Meet Celeste Perry, the dynamic co-owner of Fat Cactus, one of Cape Town’s most beloved Mexican restaurants. Known for her bold spirit, unapologetic style, and love of piercings, Celeste embodies the essence of modern motherhood—fierce, expressive, and deeply rooted in community.

A true rock ‘n roll mom, Celeste has been at the helm of Fat Cactus, infusing it with her vibrant energy and commitment to authenticity. Her journey through the challenges of the
hospitality industry, especially during the pandemic, has been marked by resilience and a deep care for her team and patrons.

For our Mother’s Day campaign, Celeste steps into the spotlight, showcasing her unique blend of strength and style, adorned with pearls and her signature piercings. She represents the multifaceted nature of motherhood—edgy, elegant, and enduring.

We celebrate Celeste and all the incredible moms who redefine what it means to be a mother today.

From her bold piercings to her vibrant fashion sense and entrepreneurial drive, Celeste wears her heart on her sleeve — or perhaps more accurately, on her ears, fingers, and wardrobe. We sat down with her to chat all things jewellery, motherhood, business, and the eclectic soundtrack of her life.

Personal Style & Jewellery

How would you describe yourself and your style?
EXTRA, FUN, Experimental, never boring.

Your personal style exudes confidence and individuality. How has motherhood influenced your fashion choices and self-expression?
Motherhood hasn’t changed my style, I honestly think I have had the same style for most of my life. If anything, I have taught my two boys how to express themselves through outrageous and unconventional mix-ups – even if they don’t always agree with me.

Beyond aesthetics, jewellery often carries sentimental value. Is there a particular piece that symbolises a pivotal moment or relationship in your life?
I have 3 very special rings that I recently reset. These include my wedding and engagement rings, my mother’s jewels, as well as pieces from my grannies on both sides and my great-grandmother from my father’s side. I absolutely adore them.

Piercings & Personal Expression

Your piercings are a distinctive part of your look. What was your first piercing and do they hold specific meanings or stories you'd be happy to share?
My first was with a gun when I was a child — awful and skew. My very good friend was turning 50 so a bunch of us got together and hit your Sea Point shop to get her blinged up for her birthday. We all left with a few extra jewels & piercings that day. SUCH FUN and I obvs decided to go the whole enchilada from that day.

What is your favourite piercing?
All of them, every single one!

For those considering their first piercing, especially mothers exploring new forms of self-expression, what advice would you offer?
You do you, bru!
I have taken a few of my favourites on piercing experiences with me — my oldest son and my besties' daughters. All were incredible and different experiences, loved every moment.

Entrepreneurship & Motherhood

We love the name "Fat Cactus" — where did it come from?
My late business partner David Karpierz was opening a restaurant on the corner of a very busy road in little Mowbray when I arrived in Cape Town. He came up with the name and concept, and my husband Simon and I worked for a few years there. When we decided to leave and start our own restaurant/bar, David offered us shares to buy into Fat Cactus because he didn’t want to lose us. We loved the place, and it was a no-brainer — we had made it our home.

Many years later, we teamed up with another one of David’s partners from Maria’s in Dunkley Square and opened our Park Road store with Dimo as our new partner. Winter (my oldest) celebrated his first birthday there as we worked day and night in those days. Since then, we’ve expanded to Woodstock, Eden on the Bay, Sea Point, and Tygervalley. We’re still a fully family-run business and not a franchise. We like it this way.

Balancing the demands of running a successful restaurant and being a mother is no small feat. Can you share a memorable moment where these two worlds intersected in an unexpected way?
Winter started working for us in his holidays last year. I cannot describe how proud I was of him — the way he dealt with people and fellow staff. Look, the kid did grow up in the restaurants, but I was very impressed by the maturity and confidence he showed. Blew my mind!

Fat Cactus has become a beloved spot in Cape Town. What inspired you to venture into the restaurant industry, and how has your journey evolved over the years?
I moved to Cape Town to study fashion design and hairdressing, started waitressing and REALLY loved the nightlife. Needless to say, those other two professions are just hobbies for me and I truly love what we have built together.

Lifestyle & Inspirations

Soundtrack to your life?
Twin Peaks hahaha
I LOVE music. My husband is a musician too and has introduced me to so many different genres — everything from Hank Williams, TLC, Dua Lipa, Drive-By Truckers to Cypress Hill. You name it, I probably have it on my playlist LOL.

Cape Town is a city rich in culture and diversity. How has the local community influenced your personal and professional life?
I adore Cape Town. I’m originally from Pietermaritzburg. We were so lucky to meet loads of great friends through our restaurants and Simon’s bands. We didn’t really experience the “clicky-ness” that everybody talks about in Cape Town. We’ve been here for 27 years, so I do consider us Capetonians now.

Professionally, I love what I do and feel like it was meant for me — even if it wasn’t the original plan. Every day is a new challenge and keeps me on my toes. Don’t think my ADHD brain could cope in a corporate environment.

This city surprises me every day. Its beauty, diversity, and opportunities to use my creativity in weird and mostly wonderful ways.

The Black Betty Experience

How did you find Black Betty? Why have you chosen us for your piercings and how did you find your experiences with us?
My very dear friend Sian was turning 50. A group of great girlfriends and I took her to your Sea Point store for some extra bling for her birthday. We spent hours there and all walked out with a few extra jewels and piercings. Such a fun morning!!

Words from Her Boys

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learnt from your mom and how has that helped you on your journey?
Winter:

• Never mix your drinks.

• Always be kind and generous.

• Stand up for yourself and be street-smart — don’t let people take you for granted.

• Always tell the truth, no matter how bad it may be.

Jackson:

• Stand up for yourself.

• Be kind and generous always.

• Don’t ask mom to help with homework — that’s dad’s portfolio.

• Treasure your family.

How would you describe your mom’s style?
Winter:

• Different from other moms

• Flashy WTF!?

• Not normal

• Funky

Jackson:

• Dark

• Flashy (LOL AGAIN)

• Glamorous

• Bold

• Unconventional

What’s your fondest memory of your mom?

Winter:
Going to an art exhibition with my mom and ending up dancing until the early hours at SurfaRosa.

Jackson:
Adopting Bun, our gorgeous dog from DARG and spending endless time playing on the tractor and rope swing when we were younger in Rosebank.
Mom teaching me how to swim at Sun City after many, many hours of failed swimming lessons.
Mom and I deciding we wanted to be LEGENDARY ice hockey players and after one session on the ice, gave up on that dream.
Taking me shopping and teaching me how to buy the best gifts for your specials.

 

Catch Celeste in action at one of the iconic Fat Cactus locations around Cape Town — and follow along for all the flavour, fun, and flair via www.fatcactus.co.za and @fatcactusct on Instagram. Come say hi!