2023 Gladys Holiday Issue

Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion

Gladys Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion

OUR GLADYS LIST

Love

FEATURING Alessandra Ambrosio Gwyneth Paltrow & Many More!

TRAVEL TO

BRAVO'S The Real Housewives of Dallas

LeeAnne Locken UNFILTERED UNCENSORED UNAPOLOGETIC

55+

Love

Aruba, Cancun & Italy

GIFTS You’ll Love

the

The Love Issue 2019 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

rating b e

Issue

Ce l

15

! s r Yea

Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion Gladys Magazine Hope & Inspirational Issue 2020

MEET OUR TOP MODELS

Inspiration For Life

INSIDE

Kristin Cavallari

Uncommon James Timeless. Effortless.

Refined.

The 2020 Most Inspiring People Revealed

HOPE

gladysmagazine.com

adys

HOPE & Inspirational Issue Hope & Inspirational Issue 2020 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion

Visionary of the YEAR

Tatyana Basile

Founder of the Global Children School

THE

NEXT

BIG THING issue

featuring

Jessica Chastain Helena Christensen Jenna Dewan Brooke Burke

Holiday Celebration Issue 2023 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

Holiday

Celebration Issue

Andrea Patrick Forte, Editor-in-Chief

Ladivine

BY CINDERELLA DIVINE

ladivine.com

Gladys

Holiday Celebration Issue

NOV.

2023!

OUT NOW!

About GLADYS

GLADYS Magazine was established in 2009 as a full service creative magazine within the fashion industry.

GLADYS Magazine is built on the belief that fashion should be shot beautifully and supplemented with exclusive interviews, groundbreaking editorial features and powerful journalism.

Our magazine is a place for all creatives to express their thoughts and ideas. We showcase the best of beauty, haute couture, jewelry, celebrity, travel, design & exclusive events.

Photographers, designers, models and creatives from different parts of the world, help us in producing four print editions a year and we are distributed Nationwide and Internationally.

In our 15th year of publishing in 2023, GLADYS attracts passionate readers from different parts of the globe and we are highly regarded for our editorial quality and features.

Named after our Editor-in-Chief ’s Mother Gladys Patrick, our magazine hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams and never give up.

2023 - Love, Fashion, Beauty, Inspiration Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 1

12 Gladys

Holiday Issue

For Article submissions and considerations Email: info@gladysmagazine.com

Customer Care Subscriptions, renewals, gifts, address changes, payments, inquiries: Email: info@gladysmagazine.com Advertising & Opportunities Advertising rates or for Sponsorship Opportunities: EMAIL: info@gladysmagazine.com PHONE: (724) 322-6026

Gladys is a quarterly high end, luxury lifestyle, inspirational magazine showcasing the best of haute couture, jewelry, celebrity & exclusive events. Gladys can be found at upscale booksellers like Barnes & Noble, sophisticated retail outlets and select newsstands throughout the country. With each issue, Gladys brings you the best goods, services, and trends in today’s industries; reflecting upon unparalleled understanding of the passion and pursuits of its discerning readers. We are focused on providing our Advertisers with the quality of exposure expected to successfully market their fine goods and services.

Kudos! Our 2013 Holiday 5 Year Anniversary Issue was honored with“The Silver Award” at the 2014 Print Excellence Awards!

Celebrating our 15th Year publishing GLADYS in 2023

Beauty

7

2 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Travel

Fashion

Inspiring People

10 12 69

26

Dream Stars

Gladys Girls

110 118

Gladys CONTENTS

2

Contents

4

Editor’s Letter, Celebrate!!!!

5

Gladys Behind the Scenes Over the Years

6

Staff

7

15 Ways to Take Care of YOU, 2023

8

Contributors

10

American Cruise Lines by Karen Holly Berliner

12

Life of the Party, Designs by Nasty Gal

18

Gladys Fashion, Marcella New York

20

In Motion, Louis Vuitton

26

Pretentious House, Photography by Leah Perry

34

Jenny and the City, Italian Night at Maybourne Hotel

36

The Best is Yet to Come, Ladivine

42

Jenny and the City, National Caviar Day Celebration!

44

Belle Epoque, Photography by Greg Alexander

50

Jenny and the City, National Wellness Month

52

Gladys Editorials Over the Years

54

Gladys Holiday Gift Guide

56

Andrea’s A-List

57

The Jewel Box

58

Jenny and the City, Sutton’s Dollhouse

60

Where Are They Now? Gladys Cover People Updates

69

Gladys Inspiring People, Celebrating 15 Years!

94

Jenny and the City, Teqball USA’s Pre-Espy’s

96

Gladys Hollywood Rising Stars

98

Jenny and the City, Lumiere Runway

100

Gladys Featured Designers, ALYNE by Rita Vinieris

102

Jenny and the City, Exclusive Interview, Elizabeth Muhr

104

Gladys Featured People

110

Gladys Dream Stars

116

Gladys Dream Star Finalists

117

Gladys Girl Finalists

118 128

Gladys Girls Coming Soon Gladys Love Issue 2024

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 3

Holiday

Gladys Editor's Letter

rating b e

Ce l

15

! s r a Ye

Celebrate!!

It’s been a year of incredible celebrations! From celebrating my 40th year since I was Miss West Virginia (43 years since I was Miss Pennsylvania USA), to just returning from the Cayman Islands with my husband celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary to releasing this, our 64th edition of Gladys, our 15th Anniversary Issue... there’s a lot to be grateful for and to celebrate!

I am so honored that my team designed this Commemorative Cover of me surrounded by the past 15 years of gorgeous Cover Art. Memories Galore!

Thank you to our readers throughout the world for supporting us.

Thank you to our amazing staff for your talent and creativity. Especially my right hand who has been by my side since Day One, Sue. And, thank you to our past Cover Stars who participated in this Special Issue with an update on their lives and careers along with the Naming of our 2023 Most Inspiring People of the Year!

We’ve filled this issue with lots of great ideas for the holidays along with looking back at some of our most iconic moments.

I am so proud of what we’ve been able to achieve throughout the years and I promise we’ll continue to bring you inspiration for many years to come!

Cheers!

Andrea Patrick Forte Editor-in-Chief Gladys Magazine The Love Issue 2020

Gladys Magazine Holiday Issue 2020

Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion

#welove

Power 20 Gladys

For #2020

Gifts You’ll LOVE

Luxe VELVET Looks we LOVE

Moments

Issue

Elena Scaplen Business Woman of the YEAR

INSIDE

Jessie James Decker Lisa Rinna Monte Durham Rita Ora

Holiday

the

gladysmagazine.com

gladysmagazine.com

The

ISSUE

There’s no place like Home

Issue

20

Gladys Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion

TIA CARRERE

213 GEENA DAVIS

Fashion & Beauty Picks for the NEW Season

Talks Oscars, Thelma & Louise, Hollywood’s Gender Bias

Spring Fashion Issue 2022 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

INSIDE Meet Our 2022

ring SpFashion

RISING STARS ISSUE

Inside

Most Inspiring People of the Year!

Including

Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, MADONNA & Meghan Trainor

Meet Spiritual Medium

Sexy, Elegant & Chic

Our Inspiring Person of the Year!

She’s Spreading Love & Light this Holiday Season

Looks for the Romantic in you!

Jocelyn Boucher

22

TOP models

Holiday Inspirational

Holiday Inspirational Issue 2022 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

of 2022!

Issue

60

Melissa Torres

Inside

Our TOP

100

Designer Star of the Year

Success Stories to Inspire YOU The Queen of QVC

KIM GRAVEL

The Bachelorette

Women To Watch in 2023!!

JOJO FLETCHER

Actress

SOFIA MILOS

It Girls, Newsmakers, Rule-Breakers + Scene-Stealers

OUR

Spring

SUCCESS Issue Issue

Audrey Rose Our Ultimate Success Story of 2023!

Her Mission to Make America Fit & Healthy!

Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion

Summer Destination

Fashion Travels Through Santorini, Paris & Costa Rica

We’ve Named Our

TOP50

Supermodels of theWORLD

Inside Meet our

WOMEN of ACHIEVEMENT

Issue Love Issue 2023 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

Cynthia Bailey, Diana Ross, Gilles Marini, Elena Scaplen Shana Orczyk Sissel, Chrishell Stause, Hailie Sahar, Sai Sankoh Robin Harris, Taynara Wolf, Jasmyn Wilkins, Vivienne Jonas Samantha Lockwood, Melissa Niece-Smith, Cassie Scerbo Debbie Matenopoulos, Aisha McShaw, Frenchye M. Harris Kendall Reynolds, Anna Kathryn Kovach

Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion

Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion

Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion

Party WOW Sparkling Looks We Love!

Beautiful PEOPLE Gratitude Issue 2021 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

Holiday Issue 2020 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

Actress & Grammy Winner

4 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

GRATITUDE

2020!

MOST

Romantic Fashion

The Love Issue 2020 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

SuperModel Olga Kwasniewski

Meet Our Super Stars of

gladysmagazine.com

Love

+ 100 Gifts

Inspiration For Life

plus

Inspiration For Life

Inspiration For Life

100

Super Models Rising Stars & CEO’S

Gladys Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion

Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion

Gladys Magazine Gratitude Issue 2021

Gladys

Spring Issue 2023 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

Summer Issue 2023 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

On Top of the

WORLD

with Fashionista

Olga Kwasniewski

At the Cover Shoot

rating b e

Ce l

15

! s r a Ye

Gladys Behind the Scenes, Over the Years Cover Credits COVER MODEL: Andrea Patrick Forte Editor in Chief, Gladys Magazine PHOTOGRAPHER: Bill Streicher LOCATION: New York City

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 5

Gladys Staff

Gladys

a magazine dedicated to anyone who has been inspired to pursue their dreams by someone they love.

15 Dedicated to Mom & Dad

Publisher GLADYS LLC

ANDREA PATRICK FORTE Editor-in-Chief

Managing Director FABIAN FORTE

Creative Director SUSAN FONTAINE

Director of Development ELIZABETH LYNN

Travel Director KAREN HOLLY BERLINER Associate Director of Fashion West Coast JENNY LEESER Associate Director of Fashion East Coast MONTE DURHAM Associate Director of Fashion North East Coast OLGA KWASNIEWSKI Fashion Features Directors ANNA KATHRYN KOVACH, CARLY BRIGAMAN Writers KAREN HOLLY BERLINER, ANDREA PATRICK FORTE, ANNA KATHRYN KOVACH, OLGA KWASNIEWSKI, JENNY LEESER Art

International Director of Photography DJORDJE BUKVIC Cover Photographer BILL STREICHER

Photographers LEAH PERRY, SUSAN COSTA PHOTOGRAPHY, GRANIMO STUDIOS/MO MENDES

GRETCHEN PINGLEY PHOTOGRAPHY, MCKAYLA ANN PHOTOGRAPHY

GRACIE FRAME - FRAMED PHOTOGRAPHY, JESSICA VON PHOTOGRAPHY International Photographers DJORDJE BUKVIC, PETER MÜLLER, GREG ALEXANDER Design SUSAN FONTAINE GladysMagazine.com

Director JASON MCCRANIE Social Media Strategist JOSEPHINE ANTHONY Business Director of Development ELIZABETH LYNN

Advertising Executives ELIZABETH LYNN, CARLY BRIGAMAN, DEBRA WILSON Culture & Lifestyle Development Manager DEBRA WILSON Production Assistant DEVIN SEARS Our Forever Gladys Mascot MAX Articles, Letters and Press Releases: Articles and letters may be edited for clarity and length and may be published with space providing. Articles and letters submitted to us may not be used in any other publication, printed or online. Submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. We are not liable for missing articles. Copyright Information: No part of this publication may be reproduced, by any means, print, electronic or other without prior written permission. Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply an endorsement by Gladys Magazine. Gladys Magazine disclaims responsibility for the statements, either of fact or opinion advanced by the contributors and/or authors. Gladys Magazine reserves the right to revise or reject any advertisement and only the publication of the advertisement shall constitute acceptance.

Gladys Magazine is not responsible in whole or any part for any advertisement or typographical error. Gladys Magazine P.O Box 951, Connellsville, PA 15425 ph: (724) 322-6026 email: info@gladysmagazine.com, website: gladysmagazine.com

6 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

15 ways

Gladys

Take Care of YOU

Ending our Anniversary year with 15 hand-selected products to enhance your inner + outer beauty!

NATASHA DENONA

The NEW MINI STARLETTE PALETTE is a 5 shade ensemble of rosy & taupe eyeshadows suited to create classic soft and romantic looks. ulta.com

MILK_SHAKE

milk_Shake Leave-in Conditioner Spray Price $24 amazon.com/ Milk-Shake-Leave-Conditioner-ounces/dp/B002KQ7E9M/

CLARINS’

Total Eye Lift Firming & Smoothing Eye Cream ulta.com

2023

Amazing Grace Whipped Body Creme ulta.com

MIELLE

theamethod.com

Night Ranger, Overnight Mask and other products are available at Dermstore. com and SkinStore.com, Masktini.com

DOLCE & GABBANA

Feminine, refined and powerful. Q by Dolce&Gabbana Eau de Parfum is a perfume that makes every woman feel like a contemporary ulta.com

To take care of YOU

PHILOSOPHY

THE A METHOD

MASKTINI

Rice Water & Aloe Vera Braid & Scalp Moisturizer $9.99 mielleorganics.com

HH SCIENCE

LANCÔME

Advanced Génifique Radiance Boosting Face Serum ulta.com MAC Lipstick Shine has a pearlescent lipstick formula with smooth, medium buildable coverage and a semi-lustrous finish.ulta.com

The ultimate gold beauty bag, filled with 3 essentials for gorgeous, glowing skin. Get a Grab The Glow Gift Bag For, ONLY $39.99 ($100 Value) with a purchase of $39 or more! hhscience.com

MASKTINI

Hush Money - Intensive Restorative Creme. Price $120. Dermstore.com and SkinStore.com, Masktini.com Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 7

Photography|Stephanie Richardson

Gladys Contributors

LEAH PERRY

Contributing Photographer

Known For: Emotive colorful fashion and beauty photography

ANDREA PATRICK FORTE Cover Model, Gladys Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief

Social Media: Instagram.com/leahperryphotography/ See Editorial pg: 26

BILL STREICHER

JENNY LEESER

Associate Director of Fashion West Coast, Jenny and the City Known For: Being Jenny and the Citya girl about town who loves fashion, styling, writing, food, events and dogs.

Inspired By: life, stories & inspiring people who make a difference.

Social Media: @jenny_leeser

Cover Photographer

See Articles and Exclusive Interviews on pgs: 34, 42, 50, 58, 94, 98,102

Gladys is a quarterly high end, luxury lifestyle, inspirational magazine showcasing the best of haute couture, jewelry, celebrity & exclusive events. Gladys can be found at upscale booksellers like Barnes & Noble, sophisticated retail outlets and select newsstands throughout the country. With each issue, Gladys brings you the best goods, services, and trends in today’s industries; reflecting upon unparalleled understanding of the passion and pursuits of its discerning readers. We are focused on providing our Advertisers with the quality of exposure expected to successfully market their fine goods and services.

Kudos! Our 2013 Holiday 5 Year Anniversary Issue was honored with“The Silver Award” at the 2014 Print Excellence Awards!

Celebrating 15 years of Gladys!!

For Article submissions and photography considerations, Email: info@gladysmagazine.com Customer Care Subscriptions, renewals, gifts, address changes, payments, inquiries: Email: info@gladysmagazine.com Advertising & Opportunities Advertising rates or for Sponsorship Opportunities: EMAIL: info@gladysmagazine.com PHONE: (724) 322-6026

gladysmagazine.com

Wriiten By Karen Holly Berliner page 10 8 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Life of the Party - Nasty Gal

Ladivine by Cinderella Divine

page 12

page 36

Gladys Featured Designers page 100

LOUIS VUITTON Silhouette Blossom Fine Jewelry collection Silhouette Blossom presents precious but everyday must-have pieces, set with diamonds or full pavé diamonds. The collection features 11 pieces in 18k rose gold and followed by 18k white gold. The pieces range from delicate and stackable rings and pendants, to an audacious overlap hoop and oversized earrings. Silhouette Blossom plays with daring volumes, sizes, and textures, unlocking the imagination to create different looks for a host of moods and occasions. The collection interprets the outline of the Maison’s Monogram star-shaped Flower, its openwork design bringing a daring but organic look with new volumes and size for the ultimate in versatility and self-expression. louisvuitton.com

Silhouette Blossom Fine Jewelry collection with actress Ana de Armas.

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 9

GladysJetSet

Gladys Magazine Travels “NEAR and WIDE”!

American Cruise Lines by Karen Holly Berliner

ACL American Pride Riverboat These days, despite international itineraries remaining popular as always, it seems that folks are also eager to venture out domestically---leaving their passports at home and visiting their homeland, exploring their roots and keeping travel shorter and sweeter.

