Global citizen Gloria Arendz-Theiler discusses her journey from Elsies Rivier to Zurich as a beautician, former model and businesswoman.
Image: Ian Landsberg/ Independent Newspapers
For Gloria Arendz-Theiler, growing up in Elsies River, on 13th Street off Epping Avenue, in a three-bedroom house her father built himself, shaped much of who she is today. Now, she splits her life between Zurich and Camps Bay, but her roots remain deeply intertwined with her early years.
Later this week, she will launch her book, Glorious...Unbroken, a work that she describes as both a legacy for her children and a story to inspire anyone overcoming adversity. A book of self reflection that evolved into much of a memoir.
Her parents instilled values that continue to guide her. “Always put yourselves in the other person’s position. That’s what my parents taught me they always said to view people through your own eyes and not through what others say about them. You are only as good as how you feel and the respect you give.” Those lessons in empathy, respect, and integrity became the foundation for everything she has achieved.
Even at a young age, Arendz-Theiler showed determination and ingenuity. During Apartheid, she was mistakenly identified as Portuguese to gain entry into a beauty school.
“It was actually not that difficult to retain that persona,” she recalled. “They all thought I was Portuguese. They had no idea I was coloured. If they had known, they would have reacted differently.
In her forthcoming book, Arendz-Theiler chronicles her life.
Image: Ian Landsberg/ Indepenent Newspapers
"When they realised I was this lovely young coloured girl, the aura around me changed. I could navigate all the chaos happening around me.”
The director of the school suggested the idea, and it worked seamlessly, giving Arendz-Theiler access to opportunities otherwise denied to her.
One memory stands out vividly: Arendz-Theiler was reminded thereof when she walked into a small restaurant near the school.
“All these emotions came flooding back. I remember it asif it was yesterday. My mom and I walking to the school, she dressed me beautifully, hair straight. The walls were dark brown and dull. We rang the bell, nothing happened.
"I peeped through the keyhole and saw movement the person wasn't walking to the front door then suddenly the back door opened...there stood this beautiful woman, red lips, red nails, carrying herself with so much elegance.
"The woman looked at me and said, ‘Oh, she is not coloured, she is Portuguese.’ My mom said, ‘No, she is coloured,’ and the headmaster said, ‘She will be Portuguese in the system.’ And it worked.” Moments like these exemplify how Arendz-Theiler learned to navigate systemic barriers with poise and strategy, lessons that would serve her for life.
Her upbringing was one of discipline, responsibility, and creativity. Her mother was a dressmaker, and her father worked on buildings.
Arendz-Theiler remembers helping her older brother and well-known designer Errol Arendz at home, how he would work with fabric offcuts, while she painted doll faces.
“Even small childhood tasks taught me focus and resilience,” she says. “We aspired to grow internationally, but our roots stayed with us. Through adversity, it did not break us.”
Reflecting on her life, Arendz-Theiler offers a message to her younger self: “I would tell young Gloria, go after your passion. It doesn’t matter what it is. You’re going to be successful just do not be lazy. Passion and hard work, no matter where you come from, always have a positive outcome. Believe in yourself, and believe that you are the best person in your life. If you believe you are the best, you will see you are the best.”
Her brother Errol who is a prominent fashion designer, also followed a path of creativity and determination Arendz-Theiler recalled. At 17, a well-known Fashion Academy under a similar “mistaken identity” approach. He was placed in a small cubicle so only his teacher could see him, yet despite the challenge, he graduated with distinctions.
“The motto in our family was always to have your finger on every single thing you do in life,” Arendz-Theiler explains. “That mindset pushed both of us to achieve what seemed impossible.”
Arendz-Theiler's book, set to launch on Thursday, captures these stories her childhood, the lessons from her parents, and the experiences that shaped her journey from Elsies River to the world stage. “It’s more than a legacy for my children,” she says.
“It’s a story to inspire anyone who has been told they cannot succeed because of their circumstances. They can take away everything from you, but they cannot take away your skills or your passion.”
Living in Switzerland, Arendz-Theiler admires the discipline, honesty, and meticulousness of Swiss society, but she treasures the warmth, innovation, and laughter of South Africans.
“It’s a perfect balance. I alternate between the two worlds. I love my South African people, their laughs and friendliness, the curries, stews, soups, ouma in die kombersie one of my favourites. Yet, I appreciate the Swiss orderliness and respect. You can combine both and thrive.”
Her commitment to enriching the lives of others drives her work and her personal philosophy. She is inspired by figures like Imi Bala, who provides 100,000 children with school uniforms. “It’s not just about money; it’s about enriching your life in order to enrich the next person. I want to be a role model for the person in Elsies River thinking, ‘Yes, my parents had flaws, but look at what she made of herself.’”
Arendz-Theiler'life reflects a mix of passion, hard work, and reflection.
“You have the strength within yourself. If you have a passion, do not think of where you will be in five years. Live for today, so that tomorrow can be better. That is the core of everything I do.”
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za