EMBODYING HER POWER

Photos By KEVIN SINCLAIR Styling DAVID GARGIULO Interview by ALEX LERNER conducted at Casa Cipriani NYC

Sharina Gutierrez is so much more than just a model—she has seamlessly woven together the roles of successful model, a devoted mother and partner, as well as an inspiring activist. With over two decades in the fashion industry, Sharina first broke into modeling at the age of 12, quickly becoming a recognizable face in iconic campaigns and editorial spreads. However, her journey hasn't been a straight line. After years of navigating the fast-paced world of fashion, she took a much-needed break to focus on her personal growth, motherhood, and reconnecting with her Filipino roots. Sharina has returned to the industry—now on her own terms! Her reentry into modeling isn’t just about reclaiming her career, it’s about embracing her authentic self and using her platform to advocate for diversity, family connection, and spiritual wellness. In this interview with Alexandra Lerner at Casa Cipriani, Sharina opens up about what led to her break, how motherhood shaped her, and the creation of her family-centered brand Mama Mantra, which aims to help families reconnect in today's fast-paced digital world.

Alex Lerner __ You’ve had a long and successful career in the industry, starting at a young age. You’ve probably been modeling for over two decades now, haven’t you?

Sharina Gutierrez __ Yes, around 22 years now.

AL __ That’s impressive! Did you ever imagine your career unfolding like this when you started out?

SG __ It’s definitely a childhood dream come true, but back then, I didn’t fully grasp what was happening. I got discovered at 12 after joining a modeling competition, and my first job was for Vogue. It felt surreal; one minute I was in school in Riverside, California, and the next, I was on set in New York City meeting incredible people. I was also a dancer at the time, so I had to choose between dancing and modeling. I chose modeling, and it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made.

AL __ Were you classically trained in dance?

SG __ Yes, I did ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop—a bit of everything, but mainly ballet.

AL __ And you bring that grace and fluidity from dance into your modeling work. I noticed how you move so naturally and embrace your femininity on set.

SG __ I think that’s more of an on-set thing. It’s interesting because, off set, I’m more of a tomboy [laughs], always in sweats, chasing after my three kids and playing football with my son. On set or during fashion week, I really let out my feminine side. It’s definitely a big contrast.

AL __ It’s like living two lives but it’s also relatable. I think what makes you stand out is that you’re not afraid to show your vulnerability. It’s rare in this industry, as many models wouldn’t want to be seen in public without makeup. It’s not just about promoting beauty products for you, you genuinely share your life and experiences. You also lead by example, which brings me to the Foundation you started. Can you tell us more about it?

SG __ I recently started a brand called Mama Mantra. Right now, it’s an online platform aimed at reconnecting families. These days, with kids glued to iPads and parents overwhelmed by busy schedules, we’re seeing less real interaction. Our goal is to encourage families to engage in deeper conversations and build stronger bonds, whether it’s through products like our Mantra plates or simply creating moments to connect at the dinner table.

AL __ That’s such an important mission, especially in today’s digital age. You’re helping bring families back together in a meaningful way.

SG __ Exactly! We want to remind parents and kids alike that it’s okay to pause, put the screens down, and just talk. Connection is key, and we want to provide tools that make it easier for families to reconnect and strengthen their relationships. Our goal at Mama Mantra is to encourage deeper conversations. We want to raise the future leaders of the world together. Through our products, like our Mantra plates, we aim to create little reset moments for parents—gentle reminders to engage more meaningfully with their kids, even if it’s during a busy morning before heading to work.

AL __ Please tell me more about the meaning for you behind the Mantra plates

SG __ We’ve soft-launched some baby products that are growing in popularity. We have reusable Mantra plates that come with a suction cup, a cover, and utensils. They’re all designed with positive affirmations like "I am a shining star," "I am made of love," "Love always wins," and "I am full of joy."

AL __ That’s so beautiful. You brought up a really important point earlier, about building a sense of community. It really does take a village to raise children and it feels like so much of that has been lost in today’s world. Aside from technology, it’s also the lack of faith in this day and age. Decades ago, people had stronger faith, and they built their sense of community within their religions or other platforms. We’ve lost that, and I think what you’re doing is so important. What is your end goal for Mama Mantra? Where do you want to take it?

