Owning your own business and being your own boss is a wonderful opportunity, but for many people, that also means being on call 24 hours a day.

Such is the case for fashion designer and social media digital influencer Emel Gloss.

Gloss began to build a social media following on Instagram in 2013 with her account @emelgloss_official. She then launched her first clothing line in 2019 at www.emelgloss.com.

“For me, my work and my private life flow together since my business and being an influencer is a 24/7 job,” she said. “There are not set working hours like a regular 9-to-5.”

That is why it’s important to Gloss that she remembers to take time off for herself to create a better balance in her life.

Some of the ways Gloss finds that balance is through travel, whether for work or pleasure.

Born in Austria, Gloss spent most of her childhood living in Turkey.

“Which is part of the reason why I travel there frequently,” she said. “I visit part of my family who lives there, and I also travel there for work. My collections are produced in Istanbul, which is why I go there most often for work.”

She said she does enjoy traveling other countries, but Istanbul holds a very special place in her heart.

“I love this wonderful city so much. I love the culture, the people and find it very inspiring overall,” she said. “For a while, I even considered moving there because I am simply so in love with Istanbul.”

Gloss said she loves to go out and be among people, but also enjoys spending time alone.

“That’s when my thoughts get really intense,” she said. “And I get really creative.”

No matter where she goes, there is one element she must be around – the water.

“It really influences and affects me,” she said, noting her zodiac sign is cancer. “I feel really connected and drawn to water. I love to swim, and when I am by the ocean, I feel blissful and at peace.”

The calming flow of water helps Gloss keep her life in perspective and allows her the time to decompress from all the hustle and bustle that comes along with operating a successful business and creating new lines of clothing. For Gloss, the water is good not only for her physical well-being, but also her emotional and mental health.

“My life motto is, ‘Tomorrow you will be what you think today,’” she said. “I love the never-ending ocean, and when I look at the sea, I am reminded that there are no limits to life and that everything is possible if you believe in yourself.