In an interview with Boa Forma, the woman from Acre tells how her transformation processes made her recognize herself – and if she liked it! – further
A lot has changed since that young 22-year-old student entered “Big Brother Brasil 18” and came out a millionaire after conquering the public. First person from Acre to participate in the reality show in 18 editions, Gleici Damascene she has always wanted to enhance her origins, give power and become a point of reference for many other black, Nordic and peripheral women who watched her on television and, today, follow her on social networks.
To keep only the title of “BBB18 champion”, therefore, has not been up to her for some time. Today, at 28, the woman from Acre has increasingly conquered her space as an artist and activist for the causes she has defended since before becoming famous.
What got even better and more mature was her relationship with beauty and wellness.
She has always considered herself a beautiful woman. However, over the years, her transformations have made her recognize herself even more, bringing a “feeling of belonging and representativeness”.
See our chat with Gleici Damasceno below.
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Symbol of struggle and representation
Political militant, black, peripheral and Nordic. What is it like to be an inspiration to so many people, especially girls and women, given the different flags you champion?
I feel honored to be an inspiration to other women and girls, and that means a lot to me as well. I have always tried to get involved in political and social agendas. Since I was a child I was already active as a militant of social projects, because I have always believed that we, black women, peripheral and northern women, needed to be heard. Today, with more influence and a well-known voice, I always try to occupy more spaces and reach higher places with my speech and projects, to serve as a representative for all those who identify with me and with the causes I defend . I think it is extremely important to raise the debate about our agendas, so that others like us can also see and recognize each other. Once you grow up and don’t see yourself in your surroundings, it generates the feeling that you don’t belong in that world. We often feel truly alive only when we see ourselves, in some way, in the other and, if this doesn’t happen, it brings us a feeling of invisibility.
Has being involved in all these lawsuits hurt you in any way? How do you deal with prejudices?
It didn’t hurt me, on the contrary, I am like that and these causes have been inherent in me since I was very young. I denounce, I fight, I expose, because today I no longer have the patience to face situations in which I see social prejudices persisting.
Does being a strong woman who speaks her mind scare the people you want to be in a relationship with?
It happened, mostly to men. People imagine me to be quieter or quieter, but I consider myself to be very communicative, and when someone gives me a chance, he can understand my side better and understand that I like making friends, which ends up creating long-lasting relationships.
Are you in a relationship currently?
I have a self-love relationship with myself and my work. I am in a great moment in my life and I am very happy with everything that is happening.
Gleici Damasceno’s career is on the rise
How do you define your professional moment today? Is happy?
I am very happy, yes! I see that I am reaping a lot of legal fruits in my career. Two big projects I was involved in went to the cinema this year: ‘Alien Nights’ and ‘Nobody is Nobody’, which I loved being a part of! “Alien Nights” was also the big winner at the Gramado Film Festival last year and was recently screened at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as currently available on Netflix.
I feel very honored to see that a film that deals with such important and current issues, such as the fate of young people in the midst of urban violence, is also receiving international recognition. This is something very precious and I believe that art is for this; bring a social awareness and make people aware of the problems facing society today. I feel like I’m on a worthy mission with these projects. I’m literally making many dreams come true and I’m sure there are many more to come!
How was this transition from reality TV winner to actress?
When you win a reality show the size of the BBB, it means a lot to you and it’s a big challenge to deal with that fame early on, even more so when you stop being an anonymous person. But I think I took it well, as far as possible. I’ve taken advantage of these opportunities that life has given me to pursue a dream and, as I said before, I’m reaping the rewards. I still consider myself in transition, but I see a lot of progress, also because I was already studying acting, and I think the actor is always a being in construction. The best character, to me, is always the one to come. We must remain willing to take on new challenges and interpret stories that can increasingly touch people and raise social agendas. I see the art in this place. This enchants me and makes me want to know and evolve more and more within my profession.
Was there any kind of prejudice in the artistic environment because of your participation in the reality show? If yes, how did you handle it?
In fact, I’ve been very well received and had a lot of support from the whole team in the projects I’ve been involved in. I learned and continue to learn a lot from my fellow actors. These exchanges are certainly very important for me and for my growth as an actress.
What are your future career plans? Do you already have new projects in mind?