SG __ The sky’s the limit. I’d love to establish a charity or foundation that helps bring people together, especially those who don’t have the resources. We want to show people they’re not alone, whether they’re parents or not. Parenting can be very lonely, whether you’re a single mom, a single dad, or even in a marriage. There are a lot of things that married couples are afraid to talk to each other about.

AL __ I totally agree with you. I think that feeling of loneliness is very dominant in today’s society, and it doesn’t matter what your situation is—you can be lonely in a marriage, in a relationship, or even with siblings. It’s a universal feeling, and that’s why I think your outreach is so crucial.

SG __ Soon, this year, we’re going to launch something that I’m really excited about called the "Pulse." It’s the heart of Mama Mantra. It’s based on the idea of how manifestation works, and how the universe brings people together through connection. Just meeting someone on the street isn’t just a coincidence—it’s intentional, and that’s the kind of energy we want to bring into this space.

AL __ It’s interesting how you draw inspiration through manifestation. Can you share how that started?

SG __ It really began with my journey in the industry. Starting so young, I didn’t know who I was. I was told how to look, who to hang out with, and what events to attend. It felt like my life wasn’t mine. Before my second child, I was a young mom trying to survive, and my first child saw me navigate that.

AL __ How old are your children?

SG __ They’re 12, 4, and 2, so there’s quite a big age gap between my first and the other two. My first child has seen so many different phases of my life. He was there with me when I was a young mom trying to make ends meet, paycheck to paycheck. He’s been a huge saving grace for me.

AL __ It sounds like you two really grew up together.

SG __ Oh, absolutely. He’s been my anchor through it all. Growing up in the industry, I lost myself completely. Around 26, I had what I call a “spiritual awakening.” I was surrounded by people I thought were my friends, but deep down, I didn’t know myself. I started comparing my career to others instead of seeing my own achievements. I always felt like I wasn’t enough. I needed to step away and figure out who Sharina really was.

AL __ Was there a specific incident that triggered this realization?

SG __ I think it was more of a gradual awareness. Even though I was doing amazing things and hanging out with top models, I kept comparing myself to them. I couldn’t see my own success because no one ever told me, "Your journey is your journey." Instead, I kept asking myself, "Why am I not on the cover of Vogue? Why am I not doing that big campaign?" Even when I had a 10-page spread inside Vogue, I couldn’t appreciate it. I would think, "Why am I not on the cover?" I was sabotaging myself mentally. On the outside, I was the happiest, loudest person in the room but I was hiding what was really going on inside me.  It all came to a head when I booked this big Reebok campaign with Gigi Hadid, Teyana Taylor, and Rae Sremmurd. It was a massive campaign. My modeling agency at the time was so proud. But when I got to the set and realized who else was there, I asked, "Are you sure you want me in this campaign?" My agency thought I was joking, but I wasn’t.

AL __ I imagine it had to be a very conflicting experience.

SG __ It was. That whole year was a turning point. I met Donna Karan shortly after that campaign, and she’s been on an incredible spiritual journey herself. She really influenced me.

AL __  Donna Karan is amazing. What did you do to start your own spiritual journey? Did you start meditating or practicing yoga?

SG __ I’m quite an extremist. When I commit to something, I go all in. [laughs] I realized I didn’t know myself because I didn’t know my roots. So, when I was 26, I put my son into homeschooling and said, "Let’s go." We flew to the Philippines, worked with indigenous communities, and gave back to different charities and shelters. I wanted to connect with my Filipino heritage and understand who I was, outside of what anyone else expected me to be.

AL __ Both of your parents are Filipino, right?

SG __ Yes! When I went to the Philippines, I thought I was going to discover myself while helping various indigenous communities. In reality, it was the communities that helped me find myself. As an ambassador for the Kalayahan Foundation, I supported them by providing valuable resources, creating a mutually beneficial partnership. I visited an incredible indigenous community called the Matigsalug Tribe, located atop a mountain in Davao. I took my son there, and it was an eye-opening experience; there’s no electricity or running water. The kids live without the internet or phones—fully connected to nature. I’ll never forget it. That experience sparked the idea for Mama Mantra.

