How did I get this fabulous? Let me show you…

Through these bright eyes, the world is a cupcake in need of better icing. She’s here to spread it on…

BedHead: Gala Darling

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Occupation: Writer, Editor, Advisor in all things fabulous

What does Gala know about making you a better person? Let’s put it this way, what she doesn’t know, she will hunt to the ends of the earth until she knows it. She’s been called a “fashion genius” and a “lethal cocktail of sex, style and wit”. She’s a voracious entrepreneur. Her blog is read by millions, about as many times she’s changed her hair color. But what really impresses me is Gala’s energy, enthusiasm for knowledge and her desire to share it. I have to tell you, dear readers - I am a bit intimidated by this BedHead. In those eyes, I’m just another cupcake and if Gala Darling’s idea of icing is what tops my cake-y inner me, I just may be eaten alive…Read Gala Darling’s Exclusive BedHead Interview to find out…

MB:….It’s a good thing you’re vegan. This BedHead is a true gift, Gala. What is it about giving that excites you most?

GD: I just like to share the wild fury of my hair in the morning. I think it’s a real sight to behold. My hair has endured so much torture over the years that it’s too incredible not to share.

MB: You have quite an upward-frontal sweep going on. Looks like you sleep in the face-plant position, am I right?

GD: Not entirely. On my side, usually, but with my face in a weird position (evidently)!

MB: I’m certainly not a women’s magazine reader yet I can’t help but spot their formula every time I ring up my groceries. How do you see yourself changing the way the ladies catch-up on lady-stuff?

GD: I think women (all people, actually) have been pushed by fear for too long. “Do this or you’ll be fat!” “Read this or you’re stupid!” “Look like this or you’re ugly!” It’s a horrific situation. I’m subverting this by saying “If you do this, you’ll be happier” or “If you try this, you might find that you like yourself more”. It’s a subtle shift but an important one.

MB: …And why is it important to be fabulous?

GD: Because it makes us feel better about ourselves. When we feel good about how we look & behave, we stand taller, reach higher, strut down the street & don’t give up easily.

MB: Do I have fabulousness in me? Is it trying to get out? What if I don’t?

GD: Yes, of course! We all do! Don’t be afraid of who you are!

MB: Oh if you knew me, you’d be afraid! However - BedHeads do make me smile every time I see ‘em. I love learning about them. What does your work do for you?

GD: My work makes me smile, too. It gives me a sense of satisfaction too — I feel like I am adding to the world.

MB: What’s the Transformation Challenge all about?

GD: It’s a way of encouraging people to live their best life, by giving them support & providing them with a place to inspire one another.

MB: How many people do you expect to help transform?

GD: Over 2000 people participated in the iCiNG Transformation Challenge. Some people made amazing leaps (like kicking drug addictions) while some feel that they didn’t do as well as they could have. I think everyone who signed up felt the benefits, though.

MB: Anyone can go out and buy new clothes, what does it take to really improve ourselves from the inside?

GD: Well, first of all you have to actually *want* to change. A lot of people think they do but actually don’t — I mean, surely otherwise they would have done something about it by now! There is a lot of self-sabotage that goes on under the surface. Often to improve ourselves we need to take a really clear, unwavering look at ourselves — & that scares a lot of us.

MB: I read your post about bad manners. Why are there so many bad-mannered people in the world? Can they all be saved?

GD: Here’s hoping!

MB: But seriously. What can we do to spread the cause of good manners? Besides the obvious. I always want to do something to help these clods get on the good foot. How do we do it without getting our noses broken?

GD: Other than leading by example, the best thing you can do for your own sanity is to remove any expectations that other people will be charming! We can’t change other people, & constantly waiting around for them to jump on the manners bandwagon is just going to frustrate you.

MB: What’s the craziest request for advice you’ve ever received?

GD: I have people ask me insanely specific things, like “Where can I buy a nice bridesmaid dress in peach in Maryland?”. I can’t really say much to that…

MB: Ok fine…Where can you buy a peach bridesmaid dress in Brisbane?

GD: Arrgggrrrrhhggssssrrrrr… !

MB: I’m kidding….To what do you attribute the incredible success of your business?

GD: Passion. Hard work. EFT (a self-healing technique I talk about a lot & use all the time).

MB: Do you see yourself becoming a new, kind of tattoo-clad Oprah Winfrey?

GD: I’m so honoured that you said that! I love Oprah. She’s amazing. Did you know she’s just pledged to go vegan for 30 days? What a champ!

MB:I did not know that. How many cows does that save? Has Oprah called you yet to appear as a guest? Is there a pitch you’d like to make right now? Oprah Winfrey visits this site all the time…

GD: Not yet. But I expect the call any day now…

MB: I Email you her number…What’s next? Do you see yourself branching out, maybe starting a magazine of your own?

GD: I actually started iCiNG because I wanted to have a print magazine, & I decided to do it online first to save costs & see if I enjoyed it. I’m pretty sure I don’t want to do anything on paper any more — I love the portability but in this world, can you really justify printing a magazine when you could just put it online?

MB: What’s best piece of advice you can give our BedHead readers?

GD: Keep a camera on your bedside table. Always.

MB: Hear that, BedHeads? You heard the lady - submit those BedHeads! Thanks so much for becoming a featured one. Best of luck to you, Gala.

GD: Big kisses!

MB: We’ll play this one out with a little BedHead poem by Gala Darling…

Tomorrow morning, when you get out of bed,
Walk to the mirror & look at your head.

Though tempting to beat your hair to submission,
Take time to admire its wild composition.

For little you know, every night while you sleep,
Your hair is devising a secret treat.

So when you wake up, before you reach for the comb,
First stop to consider the mess on your dome.

While your instinctive reaction might be to scream “Ew!”,
Bedhead is a gift from the night time to you.

Super-love & cupcakes,
Gala

Visit Gala’s Site: galadarling.com

Please pay Gala a visit and let us know what you think…Comments below…