and great eye. She has some advice for guys on manners, style, and the power of music.BBG:  How did you get into your current line of work?

Celena:  I 've always had an interest in fashion and style, but didn't pursue it until my second year of law school. At that point in my life, I decided that if I was going to spend a lifetime in a certain career, I might as well enjoy it to the fullest. I underwent training, reached into my contacts, developed a website and a blog, printed some business cards, and told anyone who would listen that I was an image consultant. Soon after, I was working with clients and my business is growing day by day!

BBG: What things or people inspire your personal style?

Celena: I like to be daring and different. I abhor monotony in all aspects: people, places, entertainment, sports, clothing, etc. I am attracted to what stands out and what's different. I consider myself a chameleon of sorts. I switch up my own personal style either according to my mood, the setting, or the season.    

BBG: What or who introduced you to style? What prompted to you seek it out?

Celena: I was always fascinated by those who dared to be different. In my case, it was my oldest brother Andre. He was never afraid to push the envelope and encouraged me to do the same. It took some time to develop my own personal style because I'm influenced by many things like art, culture, and fashion.   

BBG: Is how people look important to you? Why?

Celena: Yes, it's important to me, but since I am in the image business, I know not to always judge a book by its cover. Because I spend the majority of my time deciphering and decoding others' image, I find that I do not always automatically make assumptions when I meet new faces based on their visual and physical appearance. I do, however, note the difference, if any, in how they present themselves visually and how they interact with others to determine if they just "look the part" or if they "act the part."

BBG: Do clothes make the man or do manners make the man?

Celena: I would say a combination of both. You can have the clothes, but if you have a horrendous attitude, the clothes make no difference at all. I will simply remember your nastiness and not your nattiness. Like mother said," Manners count!" If I had to pick between the two, I would definitely choose manners.

BBG: What sort of behavior do you see too much of and what would say to young men about it?

Celena: Many young men these days simply have no couth about themselves. They seem to have elitist attitudes that are unearned and undeserved. For some reason, they seem to have a sense of entitlement about everything: careers, relationships, money, etc.  I find that I am always schooling youngsters (and by youngsters, I mean younger than me!) about etiquette, style, the importance of how you speak to others and the like. If I had a soapbox to speak to these men, my platform would be solely focused on how to behave with class and distinction. 

BBG:  What unique tip(s) can you give a guy to help make him a Better Guy?

Celena: Know yourself and discover your own style. Discover your likes and dislikes in just about everything. Distinguish yourself by developing long forgotten social graces and flourish by casually flaunting them. Always make the first impression the best impression and do what is needed to maintain that impression. (but make sure it is an authentic one!)

BBG: What makes a guy stand out?

Celena: When he is acutely aware of his own presence and how others perceive him.  This usually translates into charisma -- which I find is extremely attractive to all types of people, especially myself.

BBG: What was the best single experience you've had with a boyfriend/husband/significant other?

Celena: When my dear hubby, Patrick wrote, produced, and recorded a song, My Celena, just for me. If I ever need a pick me up, that's what pops up in my head.

BBG: What you think is sexy in a guy?

Celena: Arrogant charisma and extreme intelligence. Sure, I love me a fine piece of man meat, but if nothing that comes out of those pearly whites intrigues me in the tiniest bit, he may as well just smile and look pretty for me. 

BBG: If you could do one thing, anywhere in the world without constraints, what would it be?

Celena: I would scream as loud as I could on the quietest Metro bus or subway car.   I have always had this fantasy of screaming when no one expects it. I have no idea why. My husband shares the same fantasy -- we both have a very unusual sense of humor.

BBG: If you could have a conversation with one person, who would it be?

Celena: Nina Simone. I love her music and her attitude towards life. Her songs drip with the stuff of life: love, despair, hatred, happiness, disappointment, fear, and joy. I would love to know what influenced her music and how she developed her fierce fearlessness to living.

BBG: What's your favorite room in your place? Why?

Celena: Definitely the bedroom. I would go into more detail, but I think that I would be revealing a wee bit too much about myself if I did….

BBG: What do you do/where do you go for fun?

Celena: I love all that has to do with dancing.  I partake in belly dancing, hip hop dance, Latin dance, and liturgical dance -- basically all I need is a beat! I love to go out dancing, no matter the venue. It's also a great stress reliever!

BBG: Who's your favorite band?

Celena: Switchfoot -- I love all types of music, but if I had to pick one band, it would be them. I love the message of their music, I can listen to it with my kids, and I can rock it out!

BBG: Terrance Howard or Djimon Honsou?                                    

Celena: Without a doubt, Djimon Honsou. Any man who carries a murse (translation: man purse) and encourages his women to use baby wipes to wipe their assets is a complete turn off to me. (I'm talking to you, Terrance!)