Happy Monday! We hope that you have been enjoying the #MeetAMom series so far. These women are amazing! For this weeks post, please meet Gina Gellings. She’s a Noonday Ambassador that loves meeting other mamas. She also talks about people that “go scared” and why they inspire her. Oh, and did we mention that her favorite Mexican restaurant (that’s also kid-friendly) is on the top of our list as well? 🙂
Instagram Handle / Facebook Page
@denver_model_mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/337398180331992/
Briefly introduce yourself!
Hi fellow moms! My name is Gina and I’m a mom who is so happy to be here with other ladies on the journey of motherhood! I started adulthood by earning my doctorate in physical therapy, practiced for 7 years before I began my next career in motherhood. I’ve been a stay at home mom for the last 7 years. In that time I started my own crochet and sewing biz, began modeling and most recently became a Noonday Ambassador. I enjoy baking, crafting, outdoor adventures, fitness and drinking wine with fellow mamas (that all goes together well, right?!)
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have two kiddos, a son (5) and a daughter (7).
Where do you live in South Denver exactly? If not South Denver, where?
I live in Parker, CO.
What’s your favorite family friendly activity in South Denver?
My favorite family friendly activity is South Denver is exploring Cherry Creek State park, specifically the dog park area! The kids can ride there bikes there while we walk/run with our crazy 2 year old golden retriever, Chelsea, they can run too, there is the creek that they love to explore, build boats out of sticks, and dams with rocks. It’s like a little oasis, with a billion frolicking dogs, in the heart of South Denver!
What’s your favorite kid friendly restaurant in South Denver?
We like Los Dos Portillos. The kids like the coloring pages from actual coloring books, relaxed atmosphere and the chips and salsa while we wait.
What’s your favorite date night restaurant in Denver (not just South Denver)?
Date night, what’s that? Just kidding…when we do make ourselves a priority we enjoy going out for sushi, since it’s not as kid friendly! We don’t have a favorite because one thing my hubs and I love to do is try new things/places. We enjoy Hapa Sushi and Blue Sushi Sake Grill.
What’s the best mom and/or parenting advice you’ve received?
Best mom advice I ever received was to stop comparing my journey to others! Enjoy the road I’m on with all the ups and downs and keep my eyes on my lane. I tended to compare which was stealing joy from my journey.
What inspires you?
People who “go scared!” People who try new things, don’t worry about what others think of them and just work for their goals, in their own way.
You work with Noonday Collection. Tell us more! Who are they?
Noonday Collection is a socially conscious fashion brand that creates a marketplace in the US for artisans from all over the world. A majority of our artisans are women from 15 different impoverished countries who are trying to create sustainable, dignified jobs for themselves and their families. All of the accessories are handmade, using local resources and generations of skills. I GET to help them achieve their goals while reaching my own. Pretty empowering. I wear my story in the accessories I choose but get to share her story. I also get to help women in my community feel and look their best with accessories that show their style, while helping a mama across the globe reach her goals. Our mission is to fight global poverty through job creation. Noonday Collection creates a flourishing world where people have jobs, women are empowered, children are cherished and we are connected.
What inspired you to start with Noonday Collection?
In September 2018 a friend was wearing an amazing, unique pair of earrings. I asked where she got them from and she said Noonday Collection. I hadn’t heard of it and she gave me the lowdown and a link to shop. I checked it out that night. I had been praying for a while on how I could impact women in my community, have a sisterhood, all while maintaining my stay at home role, so it kinda rattled me how Noonday checked every one of those boxes. It seemed like it was GIVEN to me. I ordered a few things, received them in the mail and was amazed at their beauty and stories. I joined as an ambassador shortly thereafter, hosted my first gathering with the women in my tribe and it fueled me. I felt empowered, impactful and excited. The next few months I was fortunate to have hostesses both inside and outside of my circle. I met women and heard stories I never would’ve met or heard had I not taken that step. So thankful for that. Joining was definitely outside my comfort zone but I know I’ve grown from it and impacted so many people near and far over the last year.
What do you do for self-care?
Oh I love self care and know just how important it is!! I get monthly massages (human touch is where it’s at!), and get to the gym regularly! Spin classes with good music resets me on multiple levels.
What is your best mom hack?
My best mom hack is when we travel I pack my kids’ clothes in separate large Ziploc bags. A daily outfit goes in each bag with all accessories too! That way they just have to pick up an individual bag and they’re set to get dressed. Helps daddy too if he’s traveling with them alone.
Is there anything else about you and/or your business you want to highlight?
I love meeting other mamas, helping them “go scared” and cheering them on as they achieve their goals. I enjoy styling them along that journey too! 😀
