Gloria Baraquio is a Lifestyle Activator and Yoga Educator who hosts certification programs and retreats in beautiful venues around the world. She is most passionate about connecting people with the God-space inside themselves. What is a God-space, you ask? It’s that place inside each person that allows one to feel at home, at peace, fully alive, fully authentic, and completely loved. Gloria has been teaching and training yogis for 15 years, and instead of focusing on manipulating the body into impossible postures, she is most interested in having people face their biggest demons, in their hearts and minds. She is a truth-seeker and truth-teller who encourages her friends, students, and clients to live boldly and honestly. Here we talk with her more about how and why she does what she does.
Tell us about who you are and what you do.
I was born and raised in Hawaii, and I’m the youngest of 10 kids. Yes, 10 children, same parents, immigrants from the Philippines. There are 7 girls and 3 boys. I always share this part of my story because I grew up in a community, not only with deep spiritual teachings in the church, but also great discipline through the church choir, Catholic school, student council, and athletics. We were taught to be overachievers, maybe because we were first-generation, but also because my parents taught us to cultivate our God-given talents and share them with the world. The next part of my story is that after watching 9 other siblings go through life, chase after success, and fight for my parents’ approval and attention, I kind of became a rebel or someone who just went the non-conventional way. I didn’t instantly finish my college degree; nor rush into marriage, nor have any children, nor continue going to the Catholic church. I explored many religions, traveled a lot, worked a variety of jobs, and tried different relationships. I fell in love with yoga in 2003, and somehow through finding my breath, I started to get all sorts of realizations of who I was, and who I was not. And one by one, I started dropping habits and people that didn’t feel authentic to me. And that’s been my practice ever since.
Tell us how you created this brand and what was the sole idea behind it.
My latest coaching program is called “Remover of Obstacles”. It’s an homage to Ganesh, the elephant god, and son of Shiva, who is known to remove obstacles and make clear the path for new and prosperous beginnings. In my many years of learning about Ganesh, I’ve started to understand that removing obstacles is an inside job. It’s not always about bulldozing the thing that’s seemingly in your way. It’s usually about seeing that roadblock as a blessing or an opportunity to learn something new. It’s not always about changing the external circumstances; it’s usually about changing your perspective on the situation. This program combines group sessions, with more witnesses to your process, in addition to private coaching around what each person is struggling with, whether it be health, work, love, or money.
Go in detail and tell us about how your brand works.
I offer coaching, in addition to yoga classes, teacher training, and yoga retreats. All the things I love and all the things that can transform, heal, and inspire people!
What is your giveaway idea through this interview?
In all my years of supporting my siblings, my nieces/nephews, my students, my clients, and myself, I’ve learned that most people want to feel seen, heard, and loved. No one wants to feel alone or unwanted. Once someone feels this type of care, they get more motivation and clarity as to how to move forward in life. This is the kind of care I like to provide in my coaching and my yoga classes.
Explain the challenges you went through while you were working on brand creation. What are the challenges you go through on an everyday basis?
The challenges are that I am passionate about so many things and mediums. I want to create my tv show, run my retreat center, record a devotional music album, take care of my family, and spend a lot of time in prayer and solitude. It takes time management and rest to pursue all the things that matter to me.
How do you manage your finances through the services you offer. Any fundings etc received?
I earn my income from teaching and coaching, and I have raised some funds through Gofundme. I manage my money with love and service for others, and I trust the flow of currency. Money comes in, money goes out, and it’s all perfect. The main thing is that I spend with consciousness, supporting small and local businesses, and always give back to nonprofits and spiritual centers that are doing beautiful things for our world.
Tell us your future vision about the brand. How far do you want to take it? What is your dream about taking it to the next level?
My dream is to have a high-quality tv show and podcast highlighting all things spiritual and wellness-related. I also dream of having a retreat center with a cow sanctuary and a petting zoo. I’m all about bringing people back to nature and themselves.
What message would you like to give to anybody who has a plan of creating something of their own and making a living through it?
Get support. Find a community of like-minded folks. Do yoga and meditation. Find a mentor, coach, and therapist. Listen to Tony Robbins and all the amazing entrepreneurs out there on social media. Get out of your way and take small steps EVERYDAY. Have patience and faith, and believe in your purpose, no matter what, even when things feel difficult. Take a breath, take a bath, take a nap, and then get back on track.