I intend to stay focused and study hard to keep evolving and get to where I want to be. Later this year he will participate in the series Tarã, on Disney +, where he will give life to the warrior Mayu. This is a science fiction story about the fight for nature. In addition to having an incredible cast, it will also be set in the Amazon rainforest, and it is always an honor to be part of a production that raises the theme of the representation of the North and the culture of my people. I feel very satisfied with this project. I’m still very much looking forward to seeing the public reception and also for what’s to come.
well-being with health
Gleici, what does wellness mean to you?
I think it means feeling good about yourself, loving yourself totally, taking care of your mental health and doing what we like and what gives us pleasure. Ultimately, well-being is a connection you have with the things that have meaning and purpose in your life. This is something I really appreciate and think is reflected in our bodies and minds as well as boosting our daily self-confidence.
What are your favorite daily activities?
I love doing meditation, yoga and reading before bed.
Do you practice physical activity and take care of food? What is that part of your life like?
Yes, I always try to maintain a good and healthy diet, I practice physical activity and go to the gym. I try to take great care of my body and physical conditioning. Staying healthy is always an essential issue in our life and has a direct influence on our routine and work. As I said, I practice weight training three times a week, yoga at least twice and meditation. I always try to eat at home. My diet is super healthy, but I have no restrictions.
When you need time just for you, what do you try to do?
I always try to take a trip, no matter how short. This is one way I find myself, I am able to rethink new paths for my life and reconnect with my essence.
Do you or have you ever had therapy? If yes, how important is it in your life?
Therapy, for me, it’s like brushing my teeth or saying a prayer; it’s a rule in my life, a “habit” that I cultivated a long time ago and that only added good things and self-knowledge. I know that, in the Brazilian reality, therapy is still something inaccessible to many people, but that it must be seen as something urgent, as a public health issue for everyone.
Self-knowledge in beauty
How is your relationship with beauty today? Looking back, what has changed in that relationship?
I have always considered myself a beautiful girl and today, with maturity, I also see myself as a beautiful woman. I’m more vain, I really like taking care of myself. Of course, I always try to be responsible and honest about the procedures I’ve already done, which weren’t many, but they did me good.
Do you regret any procedure you did? Would you make more?
I don’t regret it, but I had a very difficult post-operative period, with panic attacks and a lot of melancholy. Psychologically it was challenging, but I got over it and, today, when I look at the result, I am grateful for having had the opportunity to choose excellent doctors who have done a great job, both in my rhinoplasty and my breast implants, which are been the two surgeries I had.
What were the biggest challenges and greatest pleasures in your hair transition?
It was a very important process for me. It has been a long and challenging time, but I have had a lot of patience and support from other women and followers. I was able to hear stories from other Black women who inspired me and gave me a lot of strength. I have suffered from a few attacks, which have tried to diminish me and my origins, but I believe that the hair transition process represents something far beyond that. Transition represents empowerment, acceptance and self-knowledge. It also collaborates for the benefit and health of the hair itself and of the capillary fiber, for example, as well as giving us back the sense of belonging and representativeness.
How has this change affected the way you look in the mirror today?
This hair transition has made me a woman who sees me as I really am, but also, after transitioning, it has made me see that women of color can wear different hairstyles, something that is often questioned as if it were a thermometer from validate or not. our darkness. I believe what matters is to feel good and maintain our self-worth in a sense.
Do you have any beauty rituals?
Usually I deal with skincare every day, always morning and evening, in addition to exercise and nutrition, as I mentioned before. I believe that taking care of your health is also taking care of your beauty. Transformation is always something that starts from the inside out.
What can’t be missing in your travel bag?
Sun protection. I don’t leave home without it and I recommend everyone to use it. I always apply it in the morning, when I leave the house, and replace it throughout the day.
I photograph: Bruno Barretto
Ass. photography: John Fazzioli
Tweaks: Pedro Candelario
Trick: Andrei Rieis
Hair: jonathan rock
Stylist: Thiago Setra
Stylist assistant: Fernanda Miyazawa
Fashion production: Peter Augustus
Production: Monica Aires, Camila Alves, Pedro Machado, Thiago Sousa, Juliana Mello, Laura Candelaria
Press office: Melina Tavares Communication
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
