Today we introduce you to the incredible @glorianoto the mastermind behind @noto_botanics. Gloria's do it yourself philosophy is an inspiration. Not only does she beautify some of the worlds coolest people with her makeup skills, she has went a step further and created her own product line that is organic and not tested on animals.
You moved out of home when you were 16, could you share what that was like? I moved out at a time when I knew I had to go towards something greater in my life, a life that was authentic to me - without being made to feel bad about who I was and to find out how big I could make my life. I came from a hard home - one that really skewed my ideas of love, of kindness, of grace, and of openness. I knew I wanted something different and I knew I had to make the choice to create that for myself. There is a part of me that is still figuring out what certain things look like - what love feels like - what success means to me - and what my core values are. But making the choice to leave at a young age was absolutely what I had to do. I always felt like something was guiding me, and for whatever reason I had the courage to trust in that. Trust is a huge part of my life and trusting in myself and my intuition has been my biggest and continued lesson in life.
What are some of the core values you believe are important to live by? I have been thinking about this a lot lately actually. I would say trust and honesty are two top values I have in me and I hope to find in others. Authenticity - the courage to be. Kindhearted care for others and empathy. A light heart that is light because it is honest. The things that allow a human to feel at peace in themselves - even when things may not be incredible - the feeling of not needing to seek because they already know that what we seek is already inside of us.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of starting a new project or business? I would say be sure to have an authentic story on why you must bring another business into existence - love your story so much and your reasons why so much because there will be times when the love and purpose for what you will be the one string holding you onto continuing - and that strength and courage make it all worth while. Also, get the right help or team and delegate.
What is the best part of living in LA? That is a cultural hub with incredible weather and geography.
What do you usually eat for breakfast? I don't usually do most things - so it varies -
What are your thoughts on eastern practices? I think that as long as you aren't playing spiritual dress up or spiritually bypassing the lessons to look or seem a certain way (even to yourself) then dive into what connects to you. It always comes down to honesty - mostly with yourself. It comes down to not adopting something to totally smoke smudge right past the essence of what the meaning of it is. If eastern practices are what call you, then run to it, and when you get to it - genuinely dive into it.
What book should I read next? I think it depends on what you are curious about at this time. But I just read the Seeds for the Soul by Chuck Hillig and really took away some valuable information - also A year with Swollen Appendages by Brian Eno.
What obstacles have you overcome to get where you are? I'm not really too sure on how to answer this - but I would have to say Fear has been the obstacle that presents itself to me and can stunt my growth - but I try my best to notice when fear is coming through versus intuition.
What is one talent or strength of yours, which has been critical to your success? I would say the power to put the pen to the paper even if I don't know all the words to the sentence yet. Meaning - if I want to start something, I start it - and then learn what I need to learn along the way. I think, for me, that is very important because I can often have an idea and let it dissolve unless I take action.
When do you feel most present? Right now.