Authentic Beauty — 2021 Editorial
Hair: Gem Salon
Makeup: Nan Fletcher
Styling & Creative Direction: Amy Boes, Molly Black & Heather Dempsey
Photographer: Matterpatter Photography
Talent: Emma Kay & Gunnar Blakeway
Real Questions For Real People / Featuring Emma & Gunnar, Gem Clients
Emma, age 23, english teacher / Gunnar, age 25, painter/artist and leasing professional
How would you define authentic beauty?
E: “Honestly, I’ve been trying to define “authentic beauty” for myself for a long time, having spent the majority of my life trying to live up to really toxic beauty standards. I do know that the times I’ve felt authentically beautiful have had less to do with how I look physically and more with how I feel inside at that moment. I feel truly beautiful when I’m laughing or sharing a meal with friends or biking in the evening—when I feel genuine joy on the inside it always seems to filter outwards, and that’s the standard I strive for.”
G: “Authentic beauty to me means being truthful to what oneself finds beautiful. Authentic beauty radiates when it come solely from the heart.”
What’s your personal style?
E: “I would describe my personal style as eclectic! I love thrifting, and am always on the lookout for unique pieces that are full of color and tell a story.”
G: “I would say my style is inspired by queer fashion I see on the internet. I love to wear a variety of textures and bright colors.”
What is your favorite adjective?
E: “Cerulean.” The turning point of my childhood was seeing Meryl Streep’s iconic monologue as an eight-year-old.
G: "Post-Genre."
What is the last thing you did for self care?
E: “Investing in a hot yoga membership. I’ve had a hard time moving my body over the past year, but it feels so good to make intentional space for myself throughout the week to offer gratitude to my body!”
G: “I dyed my hair while watching anime and eating ice cream.”
What does a sense of belonging mean to you?
E: “To me, a sense of belonging is one of the most important things a person can have because it makes us feel purposeful and cared for! I come from a very small family and, growing up, I always felt like I was a little on the outskirts of friend groups. So, finding my chosen family over the last several years and being part of a community of people that loves and cares for each other unconditionally has had a huge impact on my life and given me a lot of joy!”
G: “To me, a sense of belonging is finding a community you can rely on and who can rely on you. It also is being apart of something that makes you happy.”
Favorite thing about Gem?
E: “My favorite thing about Gem is the welcoming, uplifting atmosphere. Every single person at Gem makes you feel like you are beautiful and like you belong, as soon as you walk in the door.”
G: “I love the products Gem carries. I stock up every time I am in the neighborhood.”