Meet Gabriella, she is a creative, artist, storyteller, and branding guru. She is the definition of multi-talented— building brands by day, and bringing art to life by night. She has done murals for some of our favorite fashion houses.
We spent an hour chatting with beautiful Gabriella, learning more about her health journey, favorite Italian pasta dishes and restaurants (we are still drooling over her Puglia restaurant recommendation), and the source of her creative fluidity. Get to know Gabriella...
I AM GABRIELLA AND I DEFINE CONFIDENCE AS SELF-ACCEPTANCE.
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I grew up in Westchester County, New York and now live in Lower East Side, Manhattan - moving to the city has always been a much-needed creative shift for me.
HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO?
Storytelling. I am a social media manager and copywriter for a boutique agency in Soho, Manhattan - moonlighting as a designer and muralist.
WHY IS HAVING A HEALTHY GUT IMPORTANT TO YOU?
It’s the foundation I need to enact self love, heal and move my body everyday. Over the course of my young adult life, I’ve struggled with mood balance and find that a healthy gut diet stabilizes my feelings and allows me to enjoy life more fully.
WHY THE CONFIDENCE CO MISSION RESONATE WITH ME?
The Confidence Co resonates with myself and my personal journey because in order to really build self-assurance we need to invest in ourselves and taking the time needed to get rid of the bad stuff - regrets, mistakes, hardships. The gains are all part of our gut health and once we feel good about ourselves on the inside, the evolution and belief in who we are is authentic.
NAME YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT.
My favorite restaurant is more like a favorite place, chef and ambiance. If you ever have the chance, visit Masseria Morsetta in Puglia, Italy. Giorgia Eugenia Goggi’s food is to-die-for.
NAME THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE FOODS.
I cannot resist gnocchi, pizza, or focaccia - to die for!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE?
The easiest one to share and most likely what I have on a regular basis, my green smoothie: spinach, banana, mango, almond butter, coconut water, and vanilla protein powder.
ANY MAJOR WELLNESS MOMENTS IN YOUR LIFE?
When I was 26, I found out that I had a congenital issue with my right kidney which functions at an 18% level while the other at the normal 50%. I got surgery to prevent the issue from getting worse and although previously pretty healthy have since focused on being kinder to my body with things like an occasional kidney cleanse, intermittent fasting or lomap diet.
WHAT'S YOUR CURRENT SELF-CARE ROUTINE?
Keeping my body hydrated, I start with hot lemon water in the morning and carry around a large glass mason jar which I keep filled with water throughout the day. I workout every day, eat clean, and focus on not drinking too much alcohol. I miss my weekly infrared sauna, and lymphatic drainage massages, but in the meantime I dry brush before every shower.
WHERE DO YOU GET OR DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?
Culture and traveling have taught me a different way to look and appreciate the world. Nature - flowers, the sea, and sunsets specifically. Novels and iconic films like Roman Holiday and La Bella Vita. Unique stories and people that I’ve encountered through the course of my life. Strong minded women who have paved the way when there wasn’t one to follow.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR 18-YEAR OLD SELF?
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Stay true to your values, keep an open mind and gravitate towards the things, people, and places that teach you something new about yourself and life in general. Nourish the relationships you have that are healthy and positive because they will be your greatest asset.
HOW HAVE YOU KEPT UP YOUR CREATIVITY DURING THIS TIME?
I've been focusing on keeping perspective of what matters most to me and what gives me the most happiness. I tend to feel overwhelmed by all of the things I desire to do - that turns into anxiety and procrastination. So, I have a running list and try to check off at least two or three bullet points a day. For some things, I might even challenge myself to complete one hour every day for a month like working out or practicing my Italian.
HAVE YOU FOUND CREATING ART TO BE HELPFUL WITH EVERYTHING GOING ON? IF SO, HOW?
Creating art has always felt like having a superpower. Whatever medium I’m working on, seeing it through from ideation to fruition is instantly gratifying. During quarantine, I have been designing new ideas (digitally and on paper), writing a story for a lifestyle brand i would like to eventually launch, painting, and baking new recipes that I have been wanting to master. It either feels therapeutic or like an adrenaline rush depending on the size of the project.
WHAT IS ONE SELF-CARE RITUAL YOU'RE LEANING INTO FOR COMFORT?
A consistent skincare routine. For no particular reason, I’ve never been one to care about this step in much detail and have been doing a lot more research (and purchasing) to perfect it. I only use clean beauty and some of my favorites are goop instant facial, Summer Fridays moisturizer, Ole Henriksen eye cream and Foreo’s facial cleansing brush.
DO YOU HAVE A QUOTE, POEM OR SONG THAT YOU WOULD DEFINE AS YOUR ANTHEM?
Non c'è inizio né fine, esiste solo l'infinita passione per la vita - Federico Fellini [ There is no beginning or end. There is only the infinite passion for life.]