MEET GURLEEN
SEASONS OF LOVE AND FRESH AIR
Gurleen Maan.
Farming For Love is an adaptation of the hit Fremantle international format The Farmer Wants A Wife, an original concept from British magazine Country Living. Since its premiere in 2013, the Canadian French-language version, L’Amour Est Dans Le Pré, has led to more than 15 couples and 27 children!
The series showcases six farmers who have already been chosen and now the show is casting for ‘daters’ for each farmer. Interested singles from across the country can apply through a portal for the farmer of their choice and if selected for the series, they go through a series of dates to see if they’re a match. There will be multiple ‘daters’ for each farmer.
Gurleen, 34, is one of the farmers on the upcoming show. A third-generation farmer, she works with her family on their berry and agri-tourism farm in British Columbia. She is looking for someone who is not afraid to get their hands dirty during the day – then dress up and enjoy some laughs over dinner and a glass of wine at night.
Farming For Love will air on CTV later this year.
Name: Gurleen Maan. Gurleen means one who is “absorbed in the Guru’s readings”. My parents chose this name because they were looking for a unique name.
I am: Creative, charismatic, wild, and funny. I love to laugh, and I love new adventures. My favourite thing about being a farmer is the fact that I’m a South Asian female farmer. It’s great to be the creative force behind our farm’s products and experiences, curating something that brings a smile to someone’s face. Whether it’s our specialty ice cream or goat yoga, I’m lucky I get to do what I love alongside my family.
The most interesting thing about me: I’d say it’s is my job – I’m the director of fun! I get to create experiences for families and friends to gather here on the farm and create magical memories.
Favourite colour: Green.
Favourite outfit/brands: When I’m working, my outfit consists of a pair of Blundestones and my Lululemons. When I’m dressing up, my favourite designers are Prada and Bottega.
Favourite Bollywood star: Shah Rukh Khan.
Favourite Hollywood stars: Nicole Kidman, Denzel Washington, Leonardo DiCaprio and Sylvester Stallone.
Favourite movie: Rocky. I love Sylvester Stallone and I grew up watching the Rocky movies with my dad.
Favourite music: Right now, Harry Styles and Meg Thee Stallion. Also, Frank Ocean, City and Color and Bruce Springsteen. I’d say I listen to 20 per cent rap and 80 per cent soft pop/soft rock.
Favourite song: Summer Wine by Nancy Sinatra.
Favourite TV show: Gilmore Girls.
Favourite ice cream flavour: Salted caramel.
“I think the small, simple, consistent ways are the ways that mean the most, and they add up to the big things.”
Favourite cuisine: I love seafood, Japanese, and Punjabi.
Favourite restaurant: Joe Fortes in Vancouver.
Favourite book: Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom.
Favourite activities: Taking my puppy Frankie to the dog park, baking, creating, learning. I love going out to eat amazing food and try great wine.
I’m freaked out by: Snakes.
I need: Lots of sleep every night, a coffee every morning and balance.
I want to be: In love.
My ideal partner: Would be 30 to 46. Charismatic, strong, steady, and someone who can handle my lifestyle. It can get pretty wild and hectic. I work a lot and have a lot of responsibility. I’d be open to whether my future partner would want to work with me on the farm or they’d do their own thing. I’m cool with either scenario. There just needs to be mutual respect, love – and they definitely need to get along with my family! I’m closest to my dad, but I love my entire family. We live together, we work together, we fight together, but most of all we really do love each other – I think that’s our secret sauce!
Values I am looking for in my partner: I need someone that can speak their mind. I’m looking for someone where we can support and care for each other.
Values I pride myself on: My work ethic, intuition, and how much I care for others. I love to be loved, and I love to love. I’m also a very creative individual. I want people to know how much my passion and work means to me.
It is important in a relationship: To have trust and communication. Both of those go hand in hand. That way you can be open, vulnerable, and share your life with someone. It’s all about letting someone in and letting love in.
In a relationship: I’m very adventurous, so a potential partner can definitely expect an adventure from me! I’m really romantic and enjoy making someone feel that they are loved. I love to do things like cook my partner breakfast and bring him gifts. I think the best way that I show love is through affection. I think the small, simple, consistent ways are the ways that mean the most, and they add up to the big things. I’m nurturing with the people around me. I always want to show my partner, in simple and beautiful ways, why I love them. I am just ready to create this partnership.
The most romantic thing I’ve ever done: Is plan a huge surprise birthday party. I invited all his close friends and family. He was blown away.
My thoughts on becoming a parent: I can see a couple of kids down the line with the right person. I want to start a family in the next few years. I want my family to have the same kind of love and camaraderie that I have right now with my brothers, sisters and parents.
In five years: I’d be hopefully married with a kid or two, living in a beautiful home in the countryside. Just living the simple, yet not so simple life. I like quiet but I also like hectic. my role models: My family, because we challenge each other to do and be the best we can.
Tips to save the planet: Go thrift shopping.
In a perfect world: Schools would teach children about mental health and mindfulness.
My philosophy on love: Be your most authentic self and the right person will find you.
I would like to say to anyone thinking of applying to meet me that: I’m ready for love. I’ve worked hard to put so many of the other pieces of my life together, and love is the missing piece. I’m ready to let someone in and be vulnerable. Someone who wants to date me would be coming to the farm – we have lots to do. So, buckle up, get ready, and be open!
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