ENTER AMERICAN CRUISE LINES. With its trademark tagline Cruise Close To Home© with American Cruise Lines, this cruise line stands as a proud leader in U.S. River and Coastal cruising and is the largest domestic cruise line in the country. Offering a brand new fleet comprised of 19 riverboats and small cruise ships, each accommodating just 90 to 180 guests in allowing for a more intimate and refined experience, American is the only cruise line in the world with a fleet of 100% U.S. built and flagged riverboats and small cruise ships.

Because of this, American offers all-domestic cruises exclusively, that visit only U.S. ports of call along both U.S. Rivers and coasts. Featuring over 50 itineraries ranging from 5 to now 60 days in length, this allows for exploration in 35 U.S. states. American’s small ships cruise along protected U.S. waterways from Alaska to Florida and major U.S. rivers, including the Mississippi River; the Columbia and Snake Rivers, the Hudson River and the Florida Rivers. ACL has over 50 years of experience cruising the U.S.A., focusing on authenticity in American experiences, customized service and well-curated destination-focused cruises.

American continues to launch the newest U.S. built ships for Cruising Close to Home®. On all American’s cruises, guests discover the history, spirit, and culture of the United States, all while aboard a high end fleet. Year after year, the company continues to be the most awarded U.S. cruise line, winning accolades from: Travel & Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, U.S.A. Today, and beyond. The line boasts the largest and most comfortable staterooms 10 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

in the industry, featuring all the amenities of a modern hotel, including full-size bathrooms with most staterooms having floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and private balconies.

American Cruise Lines has added a new class of “Go Anywhere” Coastal Cats, classic paddle wheelers, small cruise ships, and the only modern riverboats in the country with small ship itineraries offering an all-inclusive experience and featuring over 400 exciting shore excursions across the country. Its revolutionary American Riverboat Series is the first contemporary-style riverboats available in the U.S. These new riverboats are technically advanced and possess the newest safety and navigation equipment.

They are also the most environmentally friendly small ships on U.S. Rivers, meeting the highest emissions standards, have tiny carbon footprints and feature cutting edge interior design. All American’s modern riverboats accommodate fewer than 180 guests and possess a unique (patent-pending) opening bow and retractable gangway which enables them to make bow landings wherever necessary. They feature soaring multi-story glass atriums, oversized standard cabins and suites, and spacious single cabins– all with private furnished balconies. They also offer relaxed lounges, sun decks, grand dining rooms and small casual cafés. Designed with 3 times the glass of other U.S. riverboats, American’s modern riverboats offer spectacular views from absolutely everywhere on the ship. American’s modern riverboats add a new dimension to U.S. River cruising–providing an exciting new alternative to the beautiful paddle wheelers and coastal cruise ships already in the company’s fleet.

American Cruises is also proud to welcome Coastal Cats, a new class of small ships as part of a series that “Go Anywhere” in furthering American Cruise Lines’ commitment to Cruise Close to Home. ®. A unique catamaran inspired design with a shallow draft allows for small ship stability and

Gladys Jetset

American Cruise Lines American Song High Note Lounge maneuverability. All cruises include complimentary onboard enrichment and entertainment, the finest cuisine, wine and beer at both lunch and dinner and a top notch cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres each and every evening; something special to look forward to at the end of each day. Ships also include complimentary alternative casual dining, Starlink Wi-Fi and private American cruise coaches for shore side transportation. All American’s Mississippi River, Columbia and Snake Rivers and Alaska cruises (from Juneau) include complimentary pre-cruise hotel stays in accommodating your travels to and from the ships. All the company’s river and coastal cruises also offer domestic flat-rate airfare and select dates may include complimentary airfare. Every cruise features an all-American menu prepared by fine chefs to accent the season and region served in an open-seated dining room where every table offers panoramic views of the scenery. Many ships also offer outdoor casual American Cruise Lines Riverboat cafés for lighter bites and fare.

Theme cruises as well as many popular holiday cruises are offered including Music, Art Immersion, Lewis & Clark, Fall Foliage, Culinary, Mark Twain, Whale Watching and more, right up to New Year’s cruises.

After all, there really IS no place like home. Agreed?

American Cruise Lines Coastal Cat

American Cruise Lines travels Near and Wide!

What’s New? Coastal Cat Balcony Stateroom

Paddlewheel River Lounge

American Cruise Lines has curated a 60-day package combining four major rivers and two coasts on three ships. The line is calling it the longest-ever domestic cruise itinerary. The Great United States itinerary departs August 2024 and touches 20 states and four time zones within the continental U.S and includes a national parks package visiting Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Guests will start on the Pacific Coast in Portland, Oregon and sail the Columbia and Snake rivers on the 180-passenger American Jazz; the Mississippi River on the 180-passenger American Symphony from New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota and from Maine to New York and up the Hudson River on the 90-passenger American Independence. The experience ends in New York Harbor on Oct 14 with a viewing of the Statue of Liberty from the ship on the last day of the cruise. Flights from Jackson, Wyoming to New Orleans and St. Paul to Portland, Maine are included in the package. The price per person ranges from $51,060 to $77,945 and includes a pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, internet service, gratuities and port charges. Highlights of the package include private guided tours of the three national parks: a 10-state Mississippi River sailing and fall foliage along the Hudson River.

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 11

Life of the Party

GladysFashion

Brought to you by Nasty Gal

MULTI COLOR FAUX FUR nastygal.com

12 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

GladysFashion TULLE FRILL BANDEAU MAXI DRESS nastygal.com

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 13

GladysFashion

MUTLI COLOR SEQUIN JACKET DRESS nastygal.com 14 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

GladysFashion

Multi Color Faux Fur nastygal.com

Large Disc Sequin Fringe Detail Crop Top nastygal.com

Nastygal.com Mutli Color Sequin Jacket Dress nastygal.com

White Faux Fur Coat nastygal.com

Tulle Frill Bandeau Maxi Dress nastygal.com

Black Satin Top and Satin skirt nastygal.com Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 15

GladysFashion

BLACK SATIN TOP AND SATIN SKIRT nastygal.com 16 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

GladysFashion

I wanna celebrate you Step into the spotlight This is your time to shine

MULTI PRINT DRESS nastygal.com Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 17

GladysFashion

marcellanyc.com

Olympia Bolero Red $78 marcellanyc.com 18 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

GladysFashion

Leo Ankle Boots Latte $239 marcellanyc.com

Avery Wool Cape Black $285 marcellanyc.com

Mesh Off-White Detail Laura marcellanyc.com

Astoria Tote Black $115 marcellanyc.com

Maria Turtleneck Off-White $73 marcellanyc.com

Cypress Bolero Off-White $59 marcellanyc.com

Harlow Boots Black $289 marcellanyc.com

Dahlia Top Red $78 marcellanyc.com

Bailey Crossbody Purse Black $188 marcellanyc.com Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 19

IN

MOTION LOUIS VUITTON

20 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

LOUIS VUITTON presents Carlos Alcaraz in its Men’s Spring-Summer 2024 formalwear campaign.

A series of visuals of the the recent Wimbledon winner and World #1 embody new codes of contemporary elegance and sophistication at the core of this tailored men’s wardrobe. Timeless business wear essentials focus on elevated everyday staples and are worn by Alcatraz as he is captured in athletic motion in sumptuous fabrics, from single-breasted suiting and coats to solid, striped or patterned shirts with clean lines and flattering cuts. Choreographed movement- reminiscent of the young tennis champion’s on-court flair - showcase the spiritedness and skill for which he is so fondly recognized. For further information: louisvuitton.com Photos Courtesy of Louie Vuitton

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 21

22 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 23

24 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

TAFT

TAFT, the trailblazing footwear brand renowned for its bold and distinct designs, is thrilled to unveil its latest endeavor, TAFT 365. The release introduces a new benchmark in everyday footwear, seamlessly merging urban sophistication across an array of 16 captivating styles. taftclothing.com

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 25

Pretentious HOUSE The

Photography by LEAH PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY Shot on location at THE PRETENTIOUS HOME IN NEW YORK

26 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 27

28 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 29

30 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 31

32 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Photography|Leah Perry Photography, leahperryphotography Wardrobe|Madison Hopkins, IG: madisondhopkins Hair and Makeup|Edward St. George with Exclusive Artists, IG:edwardstgeorgebeauty, exclusiveartists Model|Fatima Cuellar with New York Models, IG: fatimacuellar7, IG: newyorkmodels Shot on location at The Pretentious Home in New York, IG: thepretentioushome

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 33

GladysEvents

Jenny Leeser with Galina Sobolev & Renee Strauss

Jenny and the City

A Night in Italy at the

Maybourne Hotel

By Jenny Leeser, Jenny and the City For those seeking a taste of La Dolce Vita in Los Angeles because you couldn’t make it to Italy this summer no worries we got you covered. The Maybourne Hotel located in the Iconic City of Beverly Hills transitions into a European Oasis. As we entered the terrace there was a live band playing Italian music. We got greeted by handsome waiters tray passing Fresh Aperol spritz, Prosecco or white wine. I took a glass of wine and knew I was in for a total Dolce Vita Moment.

The weather was perfect, the view was spectacular, the décor breathtaking!

I love lemons and there were lemons everywhere.

Let’s talk about the food because if we know something about Italians is that they know food and I would say it’s one of my favorites. So the choices were limitless, heaven on earth. There was an antipasto section, lots of salad options, next to it a charcuterie area with fresh cuts, baked breads and all kinds of cheese.

I was so impressed by the pasta area. I love pasta! They were making it right in front of all of us. What a treat! They had a bucattini di caccio pepe, fettuccini with shaved truffles and spaghetti with fresh tomatoes. The pasta was so delicious that I went for a round two and added caviar, since there was as well a caviar with vodka section.

They also had a seafood area with crab legs, shrimp and oysters. Everyone was having such a good time with the food and mingling, as the night progressed we all danced and of course lots of photo moments. Honestly we need to have this on a regular basis. I would go back just for the food options, the Chef was on point. Of course there was an incredible table filled with all kinds of desserts, I took a piece of the olive oil cake with orange and it was so light and delicious. At this point even after dancing I was pretty full and beyond happy.

I wonder if the Maybourne will be creating different theme nights?

I certainly hope so.

XOXO Jenny 34 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys

Celebrating 15 Years!!

2009

Love 2023

Gladys Paris

The Charm of

France

Monaco Cannes Nice Saint-Tropez Marseille

J’Adore Issue

“Remembering Audrey”

Interview with with Audrey Audrey Hepburn’s Son Sean Ferrer Interview www.gladysmagazine.com $9.95 J’Adore Issue 2013

Gladys Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion

OUR GLADYS LIST

BRAVO'S The Real Housewives of Dallas

Love

LeeAnne Locken

Alessandra Ambrosio Gwyneth Paltrow & Many More!

UNFILTERED UNCENSORED UNAPOLOGETIC

FEATURING

55+

TRAVEL TO

Love

Aruba, Cancun & Italy

GIFTS You’ll Love

the

Gladys

The Love Issue 2019 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion

Gladys Magazine The Love Issue 2020

#welove

Power 20 Gladys

For #2020

Inspiration For Life

100

Super Models Rising Stars & CEO’S

plus

Issue

Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion

Sexy, Elegant & Chic

60

Melissa Torres Designer Star of the Year

Looks for the Romantic in you!

Women To Watch in 2023!!

Gifts You’ll LOVE

Love

Romantic Fashion

It Girls, Newsmakers, Rule-Breakers + Scene-Stealers

Moments gladysmagazine.com

The

The Love Issue 2020 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

ISSUE

Issue Love Issue 2023 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

Back Issues can be purchased at gladysmagazine.com

inspiration ~ fashion ~ beauty ~ dreams Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 35

Ladivine by Cinderella Divine

The Best is Yet To Come GladysFashion

36 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

GladysFashion

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 37

GladysFashion

38 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

GladysFashion

LAYERED A-LINE DRESS ladivine.com Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 39

GladysFashion

HALTER CUT OUT RUCHED DRESS ladivine.com 40 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

GladysFashion

DRAPED SEQUIN DRESS ladivine.com Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 41

GladysEvents

Jenny and the City

National Caviar Day

Celebration!

By Jenny Leeser, Jenny and the City

It was a glorious day at Seven Seas Gourmet. The weather was perfect; the doors opened with a red carpet and an exclusive guest list to attend the National Caviar Celebration. Our beautiful host Narine looked effortlessly glamorous and with a warm smile she greeted us with a glass of champagne, however there was chilled vodka for the ones who wanted to start with a shot.

The table setting was spectacular with smoked fish, cheese with charcuterie platter and a caviar dip with Spanish chips. Amongst the fabulous guests attending. we saw our inspiring Galina Sobolev, Raynold Gideon and Bruce Evans famous screenwriters and producers. The Socialite sisters Ariela Zisman Cowan and Rickie Magendavid who’s also a talented artist. Everyone looked so stylish!

All of this was just the beginning of the soiree. Once we sat down we had a Caviar presentation and it was followed by a five course curated dinner.

The first course was: Caviar and Blinis, the Russian style cocktail blinis with Siberian sturgeon caviar. Second Course: Caviar potatoes; baby potatoes with crème fraiche and white sturgeon caviar. Third Course: Caviar and Eggs, hard-boiled eggs with crème fraiche and Kaluga sturgeon caviar and smoke trout Fourth Course: Caviar pizza, pizza bread with cream cheese and smoked Atlantic salmon, Russian sturgeon caviar and trout roe. Fifth Course: Dessert ,an incredible take of a tiramisu in a caviar tin sprinkled with small caviar shaped chocolate.

It was so magical and memorable, this will be my new tradition!

XOXO Jenny

42 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Jenny Leeser with Galina Sobolev

Gladys Celebrating 15 Years!!

2009 Spring 2023

Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion

Inside

Our TOP

100

Audrey Rose

Success Stories to Inspire YOU

Our Ultimate Success Story of 2023!

Her Mission to Make America Fit & Healthy!

The Queen of QVC

KIM GRAVEL

The Bachelorette

JOJO FLETCHER

Actress

SOFIA MILOS

OUR

Spring

SUCCESS Issue Issue

Spring Issue 2023 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

Back Issues can be purchased at gladysmagazine.com

inspiration ~ fashion ~ beauty ~ dreams

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 43

Belle Epoque Photography by GREG ALEXANDER / MÉPHISTOPHÉLÈS PRODUCTIONS

44 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Designers: dress, ALIN LE’KAL bag LENA ERZIAK Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 45

Designer: dress and gloves Caviar/bag LENA ERZIAK 46 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Designers: dress, ALIN LE’KAL bag FAURE LE PAGE Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 47

Designers|dress, Jacket, gloves LA MÉTAMORPHOSE earrings ARCHANA AGGARWAL

48 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Designers|dress LA MÉTAMORPHOSE bag LENA ERZIAK

Photographer|Greg Alexander Art Director|Sébastien Vienne Assistants|Gaelle Mbaye and Patricia Constanza Hair|Alexander Trentini, Make-up|Carine Larchet Designers| La Métamorphose Lena Erziak, Model|Lilly Krug, Special Thanks to: JW Marriot hotel, Cannes Méphistophélès Production, mephistopheles.fr

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 49

GladysEvents

Jenny and the City

National Wellness Month

By Jenny Leeser, Jenny and the City

Healthy mind and healthy body is what we ALL really need and we celebrated the National wellness month with the Luxury Experience and Co. at Cure Daily in Malibu.

We were welcomed to Cure a wellness center with an ocean view that is the whole package, this is an exclusive members only club, and whatever you need, can happen there. From a massage to a work out, from a facial to getting your hair done, meditating, exercising to getting IV vitamins. It’s just next level.

Melissa McAvoy founder of Luxury Experience and Co. really embodies her company; she knows how to give you a luxurious experience. I took a meditation class then met the owner of Chakra Chai where I tasted her Ayurvedic chai that is a must have. I was in for the ride and new experiences and an introduction to healthy brands.

I had avocado toast with Hero bread, and then was in for my next experience, which was taking a vitamin 12 shot, and yes I am afraid of needles but I did it!

From there I had a massage followed by a treatment of lights for my face. I had just gotten my hair done, other wise I would have done the scalp massage with a blow out, but there is always a next time.

Chibs Okerete from the calm app was there doing one on one conversations, which really enhanced the experience. I ran into familiar faces who enjoyed all the treatments and everyone was in a relaxing mood. I have a lot of friends that are tea-drinkers so I spent some meeting Sepideh from Dawn of the earth that has special tea blends learning a few new things about tea.

I realized that we all have to make time one way or another time for ourselves, whatever makes us happy needs to be on the daily calendar. Wellness should be part of our daily life!

Thank you for the reminder and for the wonderful wellness bags.

XOXO Jenny

50 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys Celebrating 15 Years!!

