Meet Gloria

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gloria and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gloria, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk has been a crucial part of my journey as an independent creative and small business owner. I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not taken that initial leap – boldly stepping into my dreams without a roadmap, just a vision and a deep inner knowing. Every step forward has required a certain kind of courage – one that demands an unwavering confidence in the leap itself and, more importantly, a profound trust in who I am and what I am capable of.

To me, risk isn’t reckless, it’s intentional. It is about choosing to follow what feels true, even when the outcome is uncertain. I believe the most impactful risks are the ones deeply rooted in authentic desire, commitment, and hard work. They require you to be all in – not just with your actions, but with your heart and soul.

There is also an openness that comes with risk-taking that I find to be sacred. No matter how calculated or prepared you think you are, there will always be space for the unexpected to show up – and often, that’s where the real magic lies. Some of the most beautiful, expansive moments in my career have happened because I left space for possibility beyond my imagination. I’ve learned that when you’re brave enough to take those kinds of leaps, you open yourself up to experiences, connections, and growth you might never have encountered otherwise. If you don’t take the risks that speak to your soul – those that feel both exciting and little terrifying – you risk something even greater: never truly knowing the full capacity of you are and what you’re here to do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My entire creative practice is rooted in soul – and more importantly, in the empowerment of the human spirit. I don’t just make art; I live it through and through. I dive headfirst into life’s depths, researching, traveling, listening, and integrating every layer of existence into my work. Whether it’s the resilience of orchids growing on rock, the fury of a bucking bull, or the quiet wisdom of water – my pieces are designed to mirror our own journeys through challenge, beauty transformation, and triumph.

The natural elements of earth, fire, water, and air serve as the visual language of my work. Each one carries a symbolic role in our emotional and spiritual cycles. My art invites people to recognize their own fire, honor their softness, and reconnect with their capacity to rise.

At the center of my practice is the bull – a symbol I adopted in 2013 during one of the darkest times in my life. To me, the bull is not just powerful – it’s empowering. It represents our divine energy, the one that calls us to “grab life by the horns” and charge forward into our inner and outer landscapes. The bull helped me find my inner strength when I had none left, and it continues to guide my work as a metaphor for liberation.

I am proud of how far I’ve come by staying true to my voice as an independent artist navigating untraditional paths. This has included overcoming waves of self-doubt, financial uncertainty, and the vulnerability of showing my heart to the world. I’ve learned that authenticity and pure love always wins.

What I want people to know about my art is: my work is a celebration of the sacred spirit that exists in all living things. It’s an offering. A reminder. A mirror. It may appear bold and powerful, but at its core, it’s deeply gentle and made to awaken something beautiful within you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Miami is one of those places where the energy never stops – it’s vibrant, diverse and full of flavor in every sense. When friends come to visit, I love curating an experience that blends art, nature, food, and a little bit of Latin for Glory magic.

We’d start driving around Miami and visiting the Perez Art Museum Miami, one of my favorite places to get inspired. It’s beautifully situation on the water, and there’s nothing like enjoying and iced coffee from their café while soaking in both art and the bay views. From there, we’d drive across the bridge to South Point Park for a stroll along the boardwalk and happy hour at Smith & Wollensky, watching the cruise shipps roll out as the sun starts to dip.

Back on the mainland, I’d make sure we hit dinner at Tam Tam, a modern Vietnamese spot and one of my favorites. Downtown has really evolved and I would go bar hopping after to Over Under, Mama Tried, and Miami Sound Bar – each serving a different vibe and atmosphere.

Next day, we’d spend a slower morning grabbing coffee and exploring Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. It has such a wonderful Mediterranean architecture and lush gardens that feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Afterwards, we’d head to my favorite neighborhood, Coconut Grove, where old charm meets new flavor. French at Le Bouchon, modern Mexican at Los Félix, or pizza at Mister 01 – you can’t go wrong. Come golden hour, I’d go to Barracuda Taphouse & Grill, a local gem I’ve been going to since 2007, or Shore to Door, where we’d grab beers, Wahoo bites, and listen go live music outdoors.

I’d then seek my all-time favorite spot, Gramps Getaway with its unbeatable Brickell views, disco beats, great food, and even better vibes. After a cocktail or two, we’d continue down the road to Key Biscayne for a nightcap.

For something wild and different, we’d plan a day trip to Everglades National Park. It’s like a Florida-style safari with airboat rides, alligator sightings, and awe-inspiring nature. After a “glades day” we’d stop in Homestead for a taco crawl – one of my favorite authentic Mexican spots is La Pasadita. If we’re still energized, beers at Miami Brewing Company or some good ol’ line dancing at The Berry Farm to end the road trip with a yeehaw!

Back in town, reserve dinner at Zitz Sum in Coral Gables – no explanation needed, just go and thank me later.

To wind down our week, we’d stay close to my neighborhood in Miami Beach. Morning coffee and sourdough cinnamon rolls at The Love Loaf, followed by a chill beach day in Sunny Isles. After sun and sea, I’d get ready and start with wine at Normandy Gourmandy, and then grab a table at either Katana or Silverlake Bistro – all of which are not just amazing restaurants, but run my great friends of mine.

There are so many other spots I can add to the list, but I would venture to really explore the different neighborhoods and take advantage of the mixture of grit, glamour, and flavor that exists.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been incredible blessed with an abundance of support throughout my journey with all my family, friends, mentors, and fellow creatives who have shown up for me time and time again. Their encouragement, time, effort, and love have carried me through the many seasons of building a creative life and business from the ground up.

Lately, I have felt especially grateful for every single person who has purchased a copy of my recently released coloring book, “The Magical World of Orchids”. This project was born from a deep desire to inspire creativity in others and to remind us of our inner resilience – our innate ability to bloom beautifully, even in the harshest conditions. Each person is more than a transaction, it is a shared moment of connection that means the world to me.

I also want to give a special shoutout to the retailers who believed in this vision and are helping me bring it to life in the hands of more people: the Perez Art Museum Miami Shop, Miami Beach Botanical Garden, Dale Zine, and Books & Books Coconut Grove. Their openness and support have allowed this project to reach broader audiences, and for that I am deeply thankful.

Support, in all its forms, has been the quiet force behind my growth. And I carry every bit of it with me as I continue creating, expanding, and sharing with the world.

Website: https://www.latinforglory.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinforglory

Image Credits
Harold Lambertus, Rio Visuals, and Barry Grossman