Gloria drove all the way from St. Albert to participate in my 30 Days of Gorgeous campaign, and I'm so glad she did! It was a time in her life worth celebrating!
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty for me is a combination of qualities that one has and portrays, including a spiritual quality that allows this beautiful individual to connect with others in a deep and meaningful way. It is not physical.
When do you feel most beautiful?
I feel most beautiful when I see myself reflected in the goodness of my children and my heart is full of love.
What does being a woman mean to you?
Being a woman means many things to me - being strong, independent, thoughtful, spiritual, insightful, kind, compassionate, loving and empowering.
What do you love about yourself?
It took me a long time and lots of inner reflection before I could confidently say that I loved anything about myself. As an Indigenous (Inuit) girl, raised in the remote community of Tuktoyaktuk, I used to think that I could never measure up to others in the world. I vividly recall when that changed for me and now I most love that I am smart and confident and that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.
What is your biggest fear about having your portrait taken?
My biggest fear about having my portrait taken is that the attention will be focused on me and I may have to be vulnerable.
Tell me your story.
I am an Inuvialuktun (Inuit) person, born and raised in the community of Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories. I lived and worked in the North most of my life. I spent 20 years working for the government of the NWT in a variety of capacities before moving to Alberta 3 1/2 years ago. I now work for the Province of Alberta, within the Ministry of Children's Services. I am married to a wonderful husband named Perry and we have 2 amazing children, Michael and Olivia. When not at work, I am a hockey mom to my son and a Manager for my daughter who is an actress/dancer. I love to sew and create artwork when I have time. I am very spiritual and meditate to keep myself grounded. I am very passionate about my work and often told that I wear my heart on my sleeve but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Why do you want to participate in the 30 Days of Gorgeous?
I want to participate in the 30 Days of Gorgeous because I have many milestones this year. My daughter will be sweet 16 this month; my son is turning 18 in January and will be graduating from grade 12 in June; this coming May 7, 2018 I will be turning 50 years old; and on June 13 my husband and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary. I feel like I am transitioning into another phase of my life and I should head into it feeling gorgeous and not afraid that life is passing by. I want to embrace change and be confident that I will continue to see beauty all round. Thank you for offering this opportunity to women. What a wonderful and empowering thing to do!
Thank you, Gloria, for taking part in this project. I hope to see you again soon!
shoot.print.love.laurie
Gloria's Video Testimonial
''It made me feel special''
5 Comments
Jul 23, 2019, 10:58:22 AM
Chelsey Deveau - I am voting for Gloria because she inspires me with her true heart and strong leadership. She brings her best every day, and makes an effort to make space for everyone in the room.
Jul 23, 2019, 2:18:16 AM
Rob Stendall - I met Gloria through my wife at her place of work. She immediately seemed warm and welcoming! After reading the information about her life and her responses it brings more affirmation to the fact that Gloria possesses a beauty both inside and out!
Jul 4, 2019, 12:47:30 AM
Miki - I always knew Gloria as gorgeous - inside and out. She is a dear friend and so gifted in so many ways. I leaned a lot from her when we worked together and she was the best!! She has my vote for sure.
Jul 3, 2019, 1:46:32 AM
Joe Nasogaluak - I am voting for Gloria not for reason that she is my niece, but for the reason that there is no other person with a kind soft heart that will make an older person and a younger person feel that life is worth living with her soft spoken words when there is no tomorrow. She has showed strength when there was none. A person to be friends with.
Jul 2, 2019, 8:47:10 PM
Gloria Iastridis - I vote for Gloria because she deserves everything a Beautiful , strong-minded , Caring & Loving person deserves . She is an Inspiration for all women / Inuvialuit & much more!