2009 Summer 2023

Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion

Your Source for Inspiration & Fashion Gladys Magazine Hope & Inspirational Issue 2020

MEET OUR TOP MODELS

Inspiration For Life

INSIDE

Kristin Cavallari

Uncommon James Timeless. Effortless.

Refined.

HOPE

The 2020 Most Inspiring People Revealed

gladysmagazine.com

HOPE & Inspirational Issue Hope & Inspirational Issue 2020 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

Summer Destination

Fashion Travels Through Santorini, Paris & Costa Rica

On Top of the

WORLD

with Fashionista

Olga Kwasniewski

We’ve Named Our

TOP50

Supermodels of theWORLD

Inside Meet our

WOMEN of ACHIEVEMENT

Summer Issue 2023 gladysmagazine.com $9.95

Back Issues can be purchased at gladysmagazine.com

inspiration ~ fashion ~ beauty ~ dreams

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 51

52 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys Editorials Over the Years

Taking a look back at a few of our most iconic moments!

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 53

The Multi-hyphenated, Global Star Afro-Latina Amara La Negra has now entered the beauty industry. She recently just launched her cosmetics line, “Eternal Beauty by Amara.” The brand’s ethos celebrates and empowers women while promoting self-expression, individuality, and diversity and redefining beauty standards. eternalbeautybyamara.com

54 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Holiday

G ladys

Gift Guide

Celebrate Good Times

In the end, you know that life’s the reward.

So, baby, worry less and celebrate more with these Gift Ideas!

CHI

SPONGELLÉ

This ergonomic, foldable dryer is compact, lightweight, and dual voltage. The powerful DC motor dries hair quickly and creates sleek, shiny results. Plus, it comes with a smoothing concentrator nozzle. $109.99 chi.com

Mystic Rose Florica Scented Candle Bougie Parfumee spongelle.com

GUCCI

Horsebit Gold Watch gucci.com

SPONGELLÉ

Spongelle Holiday Tree Ornaments $15 each from spongelle.com

APOLLO CANDLES

L’iris di Firenze is available now exclusively at ApolloCandlesNYC.com $79.50

ETERNAL BEAUTY BY AMARA

Independent $19.99 Leader $19.99 Lipsticks eternalbeautybyamara.com

VOLOOM

Hair Volumizing Iron, As the 1st hair volumizing iron, it is designed specifically to add beautiful, healthy volume to hair even if you have fine, thin, or aging hair. The iron utilizes ceramic and ionic technology plates that leave little or no visible pattern or frizz in the hair. $139.99, available on amazon.com and voloom.com

JUDY, A GARLAND FRAGRANCE

BY VINCENZO SPINNATO

(Limited-Edition 100th Birthday Bottle) The unisex fine fragrance was inspired by what Judy Garland herself wore. This fragrance showcases a hint of the official Judy Garland Rose with the addition of Dark Orchid, Coriander and a medley of sultry Gourmand and spice notes. 100ml / 3.3 fl oz ($89.99) judygarlandfragrance.com

SPONGELLÉ

Mystic Rose Florica Eau de Parfum spongelle.com Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 55

G ladys Andrea's A-list picks

Dream

A

Products

Inspiration for Life

list products you can’t live without. Gladys Magazine

Inspiring Jewelry Picks from

A ndrea

A ndrea Patrick Forte

Editor-in-Chief of Gladys

Inspiring Accessories Pick from

A ndrea

A LITTLES & CO. A Littles & Co.’s jewelry line is inspired by meaningful sentiments that inspire our everyday, recognizing all of life’s happiest, biggest, saddest, smallest and most meaningful moments. They believe jewelry has a magical power to hold memories and is brought out through their high-quality designs varying from bracelets to necklaces to earrings and more. alittlesandco.com

Inspiring Accessories Pick from

A ndrea

DLP DESIGNED Earrings, Crystal Rivolis surrounded by Japanese Seed Beads on Sterling Silver Ear Wires Price: $30 dlpdesigned.com

DLP DESIGNED Bracelet, Crystal Rivolis bezeled with Japanese Seed Beads and sewn together with glass pearls.

Price: $75 dlpdesigned.com

56 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

ZADIG & VOLTAIRE Appearances can be misleading. Don’t be fooled by its small size or rounded curves, the new bag from Zadig & Voltaire plays its cards right. Moonrock is versatile and can be slipped over the shoulder like a shirt. With a simple gesture, it transcends allure,mood and place.

Its grained leather offers a palette of black, cream, red and pink that makes it a collector’s item. Its proportions may be discreet, but they are no less striking.

The metal chain gives it a casual attitude, while the leather handle gives it a deceptively wise air. The hardest part is to choose. SHOP NOW From $498 -$648 us.zadig-et-voltaire.com

Jewel Box The

G ladys Jewelry

Let’s magnify your light that will reflect the sun.

Cut like precious diamonds with the colors of brilliant gemstones.

Gift any one of these jewel box ideas for someone you love!

BRILLIANT EARTH Logan Hollowell Flutter Lab Diamond Necklace 14K Yellow Gold brilliantearth.com

BRILLIANT EARTH Logan Hollowell Bloom Drop Earrings (1/2 ct. tw.) 14K Yellow Gold brilliantearth.com

LOUIS VUITTON Silhouette Blossom Fine Jewelry collection Mini Hoops, Pink/Gold louisvuitton.com

LOUIS VUITTON Silhouette Blossom Fine Jewelry collection Pendant White Gold louisvuitton.com

BRILLIANT EARTH Logan Hollowell Briar Lab Diamond Huggie Earrings brilliantearth.com

ETTIKA Toi Et Moi Unity Crystals 18k Gold Plated Ring, $50 ettika.com GEOFFREY GOOD Arabesque Diamond Earrings geoffreygood.com

BRILLIANT EARTH Logan Hollowell Ring brilliantearth.com

BRILLIANT EARTH Logan Hollowell Flutter Lab Diamond Stud Earrings14K Yellow Gold brilliantearth.com BRILLIANT EARTH Logan Hollowell Flora Lab Emerald and Lab Diamond Ring brilliantearth.com

GEOFFREY GOOD Graves Hex Diamond Earrings geoffreygood.com

GUCCI Gold, Diamond, Emerald Horsebit Bracelet gucci.com

LOUIS VUITTON Silhouette Blossom Fine Jewelry collection Ring White Gold louisvuitton.com Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 57

GladysEvents

Jenny and the City

Sutton’s Dollhouse

By Jenny Leeser, Jenny and the City

It was such a fun evening attending Sutton’s Dollhouse a wonderful curated reception “just in time with Barbie & Ken” theme. Sutton Stacke is one of my favorite Housewives, she is so sweet, fun and she looked like a Barbie herself, wearing a beautiful pink dress. I got a chance to meet Page and Eros the artists, while sipping on some rose wine at Sutton Boutique in West Hollywood. We talked about some of the inspiration of the photos, as I am a huge Barbie fan. I glanced through the new cashmere collection. It was so exquisite, and one of the highlights of the boutique is that it always has an exclusive selection that is handpicked. Additionally, Sutton is a proud leader in the Sustainable fashion world. I was also introduced to a new make up line that was created by Kim Chi, called “ Kim Chi Chic”. I love the gloss over gloss of course in hot pink. Kim Chi’s pink car was parked outside which added to the Barbie theme and had a pink ice cream cart that was not filled with ice cream but with make-up. That was so cool.

Thank you Sutton for such a wonderful time.

Check out @thesuttonconcept in West Hollywood, CA. XOXO Jenny

58 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys Celebrating 15 Years!!

2009 Holiday 2023

Back Issues can be purchased at gladysmagazine.com

inspiration ~ fashion ~ beauty ~ dreams

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 59

Gladys Celebrating 15 Years!!

Gladys

WHEREARE THEY NOW? Cover People Updates

Monte Durham

Gladys Wedding & Couture Issue 2013, Love issue 2014, Wedding & Couture Issue 2015

WHAT MONTE IS UP TO THESE DAYS:

Since opening Salon MONTE, three years ago at the height of Covid, I have expanded the MONTE’S hair care line adding a men’s collection, and a color corrective shampoo and conditioner, along with a deep conditioning hair mask. salonmonte.com I have continued to do my outreach programs with hospice, animal rescue, and saving our green spaces. I returned to the airwaves with Warner Brothers Discovery’s Say Yes To The Prom for deserving students.

I also work with the USO for our military families. Working with our USO for service members here at home, and abroad. Hosting The Coffee Connection, helping our service members who are transitioning from military life to civilian life on dressing for job interviews. I also work on the Cinderella project where we help our military children, where a parent may be an active duty, find the perfect prom outfit through video conferencing. Marry Me Military, helping our service members find the perfect dress or tuxedo for their big day.

Also, I had the honor of emceeing the first responders ball paying homage to all service members in all branches.

One of my biggest accomplishments was donating my entire Jackie Kennedy collection to the First Ladies Library and Museum in Canton Ohio. It was received with great fanfare, so all can enjoy the collection and continue to educate all on our former first ladies. I’m going to dabble in the world of fashion design wit a collection of gowns this spring.

60 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Photgraphy|Diana Giammarco

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 61

Photography|Anna Nosik (AnnaSN)

Gladys CoverPeople UPDATES

Elena Scaplen Gladys Gratitude Issue 2021

WHAT ELENA IS UP TO THESE DAYS:

Since being featured in Gladys Magazine as Business Woman of the Year 2021, I’ve been working diligently and expanded my real estate licenses to include RI, CT, and FL, in addition to MA. I’m now the proud owner of a vacation home in Sunny Isles Beach, FL, and have been traveling between states, helping families move from New England to the sunny Florida shores.

Returning to Keller Williams, the world’s best real estate company, has allowed me to continue enjoying my work and life to the fullest. I cherish the moments of joy while assisting clients in finding their dream homes and remain committed to excellence in my profession.

I am deeply grateful for the support I’ve received on this incredible journey and look forward to the exciting chapters ahead.

62 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys Most Beautiful Issue 2015 WHAT ALLIE IS UP TO THESE DAYS:

Photography|Kaela Speicher Photography, HMUA|Jodie Lynn Makeup

Shortly after my cover shoot with Gladys Magazine, I moved from Gilbert, AZ to Hollywood, CA! For the past 6 years, I have continued my career in modeling, acting and music. I am currently in school for audio engineering and aspire to continue pursuing my dreams in the entertainment universe!

Photographer|ANDRE’ FELIX @andrefelixphoto, andrefelix.com, Hair/Mkup/Stylist|Lisa Gleave, @lisagleave, Swimsuit|@bunnycoutoure

Michael Verity Photography

Allie Starks

Gladys CoverPeople UPDATES

Lisa Gleave

Gladys Summer Issue 2010

WOW! Congratulations Gladys Magazine Its your 15th Anniversary!

Im so honored, excited & delighted to be part of the celebration. I sit here in ‘2023’ & as l look back on my memories as a Gladys Cover Model from ‘2010’ I can honestly say, Im so proud of who I have become in the last 10 years!

WHAT LISA IS UP TO THESE DAYS: … loving & living life!

You see, I’m just a small town girl who full filled many dreams.

I envisioned my career & made my dreams come true. It took dedication, motivation & determination! I thank Gladys Magazine for being an inspiration not only in my life, but to all that Gladys inspire.

Carly Brigaman

Gladys Love Issue 2016 and Gladys True Beauty Issue 2019 WHAT CARLY IS UP TO THESE DAYS: Since appearing in Gladys I have walked in NYFW 5 times, continued modeling and started in pageantry networking with many incredible women. I work in my community with many non-profit organizations to empower and inspire others while continuing my advocacy work with Type1 Diabetes and JDRF. If you’ve ever thought it’s impossible for one voice to change the world, then you haven’t yelled loud enough!

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 63

Gladys CoverPeople UPDATES

Kim Alexis

Gladys Holiday Inspirational Issue 2009

She is one of the most recognizable faces and admired women in the modeling industry. Kim Alexis was one of the original 80’s Supermodels, gracing the cover of more than 500 magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bizarre, Cosmo, and the coveted Sports Illustrated for 6 years. She even set the cover record for Glamour magazine.

She is the epitome of a woman who climbed her way to the top, paving the way for others. Today, at 63 years old, Kim continues to prove the 60’s is the new 40’s with her ageless beauty, healthy physique, love of exercise, sports, family, and community, as she continues to stay relevant and vibrant on social media and to her thousands of followers. These days, you’ll find Kim in Scottsdale, Ariz. giving podcast, magazine and television interviews, speeches, walking the runway for charities, and helping aspiring models with her wisdom on how to navigate the industry while staying true to yourself and your morals and values. Meanwhile, Kim focuses her brand and message on highlighting the importance of clean products and clean living through eBooks, newsletters and Instagram channels. Her nonfiction books, which can be found on Amazon include “A Model for a Better Future,” “Modeling: How to be Discovered”, “Lean Clean”, “Cheat Eat”, “My Healthy Thyroid” and “Dieting Lessons.” Kim’s years of experience and advice on healthy, clean living is not something she takes lightly. It’s something she continues to live daily with passion and with the mission of benefitting the next generation. IG: instagram.com/the_kimalexis/

64 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Photography|Phyllis Lane

WHAT KIM IS UP TO THESE DAYS:

Photography|Roberto Cordero

Photographer|Edmond Crager

Gladys CoverPeople UPDATES

Deb Chandler

Gladys Hope & Inspirational Issue 2021 WHAT DEB IS UP TO THESE DAYS: Deb Chandler is a “Force of Nature”, since the Gladys Hope & Inspirational Issue, 2021 not only has she continued to mentor entrepreneurs in business, fashion, and the film industry Deb is now the exclusive distribution partner for KokoConnect.tv. The new free tv/non subscription platform launched in February with 50 channels, while Deb was in New York for NYFW and NY Television Week. Since the KokoConnect.tv launch, Deb and Koko have been in growth mode, adding 19 channels. She points out that the cord cutting trend is alive and well with over 25,000 viewers daily ending their cable subscriptions, choosing 1 or 2 lower cost options, plus free tv. Deb is very excited to be part of the ongoing evolution within the television and film industries. “I’m truly living my best life and enjoying the fruits of my labor, while being afforded the luxury of helping creatives achieve their dreams. It’ is a cool place to be.”

A few of the emerging brands Deb has mentored include fashion brands Dur Doux, Dell Scott Collection, Negris Lebrum, and DuetteNYC. Cosmetics brand Mauridi Cosmetics, and advocate/blogger Clair Sachs, The Patient Advocate’s Chronicle.

Watch kokoconnect.tv free from your browser, or download from the Amazon Appstore, Google Play, or Apple Appstore.

Connect with Deb at KF Media Group, LLC Email: debra@kickfannie.com Instagram: @kickfanniemediagroup

Melissa Torres Gladys Love Issue 2023

WHAT MELISSA IS UP TO THESE DAYS:

Melissa Torres is on fire in the dynamic world of design and is thrilled to have taken on fresh new clients from the lively scenes of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.

Melissa’s calendar is full of creativity, as she’s fully booked for the remainder of the year. Her current projects include crafting a one-of-akind wedding dress, infusing the spirit of Frida Kahlo into an inspired gown, designing an exquisite ensemble for a Holiday gala, and creating a jaw-dropping dress for an epic New Year’s Eve private party!

As Melissa continues to weave her design magic, stay tuned for updates on her remarkable journey through the world of fashion and creativity.

Social Media: @melissatorresdesigns

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 65

Photography|Austin Ryde

Gladys CoverPeople UPDATES

Jena Sims Koepka Gladys Summer Issue 2009

WHAT JENA IS UP TO THESE DAYS:

Jena Sims Koepka is the founder and President of HBBQ’s, Inc., the 501c3 organization that puts on the Pageant of Hope. She started this empowering event after winning her first pageant in 2005, seeing the confidence it gave her- she had to pass this same winning feeling along to kids and teens that need it most.

She served as the Best Buddies Champions of the Year Gala honorary chair last year, and is Co-Chairing the event this year. She has worked with Best Buddies since 2007, after being crowned Miss Georgia Teen USA. She spent all of her twenties in Los Angeles modeling and acting and now lives in Jupiter, FL. Jena was recently named a finalist in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit “Swim Search” and modeled for the iconic brand at Miami Swim week, 7 months pregnant.

Shortly after walking the runway, Jena and her husband Brooks welcomed their first child, Crew Koepka. When she isn’t running the Pageant of Hope, Jena still works as a model and an actress, and has several successful fashion collaborations with Oneone Swimwear, Steve Madden, and Mignonne Gavigan.

Instagram: @jenamsims, website: jenasims.com 66 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Photography|Mya Bresler

Holly Aldridge-About to Snap Photography

Gladys CoverPeople UPDATES

Montana Dawson

Gladys Love Issue/Wedding & Couture 2012 WHAT MONTANA IS UP TO THESE DAYS:

Wow! It seems like it has been forever since appearing on the cover of Gladys and being the Gladys Girl of the Year.

