“For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10

It all started when…

GLOSS was officially launched in June 2006, by Cherise Michele Davis.  GLOSS evolved out Cherise’s passion for the spiritual and personal development of girls.  Whenever asked about the history of GLOSS, Cherise shares this story:

“My mother, Sheila A. Coley, and I talk all the time, and one of our conversations was about my housing plans for my upcoming junior year at Johnson & Wales University.  I planned to purchase a house and rent the spare bedrooms.  Roommates were okay, but not preferred, so the plan changed some.  Instead of roommates, I would host retreats and events for young ladies.  I thought this was a fabulous idea!  The idea of mentoring young ladies, being an entrepreneur and operating within my spiritual gift of hospitality simultaneously was enough for me to run with.

The more time and prayer invested into this idea, the clearer, but bigger the idea became.  There was still no name to identify this awesome opportunity for young ladies.  My mother and I had come up with several names, but none of them struck us as a keeper.  I prayed to God, “How can You expect me to tell others about this opportunity that You have led me to start without a name”.  Shortly afterwards, the letter G entered into my mind. “G what”, I asked God.  I played around with some ‘G’ words regarding the purpose and essence of this opportunity.  Almost instantly, it seemed, I came up with GLOSS—God’s Ladies Of Significance & Service.  This name was a keeper!

I began sharing the GLOSS vision.  I received a generous amount of positive feedback, encouragement and support.  The first GLOSS Open House was held on June 23, 2006 and the first GLOSS meeting with volunteers and members was held July 29, 2006.  The vision had become a reality.

Six members were initiated into GLOSS its first year (2006), including, Maya Mitnaul, Shanaye Watson, Alexis Davis, Zaria Brown, Bre'anna Buckins and Braelle Taylor.  Six members were also initiated into GLOSS its second year (2007), including Joy Palliet, Jamila Palliet, Jocelyn Palliet, Brianna Bailey, Tiarra Bailey and Fatoumata Soe.  GLOSS VA was the 2nd GLOSS Chapter which launched on Friday, January 13, 2012 in Woodbridge, VA.  10 members were initiated at that time: Sydney Cameron, Andrea Elliott, Jordan Jones, Olivia Hinton, Laila Jewette, Kristen Jones, Cayla Morgan, Shameka Richardson, Paige Roberson and Mariah Winston.

We have grown in numbers and faith.  God continues to challenge us to accept only His best for our lives.