I will be forever grateful for the Gladys family and for all of the memories that I still cherish to this day. Since my time with Gladys, I have had the privilege to travel and live in various states while my husband was in the military- ultimately ending up back home in Almost HeavGladys Holiday Issue 2017 en, West Virginia. While trying to decide WHAT HALLE IS UP TO THESE DAYS: where to go from there, I took advantage of modeling opportunities that came my way- being able to walk in Halle Collins,, age 22, is a Senior at Kennesaw NYFW and other various fashion shows in NYC as well as working with State University. She will be graduating this an agency out of Ohio. I finally decided that I was going to go back to December with a BFA in dance. While attending her first two years of colschool and complete my degree in nursing. I am now a registered nurse lege, Halle owned and directed her dance studio in Cartersville, GA. Due to working in an emergency room that specializes in women and pediatric unfortunate circumstances with the pandemic and after-effects, she closed care. My husband/high school sweetheart and I are coming up on our her studio doors last year. Currently, she is rekindling her love for modeling 11th wedding anniversary in October. Out of all of the accomplishments and fashion. She is doing so by working part-time with AFA, an Atlanta that I have had in my life, my two greatest are my children- my daughter agency for staffing at The Marts around America. Halle is a very passionate Sage is four and son Nash is one. They bring so much joy to our lives. I and creative individual with many interests. After graduating this December, she hopes to land a full-time position through the agency and continue am truly blessed beyond measure. dancing and modeling.

Social Media: @montanadawson_

Halle Collins

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 67

Photo provided by Nigel Barker

Gladys CoverPeople UPDATES

Nigel Barker & Family Gladys Spring Issue 2010

WHAT NIGEL AND FAMILY ARE UP TO THESE DAYS:

A lot has happened in the Barker family since we last met. Jack is 17, a senior in high school and a budding entrepreneur. He created a brand called Monstar during the pandemic which is based off his art that includes graffiti commissions, apparel, merchandise and hanging art. He is also a spokesperson for Halo, a foundation that helps homeless youth through art. Jasmine is 14 and a Freshman in high school. She started modeling after the pandemic and has walked in several big shows like Public Policy and Custo Barcelona at New York Fashion Week. She shot her first big campaign for Niran and her first magazine cover just came out for IRK Magazine. She is a spokesperson for the United Nations initiative Girl Up, a female empowerment movement.

Crissy and I are about to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary! We all live in Woodstock New York with our dog Memphis, cat Stella and Cuban Rock Iguana Rocky. Crissy along with her identical twin sister Kim created a yoga and dance inspired Instagram account called The @Chintwins which has lead to their own TV lifestyle show The ChinTwins on the Design Network. I continue to work as a photographer and creative consultant for brands in the fashion, hospitality and entertainment spaces and have a podcast called The Shaken & Stirred Show and have several new TV shows in the works.

68 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys Magazine Celebrating

15 Years Gladys inspiring

people

Business Owners Dancers Designers Entrepreneurs Icons Models Musicians Photographers Titleholders

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 69

Gladys Inspiring People

15 Years Gladys inspiring

people

Fulya Turkmenoglu Known for: Design Strategist/Entrepreneur Social Media: Instagram - fulyaturkmen instagram.com/p/CwjY2DaApHt/?img_index=3

Fulya Turkmenoglu is an interdisciplinary designer and strategist focused on continuous process, service, and design improvement in the face of rapidly evolving and changing markets and the founder of Jaiyou, a public-safety focused medical device brand that designs and manufactures next-generation medical essentials in an eco-friendly way.

Q&A

What inspires you to get up every morning?

Working towards making dreams come through, learning, designing, reading, exploring, having new goals, and working on something new by collaborating with different professionals inspire and excite me.

What do you love most about your job?

Trying to find new solutions to old problems, saying something new, thinking differently and creatively, and being in a constant learning process as the requirement of my job are the things that I love.

What is your favorite way to give back to your community, and why? Supporting people to have a happy and healthy life and sharing knowledge about public health as a designer in the medical field who puts human-centered design process above everything else makes me feel so good because doing good for the people and the environment make me feel motivated.

What have you learned to appreciate that you didn’t when you were younger?

Being passionate, curious, and full of energy is great! But being wise about where we put our time and energy is the key to feeling fulfilled and satisfied at the end of the day.

Holiday Wish List? Europe tour :) What’s up next for you?

While taking my medical device company to the next level with new product launches, I am also in the process of building a global strategic design agency that I have been dreaming of for years to share my knowledge, experience, and network of great professionals with other people, businesses, and organizations to help them be profitable by doing good, more resilient, human, and environment-focused, and providing strategic and executable solutions in new markets.

YOUR DREAM PROJECT? To create a sanctuary for all the creatives who dream about being a solution maker and making the world a better place without thinking about limitations.

Photography|Nesrin Turkmenoglu

70 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Danielle Sims

Hi! I am Danielle Sims and I am the owner and designer behind DlpDesigned, where beautiful jewelry finds beautiful people. I have been beading over half my life and I love watching my creations find their forever homes.

Social Media: IG: @dlpdesigned, FB: facebook.com/dlpdesigned dlpdesigned.com

Q&A

Photography|Saundra King @_saundra_king (Instagram)

Gladys Inspiring Jewelry Designers

15 Years Gladys inspiring

people

What inspires you to get up every morning?

Showing my children that anything is possible with a dream and a little bit (or a lot) of hard work.

What do you love most about your job?

Seeing the joy that my jewelry brings my customers.

What is your favorite way to give back to your community, and why? I volunteer as an adult leader for my local Boy Scouts troop to help give the kids in my community a place to feel safe and appreciated.

What have you learned to appreciate that you didn’t when you were younger? Time with loved ones - it’s often much shorter than we’d think.

Holiday Wish List? More storage space.

What’s up next for you? Holiday craft show season is in full swing!

It’s my busiest time of the year.

Your Dream Project?

I would love to custom design a DlpDesigned original to walk the red carpet!

Tina Rush

Known For: North Fork Jewelry Design Social Media: northforkjewelrydesign.com FB: @northforkjewelry, IG: @northforkjewelrydesign

Photographer|Mandy Tyler photography

Daisy Greene Photography

Gladys Inspiring People

Autumn Kinkade Known For: Leading people to Jesus

Social Media: Facebook autumn kinkade ; Instagram:Autumnblair21, website: autumnkinkade.com Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 71

Photography|Lauren DelVecchio, LADPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Gladys Inspiring People

15 Years Gladys inspiring

people

Jillian LaFrance, MS

Known For: Mental Health and Body Positivity Advocacy Social Media: facebook.com/msjillianlouise

My name is Jillian LaFrance. I’m a 35 year old single mom living in Maine. I have a beautiful and intelligent daughter and two precious fur babies. I work for the state in a county correctional facility with inmates with severe and chronic mental illness and substance use disorder. I am studying for my PhD in Forensic Psychology.

I have finished all of my course work and I am in full dissertation mode. I am a strong mental health advocate and have dealt with mental health illness for several years, personally and professionally. I have a passion to help people, especially those who have not experienced the best life. I pride myself in my ability to hold no bias with the forensic population and seeing them as human beings that need help. I accept that everyone is capable of receiving forgiveness. It’s a fulfilling feeling to see these individuals release into the community and become successful. I have made a positive impact on so many individuals who have walked out the facilities doors. To see the smiles on their faces and tears of happiness when you do whatever it takes to make them successful will always warm my heart.

Q&A

What inspires you to get up every morning? Honestly, the dawn of a new day. Don’t get me wrong, I do love my sleep like any other individual does. However, a new day for me is another day I get to see my daughter, my fur babies, and my family. It is another day I go to work with the potential to change someone’s life. It is another day closer to my PhD. It is another day to learn something new and embrace life.

What do you love most about your job? Currently, I work for the state with inmates with severe and chronic mental health illness and substance use disorder. I help these individuals release back into the community with the services and supports they need to help them be successful. The part I love most about my job is seeing these individuals at their lowest point and struggling and be able to turn their lives around. I have seen many GED graduations, individuals taking control of their mental health, individuals becoming sober and taking control of their addiction, and individuals who take charge of their life in a way they never have. Unfortunately, there are times where an individual’s situation doesn’t change, and they come back time and time again. But I keep trying, I put my all in, and I do what I can to get them to the point where they are ready to say “Hey, this is my life! I can turn this around, I can be successful, I can reach my goals, and I won’t let my past define me”.

What is your favorite way to give back to your community, and why?

My favorite way to give back to the community is by doing the work I do behind the brick walls and locked doors. Sometimes it takes rock bottom for 72 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

an individual to accept the help they need and there is no harder rock bottom then jail or prison. I do my best to assist these individuals in turning their lives around, take control, and become successful and contributing members of society.

By doing this, I assist in lowering recidivism and crime in the community.

What have you learned to appreciate that you didn’t when you were younger? What I have learned to appreciate that I didn’t when I was younger is my parents. When you are younger you have a certain view of the world and your parents. Of course, you love your parents, they take care of you and love you unconditionally. However, as I got older, I started to appreciate my parents more, especially when I became a parent. It really opened my eyes to what true unconditional love is and what a parent will do for their child, and it is just something you don’t understand when you are younger.

What’s up next for you? What is up next for me? I would say to finish my PhD in Forensic Psychology. I have finished all of my course work. I have one out of four residencies left to do and am currently knee deep in my dissertation.

Your dream project? Yes, my dream project, honestly, I have many. The best way I can summarize my many dream projects is by using the term “social change”. I want to use my PhD to conduct meaningful research that contributes to societal change. I want to have a profound impact on society, specifically surrounding mental health. I want to break the stigma of mental health and help individuals realize it is ok to not be ok.

Photography|Anthony Bryce

Photography|Trevor Paul

Gladys Inspiring People

15 Years Gladys inspiring

people

Madison McGhee

Known for: Podcast “Ice Cold Case” Social Media: @Madison_mcghee on Instagram Madison McGhee is a producer recognized most recently as the future of unscripted television by being selected for the Warner Brothers Discovery Access Program. Originally from West Virginia, Madison now resides in Los Angeles and has made a name for herself with distinguished brands and networks like Hulu, Paramount, and Warner Brothers Discovery. At the young age of only 28, she has been a part of many top-rated productions. Currently, Madison is making waves with her groundbreaking podcast Ice Cold Case that delves into the cold case of her father’s murder which remains unsolved after twenty-one years. The podcast has drawn international attention, earning features in renowned media outlets like the Daily Mail.

Dr. Tamika Henry

Known for: Celebrity physician and functional medicine specialist Social Media: Instagram: @iamdrtamika Celebrity physician Dr. Tamika Henry, founder of Unlimited Health Institute, was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis as a child. Now, a board-certified family physician with an emphasis in functional medicine, Dr. Henry takes a systems biology–based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. Dr. Henry also is a Best-Selling author with her book “The Unlimited You Detox” and number one podcast Rock It with Dr. Tamika • A podcast on Anchor.

Audrey Lawrence Known for: Author, Speaker

Audrey Lawrence is an accomplished author, a multi-TED talker, and a leading figure in the world of empowerment. Her remarkable journey from a dropout to a goal smasher has inspired millions worldwide. Audrey’s dedication to empowering women and helping them achieve their dreams has made her a sought-after speaker in the personal development space, capturing the attention of Gloria Steinem and Deepak Chopra. Named a rising star

by Authority Magazine, Audrey continues to impact lives through her books, podcasts, workshops, and social media presence, teaching the Goal Lifestyle, one goal at a time. For more information about Audrey Lawrence and “Goal Smasher,” visit audreylawrence.org.

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 73

Photography|Ashley Nowe

Gladys Inspiring People

15 Years Gladys inspiring Photographer|Larry Hirshowitz

people

Ashley Nowe

Known for: Certified Pre and Postnatal Corrective Exercise Specialist, founder of Get Mom Strong and the SLAM fitness app.

Social Media: IG: @getmomstrong, TikTok: @getmomstrong

Libby & Victor Boyce

Ashley Nowe is a Certified pregnancy and postpartum fitness specialist, nutrition coach, and mom of 4 (including twins). Ashley Nowe (Founder of Get Mom Strong) has helped over 50,000 women heal their bodies postpartum and stay strong throughout pregnancy and beyond with her health and fitness app SLAM (Strong Like A Mother) which combines science-backed pelvic floor and core exercises with sweat-inducing workouts. After her own struggle with diastasis recti, Ashley dedicated her life to helping women heal.

The Cameron Boyce Foundation

Libby and Victor Boyce, Co-Founders of The Cameron Boyce Foundation (TCBF), are on a mission to end SUDEP and further epilepsy awareness. In July of 2019, their son, actor Cameron Boyce, died in his sleep as a result of an epileptic seizure (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). Cameron only had five seizures in his lifetime; the first was at age 16 ½ and the last at age 20. He only had seizures in his sleep, and as a result, his medical team never thought of his epilepsy as a threat--nor was SUDEP ever discussed with them. The sad reality is that very few medical practitioners know much about SUDEP due to a lack of awareness, and funding for research. Victor and Libby have dedicated their lives to finding a cure for this disease, and in just four years of the inception of The Cameron Boyce Foundation, they have made tremendous strides. Given Cameron’s prominence as an actor, epilepsy has now been brought from the shadows, and the tremendous reach of the foundation has given others with the disease the courage to talk about it, and the resources and tools for coping with it. The Cameron Boyce Foundation has raised more than $1M, spearheaded various campaigns including NowWhat?! And #EpilepsyStrong, and have given more than $450,000 in research grants by partnering with CURE Epilepsy.

“We have learned so much since its inception and are laser focused on epilepsy awareness. Epilepsy is underreported, under discussed and underfunded. This disease has been stigmatized and brushed under the rug since the beginning of time and unfortunately, we experienced the worst of its wrath and understated cruelty. It is our mission to continue to bring awareness to epilepsy and its impact on people, their families, and the world.” – Libby and Victor Boyce Libby serves as the Deputy Director of the Housing for Health program in Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, and Victor is the son of Jo Ann Allen Boyce, one of the famed Clinton 12. It’s evident that Cameron’s dedication to the greater good comes from the parents who carry on his legacy today.

To learn more about The Cameron Boyce Foundation visit thecameronboycfoundation.org and follow on IG, Facebook, and TikTok @TheCameronBoyceFoundation.

74 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys Inspiring Photographers

15 Years Gladys inspiring Photography|Stephanie Richardson

people

Greg Alexander

KNOWN FOR: Vogue / L’officiel / Harper’s Bazaar / Elle / Lastest highlight : the exclusive cover shoot for INSTYLE with fashion icon Maye Musk.

SOCIAL MEDIA: @gregalexanderofficial / @mephistophelesproductions Born in Lausanne, he grew up in Geneva then in Athens. Greg Alexander is a world citizen who travels the planet to seize on glazed paper all the quintessence of femininity. If he nourishes an atavistic passion for Greece, ground of his ancestors, it’s in Paris that he found his home port. As a child, Greg Alexander dreamed of becoming a plastic surgeon, in order to preserve the women from the ravages of time. Becoming a photographer, he continues his dream of perfection because, according to him, “the photograph is a kind of plastic surgery which ables to modulate a face ad infinitum!” His vision of the beauty: fragile, transitory, a little kitsch and inevitably fatal.

After working as a model , Greg started to work as celebrity stylist . Then he moved to France, and started to shoot for several french magazines before being scouted by the Figaro Group . In 2000 he created his own magazine , « Too Much Beauty », present in France , Switzerland , Belgium and Luxembourg . He also works with young designers who need strong images. Starting to work with celebrities , he is very quickly reputated for his ability to relooking and give to celebrities a hedgy look . Among many singers and actors , Greg changed totally the image of french pop star Shy’m , leading her to be a fashion idol in France .

In 2016 , Greg Alexander creates together with art director Sebastien Vienne , MEPHISTOPHELES Productions. MEPHISTOPHÉLÈS Productions is a press office and production agency . MEPHISTOPHÉLÈS produces from A to Z each season several fashion shows during the Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris. The agency takes care of the needs of each creator: press office, photo shoots, videos, celebrity placement, consulting and many more.

Leah Perry

KNOWN FOR: Emotive colorful fashion and beauty photography SOCIAL MEDIA: instagram.com/leahperryphotography/ Leah Perry is a native Bostonian who found her love of photography in high school, then found herself in love with the stories and magic of the American South, where she studied marketing at Emory University and photography at the award-winning Portfolio Center College of Art and Design in Atlanta, Georgia.

Stories and the real characters who inhabit them propel her work, which spans beauty, fashion and product photography. In the studio and on-location, Leah uses a background in dance to understand movement and a love of the science of human interaction to guide models on set and clients toward visual stories told through their wares.

Leah is a lover of science fiction (and the imaginative worlds within), cultivates her unique sense of color through practicing illustration, and lives with her partner in one of Atlanta’s most historic neighborhoods.

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 75

Gladys Inspiring Icons

15 Years Gladys inspiring

people

Known For: Supermodel, Entrepreneur, TV Personality Social Media: IG: @tyrabanks Karen Millen announces today that international supermodel, entrepreneur, and television personality, Tyra Banks, is the new face of its ongoing ICON Series. ‘THE ICONS VOL.5’ capsule collection features Tyra’s favorite fashion fall trends that celebrate ageless women who are unapologetically themself no matter age, size or style.

The Karen Millen x Tyra Banks Collection ranges from $136 to $1,152 USD and is available to purchase online at karenmillen.com starting today. The ICONS series has been an ongoing campaign series for Karen Millen since 2022 where they highlight supermodels who ruled the catwalks and front covers of glossy magazines during the Eighties, Nineties and Noughties. Previous faces of the series include Helena Christensen, Paulina Porizkova, Elizabeth Hurley, and most recently Elle Macpherson.

76 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Photography|Laretta Houston

Tyra Banks

Gladys Inspiring Icons

15 Years Gladys inspiring

people

Katy Perry

Known For:Singer, Songwriter, Actress, TV Personality Social Media: katyperry.com/tour Katy Perry has racked up a cumulative 50 billion streams alongside worldwide sales of over 48 million adjusted albums and 135 million tracks. She boasts an impressive 40M + monthly listeners on Spotify with over 20M followers on the platform. Her 2019 single, “Never Really Over,” off her latest album SMILE, is certified PLATINUM and was the biggest streaming launch of Katy’s musical career. 2020’s SMILE release has sold over 1.25 million adjusted albums, with nearly 2 Billion combined streams to date. Views of her 2013 video “Roar” and 2014 “Dark Horse” have recently surpassed three billion views – making Katy the first female artist to reach this milestone. Katy’s 2015 Super Bowl performance is the highest-rated in the event’s history.

She is one of only five artists in history to have topped 100 million certified units with their digital singles – and the first-ever Capitol Records recording artist to join the elite RIAA 100 Million Certified Songs club, Aside from being one of the best-selling musical artists of all time, Katy is an active advocate of many philanthropic causes. In 2013, Katy was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has used her powerful voice to ensure every child’s right to health, education, equality, and protection. Katy has also been a champion for LGBTQ+ equality, and has received numerous awards for her work, including the Trevor Project’s Hero Award in 2012, the Human Rights Campaign’s National Equality Award in 2017, amfAR’s Award of Courage in 2018, and Variety’s Power of Women distinction in 2021. Most recently, Katy co-founded De Soi, a line of sparkling ready-to-drink non-alcoholic apéritifs with natural adaptogens, in partnership with AMASS, maker of clean botanics. She is currently performing her Las Vegas residency, PLAY. Show dates are available at katyperry.com/tour.

Photography|Greg Swales, Styled by|Tatiana Waterford, Location| Los Angeles

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 77

Photography|Combina Key

Gladys Inspiring Musicians

15 Years Gladys inspiring

people

Ashlee Keating

Known For: Singer/Songwriter/Actress Social Media: IG: @ashleekeating, SPOTIFY: @ashleekeating YT: @ashleekeating, TikTok: @ashleekeatingmusic Billboard chart sensation, dancer, songwriter, and actress, Ashlee Keating is a true multifaceted talent. She is highly regarded in the LGBTQ+ industry as a supporter and activist and through her music strives to spread the message of positivity and confidence and being the best version of yourself.

Her single, “SAUCY”, was Executive Produced by Grammy nominated and multi-platinum songwriter, producer, and rapper, Tommy Brown (TB Hits), who has scored multiple chart -topping hits for Ariana Grande, Fifth Harmony, Demi Lovato, Meghan Trainor, and The Weeknd, among others. She released her single “SAUCY” in 2022, along with her music video followed by her debut EP in the Fall 0f 2022 which was also Executive Produced by TB. The music is inspirational and relatable reflecting upon loving your “true self” and living your best life, knowing your light shines bright even through dark times. It is the beginning of a “New Era” for Ashlee and her career.

Her latest single “YASSS” has garnered over 1 million streams on Spotify as well as her previous single, “Hurt Me So Good” which was written and produced by Timbaland’s Anthem Entertainment/Bluestone Publishing which skyrocketed up the Billboard Dance/Club charts to #8 within days followed up by her single “Bad Mistake”which was her #1 breakout song and held its own on the Billboard Dance charts at #20 for weeks. Born in Southern New Jersey, Ashlee is a truly an Italian, “Jersey Girl” at heart. She moved to Los Angeles to pursue her music career. The songstress got her debut at only 6 years old on Broadway, landing the role of “Gretl” in The Sound of Music alongside Richard Chamberlain and continued on the National Tour. Shortly after, she played the leading role of “Annie” at the famous Walnut Street Theatre in Philadephia,PA-to which she was no stranger to-she had played the role of “Molly”in the same playat just 4 years old. Ashlee would go on to be selected as a contestant on CBS “Star Search”-which then lead to her selection for a spot as Radio Disney’s“up and coming artist” on their Incubator Program. Ashlee has opened for artists, Demi Lovato, Keke Palmer, Raven Symone, and Jasmine Sullivan, among others. With all this under her belt already, Ashlee is set to become a household name not just as a popstar, but as a brand, entrepreneur, actress, and philanthropist. ashleekeating.com 78 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Kristy Belcher Photography

Gladys Inspiring Musicians

15 Years Gladys inspiring

people

Dawn Rix

Known For: Nashville Recording Artist Social Media: dawnrix.com, facebook.com/rixsinger, facebook.com/DawnRixMusic, IG: DawnRixMusic, Twitter-rixplosion

Dawn Renae Rix is a natural! While it may be an overused term in the music business, in Dawn’s case it’s a perfect description. In a sea of sound-alike would-be performers that flood contemporary country music, this attractive West Virginia native is the most refreshing entertainer to hit Music Row in a very long time. Since the age of five Dawn has been grabbing the attention of audiences, surprised to hear “the big voice coming from such a little girl.” From fairs & festivals, talent shows, to the Miss West Virginia and Grand Ole Opry stages she has wowed and touch the hearts of fans from across the globe. A mother, veteran, award winning singer songwriter, Professional MUA/ Hairstylist, published author, mentor and world changer!! Her desire to give back is evident in her commitment as a MAO Local Executive Director, a monthly donor to St Jude’s Childrens Hospital, Musicians on Call and her passion fueled by the need to raise awareness, support and advocate for ALL those touched by Autism! Throughout the Tri-State area she is typically known as “Little Miss Dynamite,” when she takes over the stage as a regular attraction performing with the band! With her skills finely honed, Dawn is trying her own brand of country music in Music City. Pursuing a life-long dream, she completed her 5th album in Nashville while collecting international nominations and recognition. Her Awards are stacking up to include 2023 Red Carpet Awards in Holland USA Female, Pop Original Worlds Collide 2023 ISSA Song of The Year Silver with “Worlds Collide” , World Songwriting Award & ISSA Song of Year for her self-penned hit “Tennessee Miles”, Who’s Who Female Vocalist of the Year, 2022 Red Carpet Awards in Holland Christmas Song “Home With Him” and Vocal Event “ I Wanna Be Holdin You” feat Billy Gaines, 2021 Rock Song of the Year Just Give Me The Bottle, WSA Gospel Song of the Year “Bent Not Broken”, Hustler Awards Top 10 and Country Genre Winner, JMA Social Impact Song of the Year 2021. She penned an artist and publishing deal with Nashville / ° Atlanta based Record Label Emanant Music! The results are exciting and unique since, in Dawn’s words, she is just “doing what comes naturally.”

Q&A

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO GET UP EVERY MORNING? GODs Promise and Opportunities!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT MODELING? Capturing someone’s style, beauty, and personality is an art. Within that art lies a story... it is there, where you will find what I love most.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND WHY? My time and talent whether singing, hosting an event, organizing a fundraiser, advocating for those with Autism or mentoring teens

and miss contestants as an Executive Director in our local Preliminary to Miss West Virginia/Miss America, I love making connections, inspiring others, and helping others realize their own purpose, plan and passion here on earth.

HOLIDAY WISH LIST? Hmmm... Good Health, A joyful heart, peace of mind, and... who doesn’t love a new pair of shoes or boots.

WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR YOU? A Christmas Album, a movie and write/record a future Hit Song!

YOUR DREAM PROJECT? To perform along side of an icon like Reba or Dolly and have one of them or ME sing a song that I wrote on the Grand Old Opry Stage!

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 79

15 Years Gladys inspiring

Photography|Ben Christensen

Gladys Inspiring Musicians

people

Brian Kelley

Known For: Singer Social Media: IG: briankelley FB: Brian Kelley

Tom Wopat

Known For: Actor/Musician, Songwriter Website: tomwopat.com

It’s been several decades since the General Lee first left the ground, sky-rocketing Tom Wopat and co-star John Schneider to instant Dukes of Hazzard stardom. In the 40+ years since, Wopat has been blessed with a multifaceted career that has ranged from starring roles on Broadway, various television appearances, singing in such venues as The Ol’ Opera, Carnegie Hall, and the Hollywood Bowl, to a featured role in Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained. More recently Wopat released a new recording project, an album entitled Simple Man, a 13 song collection that is his 13th solo album.

Also recently released are the second and third installments of the County Line movie trilogy, County Line: All In & County Line: No Fear, available now on the INSP Network. Wopat also recently starred on the TV series, Black List, which features James Spader, as he quipped “I enjoy keeping a lot of balls in the air.” Tom was a staple on the Broadway stage for 35 years, garnering a pair of Tony award nominations along the way. Long known for his musical leading man abilities, Wopat also was critically acclaimed for his dramatic work in The Trip to Bountiful and Glenn Gary Glenn Ross. But currently it’s his work in the studio and on the road with some of the most talented musicians in the world that has provided Tom the most satisfaction. Tom says, “At this point, I basically do what I enjoy... I’ve been blessed.”

80 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Photography|Jonathan Elyea

With the big, bright anthemic delivery of his new single, “See You Next Summer,” DIAMOND-selling superstar Brian Kelley enters the next chapter of a record-breaking, history-making career. Currently in the studio working on his full-length debut album with Big Machine Records, he first made waves with his passion project SUNSHINE STATE OF MIND in 2021 (which American Songwriter called “some of the best modern country put to tape.”) With a sold-out run of shows and back-to-back residencies at Tribe Kelley Surf Post in Grayton Beach, FL – owned by the Ormond Beach native and his wife Brittney – Kelley continues to diversify his thriving enterprise with collaborations including cult-favorite brand Tribe Kelley with Brittney and a partnership with Oyster City Brewing Company. Kelley is managed by Kevin Spellman and Jason Murray of Vector Management. First known as the Florida half of the GRAMMY-nominated Florida Georgia Line, the ACM Breakout Artist of the Decade Award recipients garnered 19 career #1s and became the first and only act to achieve two RIAA DIAMOND singles in Country music history (14X PLATINUM #1s: “Cruise” and “Meant to Be” with Bebe Rexha). Surpassing 17 billion global streams, selling more than 40 million tracks and 4.8 million albums worldwide, plus playing to over 4 million fans, FGL has been honored by AMA, Billboard, CMA, and CMT Music Awards, as well as having a Florida Georgia Line: Mix It Up Strong exhibit at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. officialbriankelley.com Album Artwork|Courtesy of Big Machine Records

Photography|Claire Schaper

Gladys Inspiring Musicians

15 Years Gladys inspiring

people

Sophia Scott

Known For: Colorado-bred singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Sophia Scott is one of Nashville’s fastest risers. Originally breaking through with triumphs such as opening for the Jonas Brothers, landing on an artists-to-watch list from People, and inking her record deal with EMPIRE Nashville, Scott released her debut album BARSTOOL CONFESSIONS in October with hit tracks “Boots, Jeans, & Jesus,” “Lipstick on You,” “No You Didn’t,” and “Watering Roses.” She’s earned praise from American Songwriter, E! News, Entertainment Tonight, CMT (who stated that “Nashville newcomer Sophia Scott proves she has a bright future ahead in the genre”), and more. With a rare gift for raw yet exquisitely detailed storytelling—and a one-of-a-kind sound infused with elements of Southern Rock, Pop, R&B, and Soul, Scott has proven herself a force to be reckoned with in the Country music scene.

Social Media: YouTube: SophiaScottMusic, IG: sophunky, FB: Sophia Scott, Twitter: sophunky Whip-smart, unfiltered, and fully in touch with her messiest feelings, Sophia Scott refuses to sugar-coat life’s most uncomfortable truths. For her debut album Barstool Confessions, the Nashville-based artist shares a real-time account of life-altering experiences and the stages of processing and healing. Over the course of Barstool Confessions’ 12 tracks, Scott spins a riveting tale of a rowdy night out, touching on everything from the giddy anticipation of getting ready with your girlfriends to the hungover haze of the morning after. Recorded in Nashville, Los Angeles, and Vail, Colorado, Barstool Confessions takes its title from the opening line of the thrilling lead single “Boots, Jeans, & Jesus.” “To me every song on this album feels like a barstool confession, like when you’re sitting next to a stranger at a bar and telling them your whole life story,” says Scott. “As the night goes on, you’re getting more honest about what’s on your mind—that old ‘the drunk mind speaks a sober heart’ situation.” Made with producers Adam Yaron, Sam Martinez, Josh Murty, and Jeff Garrison, Barstool Confessions merges Scott’s storytelling with a bold and vibrant sound informed by ’90s Country-Pop and classic Soul—a perfect setting for her nuanced yet gutsy vocal performance. During the making of her debut album, Scott found herself more fully embracing everything that sets her apart as an artist. “I’ve learned that the more I show who I really am, the better it feels—as opposed to watering myself down to try to fit into a box.” And with the release of Barstool Confessions, Scott hopes to instill others with a similar sense of inner strength.sophiascottmusic.com Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 81

15 Years Gladys inspiring

Photography|Daniel Lee (@dlshots)

Gladys Inspiring Musicians

Photography|Kirsten Balani, Album Photo| Mary Hooper/Milkglass Creative

people

Charles Esten

Known For: Singer/Songwriter/Actor Social Media: FB: Charles Esten IG: Charles_Esten YouTube: @CharlesEstenOfficial Multi-talent Charles Esten is a global entertainer. Best known for his roles as “Ward Cameron” on the Netflix hit show Outer Banks and “Deacon Claybourne” in ABC/CMT’s Nashville, the artist-songwriter introduces his independent debut album, Love Ain’t Pretty, on January 26, 2024. Garnering 14 MILLION streams to date, Esten is a 2018 Guinness World Records title holder for the “Most consecutive weeks to release an original digital single by a music act” after delivering 54 original songs once a week for 54 straight weeks. He’s made over 160 appearances at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry and performed multiple headline tours in the U.S., Germany, Amsterdam, and U.K., including at famed venues like Royal Albert Hall. This fall, Esten returns to the stage with select Nashville cast members for “NASHVILLE” The Reunion Tour with dates in the U.S. and U.K. In addition, Esten serves as the National Honorary Spokesperson for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Light The Night Walk, and is a board member and volunteer for Musicians On Call. charlesesten.com

82 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Caitlynne Curtis

Known For: Singer, Songwriter, Artist.

Social Media: FB: Caitlynne Curtis, IG caitlynnecurtis_ @CaitlynneCurtis, Tik Tok: caitlynnecurtis While supporting Jelly Roll on his Backroad Baptism Tour, the Boston born, Nashville-based pop-turned-country diva is exploding onto the country music scene. Discovered and signed by Struggle Jennings (Angels & Outlaws), they, together, penned and performed the #1 billboard hit song “God We Need You Know” (21 million YouTube views).

Curtis released her first solo country single, the stunning “Where You Left Off”, written about her father, who sacrificed his career to care for her and the family, followed by the triumphant sing-along “Been Thru Hell”, leading up to a country album release in 2024. Curtis knows how to connect with her fans musically, wrenching straight to their hearts. Curtis, a single devoted mother to her son, works tirelessly writing, recording, and touring with some of the biggest names in country music. Curtis is a name that we will be hearing for many years to come.

Gladys Inspiring Musicians

15 Years Gladys inspiring

Alana Springsteen

people

Dustin Lynch

Known For: Musician, Songwriter Social Media: FB: Dustin Lynch, IG: dustinlynchmusic YouTube: @DustinLynch, dustinlynchmusic.com

Dustin Lynch has “built one of the most consistent recording careers in modern country music” (Billboard), achieving eight #1s, four Top 5 albums, 10 GOLD and PLATINUM certified singles, and tallying over 5.4 BILLION cumulative global streams. His sixth studio album, Killed The Cowboy (Broken Bow Records), released on September 29. The follow-up to Blue In The Sky, which delivered the history-making PLATINUM, six-week #1 “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter)” – the most-played song at Country radio in 2022 landing at #1 on the Mediabase and #2 on the Billboard Year-End Country Airplay charts – also featured current Top 15-and-rising single “Stars Like Confetti” and hit “Party Mode.” Since his PLATINUM breakout “Cowboys and Angels” in 2012, Lynch has headlined packed venues and toured with Country’s biggest names like Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Brad Paisley, and Kane Brown. Likewise, the Tennessee native has earned industry recognition as a Grand Ole Opry member, as well as high-profile nominations for the Academy of Country Music Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, and CMT Music Awards.

Columbia Records NY/Sony Music Nashville ar tist-songwriter Alana Springsteen is TWENTY SOMETHING. She made her debut as a three-part album, her third installment TWENTY SOMETHING: Getting It Right, released with the full-length project on August 18, as NPR hails, “Few artists dissect and make sense of life in your 20s quite like Alana Springsteen.” Lauded by Billboard as possessing “a classic female voice packed with angst and determination,” E! News praises “one of Nashville’s most buzzworthy emerging artists,” while PEOPLE deems Springsteen “the future of country music.” Amassing 125.8 million streams globally, the 22-year-old is among the Class of 2023 for CMT’s Next Women of Country and MusicRow’s Next Big Thing; a Celebrity Ambassador for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation; and previously named a Country Artist to Watch by Pandora. Now supporting Luke Bryan, she’s appeared at the Grand Ole Opry and has already been spotted on the road with LANY, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Adam Doleac.

Photography|Alysse Gafkjen, Album Artwork, Courtesy of Broken Bow Records

Photography|Lily Nelson

Known For: Singer, Songwriter Social Media: FB: Alana Springsteen, IG: alanaspringsteen, YouTube: alanaspringsteen, alanaspringsteen.com

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 83

Gladys Inspiring Musicians Photography|Jonathan Volk

15 Years Gladys inspiring

Photography|Dove Shore

people

Brett Landin Known For: Debut EP “Who Knew” Social Media: @brettlandin

Brett Landin is a Southern-raised, Dallas-based singer-songwriter breaking into country music with her powerful sound and honest storytelling.

Her debut EP “Who Knew” is out now. Her musical stylings and lyrics hold space for an authenticity that fills in the gaps of the current country genre.

Her music delves into the heart-warming and heart-breaking realities of what it means to navigate life, loss, and love. Through each line, each verse, each chorus, she invites us to share in her personal journey through raw lyrics that resonate through her smoky vocals. The sound and impact of her voice has led her to be compared to the likes of country’s contemporary and classic great female artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde and Lee Ann Womack.Today, we are witnessing her career flourish across the country music scene. Her debut single, “Small Town Girl” earned places on top Spotify playlists such as “Fresh Finds Country” for four weeks straight following its release and earlier this year she released the single “More Than One Way to Cheat” along with her EP. Follow Brett for more music releases and live shows to come!

84 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

The Monroes

Known For: Singles “Small Town Stars” and “Better Half of Me” Social Media: @themonroesduo The Monroes is an LA based husband and wife duo who both have great success as individual artists, from performing on Good Morning America + sharing stages with Jason Mraz and Lady Gaga to writing songs for Kelly Clarkson and Andy Grammar. With over 1 mill+ combined followers, over 200M+ combined streams, and multiple syncs, their first single “Small Town Stars” is a song about their journey and the imposter syndrome that can come from following your dreams in LA when you are from a small town. Their subsequent releases have included the catchy and upbeat “Right at Home,” the tender ballad “Better Half of Me” and most recently the anthemic love letter to the city they call home - “I Still Love LA.” In addition to writing music for artists and themselves, the duo is also currently working together to writer the music for an upcoming animated film.

Gladys Inspiring Musicians

15 Years Gladys inspiring

A Thousand Horses

people

Social Media: FB: A Thousand Horses, IG: athousandhorses YouTube: A Thousand Horses A Thousand Horses made history in June 2015, when the band’s “Smoke” became the first debut single for a group to reach #1 on the Country Airplay charts in the 2010s. The song went PLATINUM, with the follow-up hit “(This Ain’t No) Drunk Dial” also cracking Top 40 success. Both singles appeared on their debut album, SOUTHERNALITY, which reached #3 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. Over the years that followed, bandmates Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher, and Graham DeLoach found similar success on the road, touring the country with acts like Jason Aldean and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Reclaiming their independence in 2022, A Thousand Horses released their sophomore album, BROKEN HEARTLAND, via their own label Highway Sound Records. Continuing to showcase their signature blend of Country music and American Rock & Roll, the band is set to release a series of new music to come.

Photographer|Dieter Spears

Photography|Zack Knudsen, Artwork Photographer|Andy Sapp /Freedom Machine

Jesslee

Known for: Nashville Country Singer Songwriter, turning the chairs of both Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson on NBC’s The Voice. With five appearances on national television, Jesslee strategically exited the show at what is now being hailed as “the perfect time” by her team, propelling her already fast-rising career to new heights. Jesslee signed a record deal with ONErpm.

Social Media: IG: @jessleecountry FB: Jesslee, YouTube: @Jessleemusic

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 85

Gladys Inspiring Musicians

15 Years Gladys inspiring

Photography|Tony Triche

Photography|Thomas Guzman-Sanchez

people

Rhythm Tribe This valley-based Latino group is led by Thomas (guitar), Mason (vocal/guitar) and Brisa Guzman-Sanchez (vocal). Since 1915, The Guzman-Sanchez family, (originally from Corozal, Puerto Rico) has produced four generations of musicians. The family feels being in a band together feels natural. “It really allows for creativity to flourish and grow without the stress of stepping on each other’s toes.,” Mason said.

The band has released two albums, GENERATIONS and NEXT LEVEL on VRL MUZIC. “Our music fuses R&B, Ambient, Bolero, Bomba-sica, Guaracha, Bachata, Cha-cha, Mambo and Samba,” Brisa said. The group’s first single, YOU ARE THE ONE, charted at #28 on Billboard and their second single YOU ARE MINE recently entered the Billboard top 200 at #149. Their songs GOODNIGHT, LIKE POISON and MAKE IT CLEAR are played on radio nationally helping to establish their new style of LATINO SOUL FUSION sound. They’ve began recording their third album “TEA for 5”. The Latino-Soul-Fusion sound has now been augmented with psychedelic dub R&B, and Lo-Fi sounds. The songs present an honest representation of personal, emotional and real life feelings that Brisa, Mason and I have been living. This album features the new track, “I Just Smoked” that was written by Brisa, “I wrote this song because I want people to understand what smoking marijuana sounds like in musical translation. Being diagnosed with ADHD, and through experimenting with different types of marijuana strains, it has helped tremendously with my focus, anxiety. And as a psychonaut, I wanted to take people on a musical “trip”. This song depicts the process of the mind slowing down and expanding at the same time. This is my favorite and best song we have made so far. It brings a whole different feel to our sound. If you are a fellow pot-head or psychonaut like me, I strongly advise you listen to this track with the bass cranking and a joint between the fingers.

Thank me later.” Historically this family has been playing music for over one hundred years! Mason recalls,, “With my family it’s just artistic expression and sense of escape. For me, when I’m not having to stress about all the little details, its that sense of freedom that I’ve come to enjoy about it so much. Whether I’m listening or when I’m playing, the world just melts away and I’m able to lose myself in the rhythms and sounds playing through my head. For my family, I’d say its because we also like to dance. Can’t really dance without music to inspire you, right?” Brisa says, “It definitely takes away some pressure when working with family. It is relieving to trust and understand that we all want the best for each other and want us to grow as individuals in order to come together as a band. We play to all of our strengths and are able to be honest and expect the same intense honesty from our band members. In a way, I am getting to see and embrace everyone as artists, not just as my family. And in those moments of bonding, it grounds me intensely. Especially when you have amazing musicians as family members.” The band has recently added two new band members, Karthik Suresh on Electric and Upright Bass and King Louie Pereira on Drums. This new infusion of musicians has lifted the Rhythm Tribe sound to a new level and can be heard on their new album. The indie band now looks forward to finishing their new album and continuing their “Night At The Rhythm Lounge” concert series that will continue throughout the year. Their website dancemaster.com will have all current dates, locations and TV appearances.

86 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys Inspiring Models

15 Years Gladys inspiring

people

Amelia Aliana Ashworth

Amelia Chick IG: Ameliarosechick Photographer|Carlos Velez, Hair and makeup|Team Flawless

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 87

Gladys Inspiring Models

15 Years Gladys inspiring

people

Rachel

Dior Egypt Egypt Torres

IG: theworldofegypt, FB: Egyp Torres

Dior Ilkhomi IG: dior_ilkhomi

Photographer|Tom Schmuki, Designer|Henrry Mezza

Rachel

Rachel Ashley Johnson IG: Rachelashleyjohnson

88 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Photographer|Barry Nadell, IG: weekendadventurecowboy

Rachel Kraemer

Photography|Roy Cox

Antonietta Antonietta Brownell antoniettabrownell.com

Photographer|Kevin Day Photography, Dress|Express

Gladys Inspiring Models

15 Years Gladys inspiring

people

Kristi Rosalba Kristi Rohrbough

Known For: Kindness ,empathy and cheerfulness Social Media: Instagram/Facebook/Kristinicolerohrbough Photography|Gretchenpingleyphotography

Rosalba Victoria Dumont -Carrion Known For: Fashion model in both print and runway.

Social Media: IG: Rosalba_victoria__, FB: Rosalba Dumont-Carrion

Q&A

What inspires you to get up every morning? My family, especially my twin brother. As well as enjoying my after-school activities such as dance, aerials and judo.

What do you love most about modeling? Being able to work with different designers and locations, and more importantly showing off their designs on the runway!

What is your favorite way to give back to your community and why? I help others at school and participate in fundraisers to support families in need.

Anna

Holiday Wish List? More science kits and books.

What’s up next for you? I’ll be representing designers on the runway at New York, London and Paris Fashion Week.

Your Dream Project? When I get older, I want to open an aerial and dance studio for underprivileged kids. I would like to have a place where they can have fun and express their love of dance without worrying about the cost.

Photographer|Elizabeth Carroll Photography, HAMU|Macy Garner

Anna Poore IG: _annapoore_, FB: Anna Poore Frannie Herrick, Picture this Photography, H&MU: Jamison Crawford

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 89

Gladys Inspiring Titleholders

15 Years Gladys inspiring

people

Ruthie Gusler Inspiring Title Holder

Known For: Miss Franklin County Teen Maine USA Social Media: FB: Ruthie Gusler, IG: ruthiegusler TicTok, Reels

Q&A

What inspires you to get up every morning?

Definitely starting a new day with endless possibilities ahead of me. It is a continuation of all I...

Holiday Wish List? That’s easy, May God hear and answer all our prayers. Okay, maybe a pair of skiboots.

What’s up next for you? I’m actually preparing for Miss Maine Teen USA this March and hopefully participating in Miss Teen USA. This will open doors for me as I Wear a Crown of Distinction and become a mentor and a symbol of empowerment for young ladies all over the Globe. Other than that, the usual maintaining my grades, HS sports, getting my “Wonderkids Brand” in Schools before Christmas,(teaching kids how to volunteer). Keeping busy.

Your Dream Project? With all do respect, I will always promote all kindness and anti-bullying platforms and those of my Sister Queens WONDERKIDS is my DREAM PROJECT. I hope to have a Wonderkids representative in every school K-12. I will use the social media available to help gather and distribute whatever necessities are needed in their area. I will also match those who would like to give to those who are in need. I have been doing a form of this myself since I was 10 yo. It’s time to start doing this on a larger scale. Working out the details is a process. My first order of business (nonprofit) is to have a logo contest. I have a WONDERFUL sponsor who loves Faeries.

Follow me on FB Miss Franklin County Teen USA Thank you, Gladys Magazine (especially Anna & Debra) 90 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Ruthie

Photographer|Granimo Studios/Mo Mendes, H/mu|Haus of Beauty Hair color|Tessa Michaels Salon, Designers|Marc Defang, Johnathan Kayne, Jovani, and Bonnie Gomm

What is your favorite way to give back to your community, and why? Getting involved and encouraging others to get involved is a family tradition that I take very seriously. One of so many examples was during covid when no one could go to school. Every week for almost a year with the help of Dr. Susy Sanders of Morning Bridge Center in our small town of under 1,000 people. I put together 50 craft kits every 2 weeks. We gave out books and crayons. Had story time, cooking classes for kids, etc. on FB. There are so many things that were delivered to the library steps for anyone to enjoy. Why? Because it’s the right way to live amongst your neighbors, all mankind should be our neighbors.

15 Years Gladys inspiring

Photographer|Granimo Studios/Mo Mendes

Photography|Tess Johnson

Gladys Inspiring Titleholders

people

Ruthies Accolades and Awards

Photography|Tess Johnson

Photographer|Granimo Studios/Mo Mendes

er|G Photograph

rani

os/Mo mo Studi

Mendes

Photographer|Granimo Studios/Mo Mendes

National Honor Society, Athletic Scholar Award, World Jiu-jitsu Champion, State and Regional Gymnastics Champion, Governor’s Youth Volunteer Award, Civil Air Patrol, Special Olympics Volunteer.

Just a few of many. Her Volunteer and Community Service has been recognized by many and she is set to be awarded the Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Service Award. (4,000 hours)

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 91

Gladys Inspiring Dancer

15 Years Gladys inspiring

people

Julia Julia Yock

Known For: Dancer, Model, Cheerleader, Pageants Social Media: IG: @julia_nicole_yock Julia Yock is 12 years old and dances as part of the competitive dance company at Konquer Dance Company in Orland Park. She loves all forms of dance with her favorites being Acro, Contemporary, Jazz and Hip Hop. Because of this passion, Julia has started a nonprofit organization called Dance With Ambition. It promotes mental and physical health and teaches team building skills and the power of community. Dance With Ambition supports kids who do not have these opportunities. Julia is a hard-working student not only in dance but in her academic schoolwork regularly making the Honor Roll. She has been and is involved in many competitive sports, including basketball, volleyball, competitive gymnastics and competitive cheerleading, along with other activities and accomplishments such as playing the trombone, choir, being crowned Miss Pre-Teen Land of Lincoln International 2023 and most recently International Junior Miss Pre-Teen Greece.

Photography|Matty Jacobsen of Magic Dreams Productions @magicdreamsproductions

92 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 James @constantine_james Hair & Makeup|Constantine

Q&A

What inspires you to get up every morning? Knowing that after school I get to have fun at dance and see all my amazing friends.

What do you love most about dancing? I really love that I can be myself and just forget about everything else.

What dancer has inspired you? My dance teacher Miss Alyssa Francoeur. She is an amazing dancer and teacher.

What style of dance do you enjoy the most? I really love Contemporary. It allows me to use emotion and let loose.

Holiday Wish List?

I would love a new bike and some new dancewear.

What’s up next for you? I am looking forward to the upcoming dance competition season with @konquerdancecompany.

Your Dream Project? Definitely building my organization @dancewithambition to an international level.

Gladys Inspiring Dancer Photography|Mireya Acierto

15 Years Gladys inspiring

people

Milana Milana Grace Rojas Kulida Known For: Dancer/gymnast/actress/model Social Media: IG: Milana.grace.diary

Gladys Inspiring Titleholders

Q&A

What inspires you to get up every morning?

Every morning I wake up and I know that today I will become better than I was yesterday.

I try to put all my efforts in whatever I do, either at school, dancing or acting. Because the success comes to those who dream big and works hard to achieve those dreams.

What do you love most about dancing? I really enjoy performing on the stage! That is the reason why every competition is a beautiful celebration for me. I absolutely love being all dressed up and do my best in front of people and the judges.

What dancer has inspired you? My teachers inspire me, Loreta Kriksciukaitayte, Vadim Pidhoretskyy and his partner Ruby Castro. It is always amazing to watch them dancing!

What style of dance do you enjoy the most?

My favorite is Latin ballroom style. I also enjoy jazz, contemporary and hip hop.

Holiday Wish List? A new pair of ballroom shoes, haha! My main wishes are to have a great health, travel to new destinations and perform nationally and internationally.

What’s up next for you? I am currently preparing to participate in USDC ( United States Dance Championship). It is a very big deal for me as all the best dancers will come to this event to compete. I will also get a chance to watch the best champions of the world! That will be so inspiring!

Your Dream Project? I have a few. I would love to participate in America’s Got Talent, play a role in a Disney or Nickelodeon movie, publish my own book and create an organization for protecting animals and nature around us. I never stop dreaming!

Because “ The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” (Eleanor Roosevelt).

Aliana Aliana Ashworth

Known For: Clay County, WV Golden Delicious Teen 2023 Social Media: Instagram: @aliana.ashworth Photography|Yolanda Bass

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 93

GladysEvents

Jenny and the City

Teqball USA’s Pre-Espy’s

Luxury Lounge

By Jenny Leeser, Jenny and the City

On a typical and beautiful Sunny California day, GBK presented a super fun luxury lounge in honor of the ESPY’S. It took place at the rooftop of the La Peer Hotel in West Hollywood. The event had top athletes and A-list talent that received Amazing luxury gifts and yes over $40k!

So who attended? Some of the biggest names in the world of sports which included David Justice, TJ Ward, Zion Bowens, James Worthy, Odafe Oweh, Dion Dawkins, Norman Nixon, Chuck Aoki, Marcus Williams, Rodney Peete, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Erin Coscarelli, Isaac Keys, Darrell Taylor, Jerry Jacobs, Theotis Beasley, Brittany Gilman, Walther Thurmond III, NFAPA President, James Washington, and Marcus Williams. Several ESPY nominees, and past winners, were on hand, such as Susannah Scaroni, Cheri Blauwet, Erika McKee, Sara Reinerstein, MJ Acosta, and Mallory Weggemann. The biggest surprise guest was human rights activist Richard Lapchick who received the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award at the ESPYS. But let’s talk about the event, What is Teqball? Well, it’s actually an international sport, founded by Gabor Borsanyi, played on a curve table, the teq table and it’s the fastest growing sport in the U.S. El Cristiano tequila was in the house doing a tasting which of course I had a nice shot to keep my vitamin T. There was as well Calabria family wines and of course Topo Chico water to stay hydrated .No one was hungry because there were sandwiches from Ike’s Love and Sandwiches’, they always have a great variety from meat to vegan and they all have fun names, my favorite is the Da Vinci, which is the ultimate Italian sub with salami, turkey, ham, provolone cheese and of course their special Italian dressing.

They also had a pickle ball court by the “House of Pickle ball” so that was a fun experience. I discovered a new cell phone accessory /invention that is so on point for selfies & videos called PNKY- also known as a pinky stabilizer.

It was such a fun event!

XOXO Jenny

Dr Richard Lapchick and wife Ann with GBK Brand Bar CEO Gavin Keilly & Tara Jane at the 2023 Teqball Pre ESPY Lounge Presented by GBK Brand Bar and LA Magazine. Photo by Tiffany Rose 94 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

GladysEvents

James Worthy trying Teqball in person at the 2023 Teqball Pre ESPY Lounge presented by GBK Brand Bar and LA Magazine.

Photo by Tiffany Rose.

ESPY Nominee Erica McKee, her husband (L) paralympian Kevin McKee, previous ESPY winner Sarra Reinersten, and paralympian Cheri Blauwet Photo by Tiffany Rose

David Justice receiving Signal Relief pain patch at the 2023 Teqball Pre ESPY Lounge presented by GBK Brand Bar and LA Magazine. Photo by Craig Block Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 95

Hollywood Rising Stars

Singer

Photography|Kylie Nic

Gladys

The Rising Stars

Dominating 2023

Ren Martinez KNOWN FOR: Singer, Actress SOCIAL MEDIA INFO: IG: @renfarren, twitter: @renfarren, renfarren.com

Q&A

FIRST JOB: I was a hostess at a Mexican Restaurant near Westward Beach in Malibu called the Cantina. I’d grown up going there as a little kid. My first shift was on Cinco de Mayo, which I didn’t realize since they had just asked me to come in “this Saturday.” My first day it was an absolute madhouse, and it was dead the whole rest of the summer.

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: My debut album! A 10-song record. I’ve put out two EPs, Where I Am Wild and Good Girl, but this will be my first full-length, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share it with the world.

IF I WEREN’T AN SINGER/ACTRESS, I’D BE… a couples’ therapist. This is a recent fantasy induced by bingeing Couples Therapy on Amazon and Esther Perel’s podcast Where Should We Begin—Orna and Esther are my idols right now! I love love, and I love diving into the emotional deep-end.

It would be incredible to help facilitate healing between people. I’m imagining myself with a gorgeous office full of huge books and Swedish lamps and little cryptic knick knacks. My kingdom.

96 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

THE PERSON I AM DYING TO WORK WITH IS… Robyn. To write a pop duet with her would be unreal. I think she is a living legend, absolute superstar, and I love her music deeply. She’s a singular talent and she seems like she’s got her priorities right. That would be massive.

IF I HAD TO LIVE IN A WORLD FROM A MOVIE OR TV SHOW, I WOULD CHOOSE… Friday Night Lights, hands down, no question. I suppose I could just move to a small town in Texas, but it wouldn’t be the same!!

I’d need Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton in close proximity to function as the heart and soul of my town. This is my favorite television show of all time.

If I could actually wave a magic wand and choose to do this….well, I would consider it. This is honestly a very weird answer since I never went to one single football game at my actual high school but I stand by it. Texas forever!!

THE PERSON I’VE BEEN MOST STARSTRUCK BY IS…Weird Al. Growing up in LA I have seen so many celebrities (not meant to be a flex, anyone who lives in LA has)—you mostly get pretty numb to it. But one day I was walking out of a coffee shop in Los Feliz as Weird Al was walking in, and as soon as he passed me I started full-on crying. That man is my Mr. Rogers.

3 THINGS OR PEOPLE I LOVE ARE: Bodysurfing, walking the Silverlake reservoir at twilight, and going to my best friends’ shows.

Gladys

Actress

Hollywood Rising Stars

Zoe Bernard KNOWN FOR: Bernice on Asteroid City SOCIAL MEDIA: @zoerbernard11

Q&A

FIRST JOB: Young Hannah Stocking on her Youtube channel

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: Not much with the (SAG) strike going on. Just auditioning and playing lots of music. I am in two bands. I play just about every instrument IF I WEREN’T AN ACTRESS, I’D BE… a musician I am.

THE PERSON I AM DYING TO WORK WITH IS… Tom Hanks.

He’s so cool. I would come on set with the best riddle possible. He is not easily stumped.

THE PERSON I’VE BEEN MOST STARSTRUCK BY IS… Again, probably Tom Hanks. But I really did not realize who he was until I was already comfortable talking with him.

3 THINGS OR PEOPLE I LOVE ARE: My dog Cosmo, my family, and my music.

Photography|Deidhra Fahey

IF I HAD TO LIVE IN A WORLD FROM A MOVIE OR TV SHOW I WOULD CHOOSE… The set of ZOEY 101. It’s so cool there.

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 97

Gladys Exclusive Interview

Jenny and the City

Lumiere Runway Interview by Jenny Leeser, Jenny and the City Based in Los Angeles and Hong Kong, Lumiere Runway is a Spectacular Fashion show concept that includes International Fashion Brands and great Performers on the runway. Including a VIP Business Lounge to network and build your connections.

We showcase unique sustainable eco-couture masterpieces from around the world, raising awareness for a “sustainable fashion industry and planet Earth.” Today, our organization has blossomed to more than 100 Fashion designer brands, many international artists, on five continents.

From our humble beginning, as a creative runway show and red-carpet VIP event, we grew into an expensive extravaganza. Our event for Los Angeles Fashion Week at Sony Pictures Studios was on October 21st, 2023. We showcased 9 Brands including Hong Kong Iconic designer brand: Sparkle Collection. We have selected upcoming Fashion Designers who had an inLaurent Miler credible dynamic since January 2023 and were ready to showcase their best pieces.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO DO WHAT YOU DO? It is like any other business, you need to understand the challenges, and objectives of producing. Producing a Fashion show is already very stressful and complicated, but our business is even more complex, because we are showcasing 10 designers for one day.

Don’t underestimate the venue and listen to your audience. Have a clear viWHAT IS LUMIERE RUNWAY? Lumiere Runway is our Fashion house productions, we are a social Business sion of how you want your show to look like and be prepared for surprises, Platform based in Hong Kong and Los Angeles. Including in-person Run- last minutes changes. way show and digital with our metaverse platform called LUMIVERSE. One of our Focus is to create more business opportunities for creators/artists and brands. We help our clients entertain, inform, and inspire the world. In Addition to that, we guide them to reach new market opportunities and audience.

Q &A

WHEN AND HOW DID IT BEGIN? Lumiere Runway begin in 2019 in Los Angeles and Hong Kong. Our first Fashion show was in Hong Kong on July 6th, 2019, showcasing 11 Brands, including 5 designer brands from New Zealand. The creation of Lumiere Runway comes from the meeting of Fionna Wong and myself, she inspired me and shared her passion and experience. We share the same vision and we decided to move forward in this extraordinary journey.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT FASHION? Fashion is more than runway events, fashion week and all that. It can become a mental therapy, and will reinforce your confidence, make you feel happy, and share your story to the world.

WHAT’S THE MOST INTERESTING FASHION SHOW LUMIERE HAS PRESENTED? Each Lumiere Runway has brought so much emotion and great memories, from Pre-Productions to Post-Productions, every show has intense moments of happiness and stress. One of the most interesting shows was the Fashion event in Hong Kong on November 26th, 2022, at this historical venue called Haw Par mansion, it was the most expensive production, complexed venue, many small challenges during the day and longest runway, we ever built. We had more than 550 guests from all over the world, international brands, with iconic designer brand from Hong Kong called Sparkle Collection.We had our public relations team handle Hong Kong government officials.

HOW DO YOU SELECT THE FEATURED DESIGNERS? There are difference ways a Designer brand can be part of our show.

First, Fashion brands apply and contact us, our team reviews their website, Instagram and their new collection as we need to make sure it doesn’t compete with other designers, the presenting collection matches the theme of the show, and depends on the story of the designer/director.

98 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Co-Founder/Director, Fionna Wong Photographer: Takuya Takuya Tachibana

Designer Rossario George

Photographer: Mike Harris, Model: Rylee Spinks

Lumiere runway Hong Kong Designer, KRSV Photographer: Nolan Lee

3D floor plan of upcoming fashion show LAFW at Sony Pictures Studios

Designer, Sparkle Collection Photographer, Nolan Lee Production Team with Fionna Wong Co-Founder/ Director, Photographer: Mike Harris

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 99

ALYNE by Rita Vinieris Spring/Summer 2024

100 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

JOURNEE

TAYTUM

Rita Vinieris’s Spring/Summer 2024 Alyne SS24 collection goes beyond the expected.

Rita Vinieris’s impeccable craftsmanship shines through, creating masterpieces that are as unique as they are beautiful - a testament to the designer’s visionary command over style and substance. ritavinieris.com

LILY

MELODY

LONDYN

SUMMER

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 101

GladysExclusive Interview

HALLSTEIN WATER Exclusive Interview with Elisabeth Muhr, Co-Founder of Hallllstein Water by Jenny Leeser, Jenny and the City Photos courtesy of Hallstein

Q &A

WHAT IS HALLSTEIN WATER? It is the only water on the market which is totally and honestly untouched, untreated, and uncompromised. It has a remarkable velvety palette and rare balance of minerals that naturally occur due to the unique terrain and limestone at our source at the base of Dachstein mountain in the Austrian Alps.

HOW AND WHEN DID IT START? It started in 1999 as a family project to find the best drinking water available to us. The main goal was to avoid cell inflammation, which makes you age faster and increases the probability of developing dormant illnesses.

Although we can survive quite a while without food - Mahatma Gandhi survived 21 days - we can only survive three days without water. The saying “water is life,” is in fact literal. Our bodies are 60%-70% and we knew unlocking the science behind ideal water composition would be a critical source of longevity and wellness. Then we discovered that the FDA/EPA hadn’t really made significant updates to the original law from the 1970s (except for small adjustments in 1996), so we knew we had to dig deeper.

Working with a team of scientists and water experts, we began to establish some core metrics, which we called the “Hallstein Octagon,” for defining drinking water quality. Using their criteria, we began testing a large number of waters (from stores and tap water) in laboratories. The results were eye-opening. What they revealed was that there wasn’t a single commercially available drinking water that met our criteria for “high quality.”

Then we knew that we had to discover our own source.

A team of hydro-geologists, geological university departments and an oil company, who scoured worldwide formation maps, pointed to the only possible area with a probability to find such amazing water, and this area was surprisingly in Austria, our homeland. We have a wonderful video that tells the whole story on our website - if you enjoy Wes Anderson films, you’ll have fun watching this! A Hallstein Tale - Movie

102 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU? I was born in Innsbruck, Austria and grew up in the most beautiful countryside. From early on my passion was the outdoors and especially water. I remember redirecting the small creek behind my family’s house with rocks and plants, so my dolls or our dog could safely be on a small float.

I later went to the University of Environmental Engineering in Vienna, Austria and got a degree as an engineer and ecologist.

Before I started my dream job as part of a team for the evaluation of hydro-power plants, I decided to take a job at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, teaching graduate students the “Effects of Ecology applied to Environmental Engineering.” But I met my husband, changed my plans, stayed in the US and the rest is history.

DOES THE PACKAGING MATTER? Yes, it matters and we are constantly working on improving it.

We are the only company using white recycled glass for our glass bottles.

Right now, we are redesigning the bottles to make them lighter. Our carton packaging is made explicitly of 100% recycled cardboard and printed with non-toxic ink both reducing the use of raw materials and ensuring the breakdown process is earth-friendly. Even our filling plant was built to the highest sustainability standards: geothermal heat, a green roof, clearing the least amount of woods, leaving a strip of untouched woods and vegetation between the building and the road to hide it.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN BOTTLED WATERS? The difference between all bottled waters is the content and treatment, which is necessary to make a water stable. Very often, water companies want to change a water which is acidic to alkaline, so they add large amounts of Sodium, Calcium, or Magnesium to water which can be detrimental to one’s health in large amounts. But at a minimum, these processed waters are heated and treated with UV to eliminate the bacteria or organic material.

Hallstein is un-processed and therefore naturally pure with the ultimate combination of factors including high pH of 8.3, perfect calcium:magnesium

ratio, high naturally dissolved oxygen and low (really trace amounts) of sodium. Additionally, what we are incredibly proud to state is Hallstein has been proven to be 100% PFAS and microplastics free. Both these toxins are practically unavoidable in daily life - microplastics are also in the air. Our source is so pristine and how we harvest what it naturally produces, allows us to maintain this delicate gift of nature. All the details of our Octagon and water quality reports are available here. The purest drinking water on earth - Hallstein Water

GladysExclusive Interview

HOW DID YOU REALIZE THAT YOU WANTED TO START A WATER COMPANY? We shipped Hallstein to our homes in Austria and the United States.

Many of our friends asked if they could have it too because it tasted so smooth and velvety. They felt that all of a sudden they had found a product which would get them started to better hydration and overall health.

WHAT ARE THE KEY BENEFITS OF HALLSTEIN WATER? We originally started out to drink the very best water for ultimate hydration, ultimate cleansing and prevention of aging. Two years ago we were asked to provide Hallstein for a clinical study in Germany, where the doctors and scientists wanted to find out if and then how different waters acted in humans.

They had 182 participants and the results were baffling. A way to measure one’s health is to measure one’s “antioxidative capacity” and one’s “free radicals.”

“Laboratory values show that antioxidant capacity increases by 14.5% (p = 0.038) with AQ water, and by 6.2% with tap water. Free radicals, which were increased on average in all groups at the beginning, decreased by 9.7 % (p = 0.018) with AQ water and by 3.6 % with tap water. Over- all, it can be said that the AQ water from Hallstatt/ Obertraun can reduce oxidative stress more than twice as well as the test- ed tap water from the Fürstenzell (best tap water in Germany) water protection area”.

Elisabeth Muhr, Co-Founder of Hallstein Water

As you can imagine, with these scientific results Hallstein has become recommended by doctors and spas. You can read the full report by Dr. Deutschlander here hallstein.cdn.prismic.io/ hallstein/4e7524be-e7f2-4ff4-bed2-9c6781f4fa1b_Quellen-des-Lebens-WaterStudy-EN.pdf Additionally, we were delighted to learn - because of the high content of natural Oxygen, the high alkalinity and the low-moderate dissolved minerals - Hallstein is the favorite water of prime wine producers and 5-star chefs. Why? Oxygen and alkalinity cleanse your palate and make it ready to enjoy the next sip or bite; and no chlorides or salts collide with the beautiful tastes you are actually intended to enjoy.

WHERE CAN I FIND IT? You can only order it online at hallsteinwater.com or go to any number of restaurants or hotels that serve it on a daily basis!

Hallllstein Water Facility

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 103

Photography|Joanna Degeneres

Gladys

Photography|Hailey Walls

FEATURED PEOPLE

Jenn Todryk

KNOWN FOR: HGTV star, entrepreneur, author and home renovation expert. Host of HGTV’s “No Demo Reno.”

SOCIAL MEDIA: @theramblingredhead

Q&A

NAME THREE PEOPLE YOU ARE INSPIRED BY: Lucille Ball. While I find her funny and so fun to watch, I admire her more for her stance as a businesswoman. She did a lot of “firsts” in her industry and was labeled “hard to work with” because she knew her worth and stood her ground. Her story inspires me so much!

BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN? Advice that has to do with staying true to myself. Everyone else has already been done so I just gotta have fun being me, something I hope my kids live by as well!

WHAT ARE YOU MOST HOPEFUL FOR IN THE FUTURE? That my kids have happy, fulfilling lives!

WHAT’S ON YOUR HOLIDAY WISH LIST? Cargo pants (because comfortable), cozy blankets, tennis shoes, The Container Store gift cards. I’m extremely basic.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU? Who really knows?! I love living life in the moment. I have goals or things that I think would be really cool to do but overall, I like enjoying things and opportunities as they come!

Being a mom will always be my main priority, so I plan to be very present in all of the activities my kids have recently taken on. I think TV will stay in my future for a while, whether it’s doing what I’m currently doing (home renovations) or trying other things! Our family businesses, Armor Brewery and Armor Coffee are always expanding and evolving and that keeps us VERY busy!

YOUR FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: “Don’t take no sh*t, Jenn.” - my dad

104 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys

Photography|Hrvoje Serdar

Photographer|Ben Cope, Stylist|Anna Schilling, Hair/Makeup|Olaf Derlig

FEATURED PEOPLE

Neb Chupin

KNOWN FOR: Mindcage, Fanatic, Poison Rose SOCIAL MEDIA: @Nebchupin

Q&A Suzana Pires

KNOWN FOR: Acting, writing, producing.

SOCIAL MEDIA: @suzipires

Q&A

NAME THREE PEOPLE YOU ARE INSPIRED BY: Michelle Obama, Greta Gerwig and Eva Longoria.

BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN? Talk less, listen more.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST HOPEFUL FOR IN THE FUTURE? I’m hopeful that we will reach gender and racial equality.

WHAT’S ON YOUR HOLIDAY WISH LIST? I’d love to visit Italy!

WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU? My new book “Unleashed” released back on August 19th, 2023, and I’ll soon launch a US branch for my foundation, Dona de Si. YOUR FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: “Find people who will make you better.”

- Michelle Obama.

NAME THREE PEOPLE YOU ARE INSPIRED BY: My Father, Nikola Chupin was for a long time my role model. I admired his passion for work and knowledge. He always strived to be in the top of anything he did. In sports he was an amazing athlete, Olympian, and he got his PhD quite early. Elon Musk is a person I follow and learn a lot from his quotes. I find him to be a very dedicated and transparent person and Bruce Lee - hard work and discipline BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN? Be yourself, listen to yourself.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST HOPEFUL FOR IN THE FUTURE? To raise my kids in a proper way so they become great citizens of the world. To complete my 7y old film project The Islander. To mantain health and training routine.

WHAT’S ON YOUR HOLIDAY WISH LIST? TTo complete my 7y old film project The Islander. I hope to have it sold before the holidays. I also want to go skiing with my kids this winter.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU? Pitching my trilology film project to a studio.

If I go back and look at my life I will see that I immigrated to the US and graduated from engineering college in Boston. I worked 10 years as an engineer and decided to create my own way of income. I achieved it with the food importing business. I am now selling organic foods to major US retail chains, the business is stil going strong and we are still the number #1 condiment to cheese. Dalmatia Fig Spread.I am also at the end of finishing an apocalyptic fantasy family film The Islander where we have created our own world and have sequels and prequels written. If the first movie becomes successful, I am hopeful to create my own franchise and production and keep producing fun and educational films..

YOUR FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: More you give - more you will get.

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 105

FEATURED PEOPLE

Brooke Ashley Hall KNOWN FOR: Lifestyle, fashion and beauty influencer.

Popular creator on TikTok with over 13 million followers.

SOCIAL MEDIA: @TikTok: @brookeashleyhall

Brooke Ashley Hall is a beauty and lifestyle influencer with over 14 million followers, a Fashion Nova partner, and model.

The popular TikTok influencer is married to Marco Hall, a professional boxer. Together, they created social media channels for fun and posted prank videos and lifestyle content consistently.

When the pandemic hit, their popularity on TikTok skyrocketed, leading to brand partnerships and opportunities for them to earn more online. Eventually, they were able to leave their day jobs to pursue a career in social media while raising their children.

Brooke has had partnerships with notable brands like Apple TV, Pantene, Olay, Fashion Nova, Walmart, Clarins, P&G, Eucerin, Hilton and more.

106 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Photo courtesy of Brooke Ashley Hall

Gladys

FEATURED PEOPLE

Photography|Barry Morganstein

Photography|Headshots by JD

Gladys

Dee Dee Sorvino

Zane Haney

KNOWN FOR: Central Valley, Unfix, and Do You Remember SOCIAL MEDIA: @zaney711

Q&A

NAME THREE PEOPLE YOU ARE INSPIRED BY: My great grandfather George Tzanes, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Frank Sinatra BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN? To seek goodness everywhere, and when it is found, bring it out of its’ hiding place and let it be free and unashamed.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST HOPEFUL FOR IN THE FUTURE? To continue to be a part of impactful stories that reach a wide audience.

And to travel more - preferably to New Zealand.

WHAT’S ON YOUR HOLIDAY WISH LIST? A ticket to New Zealand, haha!

WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU? I just wrapped a feature based on the Netflix Documentary WORST ROOMATE EVER. I play a con artist squatter who poses as a lawyer and wreaks havoc in his roommate’s home.

KNOWN FOR: Emmy winning TV Host , founder of sorvinovino.com, Cabaret Star SOCIAL MEDIA: @deedeesorvino

Q&A

NAME THREE PEOPLE YOU ARE INSPIRED BY: Paul Sorvino, Donelle Dadigan, George Washington BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN? “There is no charm equal to tenderness of the heart.”

WHAT ARE YOU MOST HOPEFUL FOR IN THE FUTURE? Freedom Being Protected Again.

WHAT’S ON YOUR HOLIDAY WISH LIST? New memories being made for next Christmas.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU? I am excited about Sorvino Vino, sorvinovino.com and building a wine & spirits empire. Also, performing Cabaret across our beautiful country.

YOUR FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

YOUR FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: “My philosophy is: it’s none of my business what people say of me and think of me. I am what I am, and I do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. And it makes life so much easier.” - Anthony Hopkins Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 107

FEATURED PEOPLE

Muna Otaru

KNOWN FOR: Dreaming Whilst Black, The Keeping Room Broken SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram - munaotaru

Q&A

NAME THREE PEOPLE YOU ARE INSPIRED BY: My late step-grandmother, Hajiya Maimuna – she taught me how to pray and to ask God for what I wanted and to trust in the Universe. She was my first spiritual teacher and I still carry her words with me. Marianne Williamson – I came across her work many moons ago and began to shift my perspective on how I perceived life. Anais Nin – The brave way she delved into sexuality through the female gaze was very brave and radical for her time and gave me permission to do the same

BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN? I was working as a production assistant on my first TV job, The Wire and I was grappling with how to deal with a situation at the time. The amazing Makeup Artist, Debi Young, told me to stay humble. That has evolved over the years to reminding myself to stay humble in every circumstance as I have a limited awareness and information, I am not privy to.

108 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Photgraphy|Ruth Crafer

Gladys

WHAT ARE YOU MOST HOPEFUL FOR IN THE FUTURE? I am hopeful that I can always organically return to inner peace. In whatever situation I am in, my resting place will be peace.

WHAT’S ON YOUR HOLIDAY WISH LIST? Sunshine! Warm Ocean!

Wearing as little clothes as possible because the weather in the U.K. this summer has been criminal, and the sun should be arrested for negligence.

Plus, lots and lots of good food surrounded by joy, laughter and loved ones!

WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU? I think I stopped answering that question after the global pandemic. This year, it’s the strikes. We may plan, but we never really know what’s around the corner and there is a freedom to staying open to see what emerges.

YOUR FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: I don’t have one, but these are a few that I’ve noted in the past.

Every Life is a Platform – Marianne Williamson You don’t stop Eartha. You use all the manure that has been thrown on you, and you use it as fertilizer – Eartha Kitt If cauliflower can somehow become pizza, you my friend, can do anything – Author Unknown

Photographer|Tuan Pham

Photography|William Kidston

Gladys

FEATURED PEOPLE

Star Simmons

KNOWN FOR: TV Producer and Creator of V Kind Studios SOCIAL MEDIA: @vkindapp

Q&A

NAME THREE PEOPLE YOU ARE INSPIRED BY: Joaquin Phoenix: Joaquin’s unwavering dedication to animal rights and influential advocacy for a more compassionate world is truly inspiring. His commitment aligns perfectly with Vkind’s mission to promote animal welfare. James Cromwell: James has been a powerful voice for environmental sustainability and animal protection. His support for ethical and sustainable practices resonates with our values at Vkind.

Esta Bernstein: Esta runs Saffyre Sanctuary, an LA-based horse rescue and rehabilitation program. I deeply admire all those dedicated to running animal sanctuaries––their willingness to do the hard work involved is an inspiration.

Sanctuaries play a crucial role in our mission to promote a plant-powered economy, and her efforts are truly inspiring.

BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN? “Trust, but verify.” This advice has been instrumental in our journey at Vkind. It reminds us to maintain trust in our community of purpose-driven consumers and businesses while ensuring that our platform upholds the highest standards of sustainability and ethics.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST HOPEFUL FOR IN THE FUTURE? I am most hopeful for the future of The VegEconomy, our vision of a more connected and sustainable world. As humanity evolves, we will better understand the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of ethical choices in our daily lives.

WHAT’S ON YOUR HOLIDAY WISH LIST? A much-needed vacation! As much as I am dedicated to our mission, taking a break to recharge and explore new plant-based culinary delights and sustainable destinations would be a fantastic way to rejuvenate.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU? The next chapter for Vkind involves expanding our ecosystem, with the success of our immersive experience, VKX2023, in November and taking our app, with its innovative features like the Vkind Travel Buddy, to a global audience. We are excited about the potential for an even more significant impact on the plant-based community and beyond.

YOUR FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE? Mahatma Gahdhi’s timeless quote “Be the change you wish to see in the world” encapsulates our mission at Vkind. We strive daily to inspire positive change by connecting purpose-driven consumers with ethical and sustainable brands and professionals.

Renata Valliulina

KNOWN FOR: My social media content on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram: @renatarrii, TikTok: @riwww, YouTube: @renatarrii

Q&A

NAME THREE PEOPLE YOU ARE INSPIRED BY: My past, my present, and my future self.

BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN? The best advice I’ve ever received is that consistency pays off.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST HOPEFUL FOR IN THE FUTURE? An amazing, happy life that is full of adventure!

WHAT’S ON YOUR HOLIDAY WISH LIST? I don’t have a typical holiday wish list, but I would like to try a lot of sports! Also, I want to get better at surfing.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU? At the moment I don’t know. Life is full of unpredictable things, but I am excited to see what the future holds!

YOUR FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: “All you have to do is loosen your grip, stop grabbing life by the throat and you will find that it instantly becomes friendly and willing.”

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 109

Gladys Dreams Stars

Cheyanne 110 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Dream Stor Model|Cheyanne Buhrts, Photographer|McKayla Ann Photography HMUA|Makeup by Mark, Location|Jenny Lynn Photography studio in Martinsburg WV

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 111

Gladys Dreams Stars

112 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Blaike Dream Star Model|Blaike Hepner HMU|Gretchen PIngley Photographer|Gretchen PIngley Photography

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 113

Gladys Dreams Stars

Kyndra 114 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Dream Star Model| Kyndra Batton Photographer|Jessica von Photography Makeup Artist|Makeup by Courtney Porter Hair Stylist|Sydney Moore

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 115

Dream Star Finalists

Evelyn Wirth

Photographer|Vee Portrait, Hair|Sheng Lor, MU|Vene Lee

Emma Smith

Braylin Tilson

Photographer|Milan Bolar, Designer|Marc Defang HMU|One Heel Ahead

Lauren Jakub Lauren Bodwell Photography

Amelia Chick IG: Ameliarosechick

Photography|Carlos Velez, Hair and makeup|Team Flawless

Alexis Grace

Grace Violla Vining

Photography|Tess J. Photography

Carmina Fortin

Kirsty Beauchesne

Sarah Hubbard

Annamaria Thomas

Madison Paige Cutright Greysson

Stewart Smith Photography

Jennifer Beagle

116 Stewart Gladys Smith Holiday Photography Issue 2023

Photography|Christopher Foster

Photography|Gondek Photography

Photography|Lindsey Smith, HAMU|Kelly Lyerly

Photography| Mo Mendes, Granimo Studios

Gretchen Pingley Photography

Demi Delaney Breeden

Audrey Claire Johnson Photography|Mark Farmer Photography and digital production HMU| Gloss Beauty Brand

BB Photography

Gladys Girl Finalists

Jenny Lynn Photography

Katie Winchenbach

Allie Rhodes

Hannah Eilert

USOA Mrs. Windham 2023 Marissa Elise Photography

Photography|Jennifer Rhodes

Creative Designs Photography

Maddison White Creative Designs Photography

Payton Duncan

Jaeneika Westfall

Photography|@gaidiansgallery

Zaria Hilton

Jenny Lynn Photography

Jocelyn Sykes

Bhavi Shah

Laci Cummings

Lauren Brooks Taylor

Isabella Moran

Daisy Randall Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 117

Oktober Hollow Photography by Jennifer Lynn

Devyn Brasslett

Photography|Mo Mendes - Granimo Studios

Photography|Dhruman Goradia

Shannon Nicoll

Ms New Portland, Maine Photography|Christina Marie LeBel

Photographer| Catherine Fiehn Photography

Amber Cloy Photography

Photography|Lisa Weaver

Photography|Kristie Ayers, Ayers Photography and Design

Boulier Photography

G G

Olivia OCTOBER

118 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys Girl Model|Olivia Gurney Photographer|Susan Costa HMUA|Vanessa Ouellette

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 119

G G G

Kaleigh Kaleigh HOLIDAY NOVEMBER

Gladys Girl Model|Kaleigh Coldwell Photographer|Gracie Frame - Framed Photography

120 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 121

G G

Ruthie DECEMBER

122 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys Girl Model|Ruthie Gusler, Photographer|Granimo Studios/Mo Mendes H/MU|Haus of Beauty, Hair color|Tessa Michaels Salon Designers|Marc Defang, Johnathan Kayne, Jovani, and Bonnie Gomm

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 123

G G

Sienna HOLIDAY

124 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

Gladys Girl Model|Sienna Bryant Photographer: Susan Costa, HMUA|Vanessa Ouellette Location| ViA VECCHiA - Portland ME

Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 125

kismetbymilka.com

126 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

ADVERTISE with

G ladys gladysmagazine.com

Dream Stor Model|Cheyanne Buhrts, Photography|McKayla Ann Photography, HMU to Make Up| By Mark (Mark Castle)

inspiration ~ fashion ~ beauty ~ dreams

Gladys SUBSCRIBE and NEVER miss an Issue of Gladys! gladysmagazine.com SINGLE COPIES are also available!

Don’t forget to send us your photos holding GLADYS! Or, just tag us on social media #GladysMagazine

Name Address

YES, I’d like a one year quarterly subscription $40.00 (postage/handling included in the price)

City/State/Zip Phone (optional)

Email

A check or money order is enclosed for $40.00 Form of payment (cash, check or money order only)

Signature To order, mail to: Gladys Magazine • P.O. Box 951 • Connellsville, PA 15425 or order online at gladysmagazine.com Gladys Holiday Issue 2023 127

Love

Gladys Issue

Coming

February 2024! gladysmagazine.com

128 Gladys Holiday Issue 2023

JOYFOLIE

Launches Inaugural Bridal Collection joyfolie.com

Contact us to find out how you can be a

Gladys

Girl or a

Dream Star

ladys G Celebrating 15 Years!!

Gladys Girl Model|Sienna Bryant Photographer|Susan Costa Photography, SusanCostaPhotography.com HMUA: Vanessa Ouellette, Indoor venue|ViA VECCHiA- Portland Maine

info@gladysmagazine.com

gladysmagazine.com

Greg Alexander PHOTOGRAPHY MÉPHISTOPHÉLÈS PRODUCTION

mephistopheles.fr Photographer|Greg Alexander, Art Director|Sébastien Vienne, Assistants|Gaelle Mbaye and Patricia Constanza Hair|Alexander Trentini, Make-up|Carine Larchet, Designers|dress La Métamorphose, bag and shoes Lena Erziak Model|Lilly Krug, Special Thanks to: JW Marriot hotel, Cannes, Méphistophélès Productions, mephistopheles.fr