AL __ That must have been such a life changing experience. How long did you take off after having your daughter?

SG __ I took about four and a half years off. Now I’m back at it, traveling almost every week.

AL __ That’s a big shift! How do you manage work and travel while being away from your children? Does it ever stress you out?

SG __ Absolutely! As a parent, you learn to expect the unexpected, especially when you’re away. But we are lucky as my partner and I decided to settle in Louisiana, where we have a community that supports us. Before fully committing to modeling again, I had a deep conversation with him about whether I should focus solely on Mama Mantra. He encouraged me, saying it would be a mistake not to explore this new version of myself. He noticed how much I had changed during my time off and that I was glowing differently. He told me I would be doing a disservice to myself if I didn’t give it a shot. His encouragement was the confirmation I needed, and I believe there’s still so much more I can achieve.

AL __ How has the modeling industry changed over time?

SG __ Coming back into the modeling industry, I've noticed that it's completely changed since the years I was active. Clients now start by asking for your Instagram, how many followers you have, and your engagement rates. Social media is a huge deal now. I’m lucky to have great followers who have been with me from the beginning and have remained loyal, even during times when I wouldn’t post for six months because I was focused on my mom's life. When I decided to come back to the industry, I promised myself I would do it my way.

AL __ Speaking of changes, how has diversity evolved within the industry from your early days until now, which spans a couple of decades?

SG __ Back then, I used to be the token ethnically ambiguous girl. There weren't many of us—maybe a handful of Asians or Filipinos breaking into the industry. Now, the diversity has really changed; we’re seeing more inclusivity in body types, genders, and stories. I love where it’s at now because it allows me to share my story and feel empowered to use my platform. Ten years ago, if I had been as vocal as I am now, I don't think it would have been as well received. I think the pandemic helped us break through those barriers. After the pandemic, there was a strong focus on self-love and inclusivity. People weren’t afraid anymore; they had time alone with the internet and realized they weren’t the only ones going through certain challenges. That was the beautiful part of the pandemic; it allowed many people to step into their power, and it did for me too. So I cut my hair short, self-submitted to Sports Illustrated, and ended up becoming a rookie that year!

AL __ What an amazing journey and congratulations on your courage, Sharina! It sounds like you’ve found the key to your success.

SG __ Absolutely; being true to yourself.

AL __ So, what do you have lined up for the future? Any projects you’re excited about? Are there any dreams you haven’t yet fulfilled?

SG __ A big goal of mine is to push the boundaries of what people deem impossible. Like Audrey Hepburn said, “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I'm Possible.” That’s my mission: to help moms realize that their lives don’t have to stop just because they have children. The best gift you can give your kids is to show them that dreams do come true. It’s a great lesson for my son because he’ll grow up knowing that women can be strong and independent. For my daughters, I want them to see me thriving and pursuing my dreams. One of the best experiences has been sharing my Sports Illustrated journey with them. I’m the first-ever full Filipino model to grace the pages of Sports Illustrated, and I’m doing it as a mom of three. It’s such an honor to represent my nation and show that femininity can come in many forms, even with short hair. [laughs]

AL __ I definitively resonate with that! [laughs] I also learned that you’re involved in sound healing, I’m curious about that!

SG __ That’s true! I started experimenting with different sounds in the Philippines, like bells and rain sticks. My journey continued in Mexico, where I immersed myself in the health and wellness space. I discovered how sound amplified feelings and insights that I hadn’t tapped into before.

AL __ That sounds transformative.

SG __ It really was! I aim to be a vessel for healing, sharing messages that can help others process trauma or gain insight into their lives. My sound baths are unique because I take participants on a journey while also offering individual insights.

AL __ Where do you typically offer these sound baths? Are they in spas, wellness centers, or at events?

SG __ Most of my sessions are at events. For example, Bare Minerals recently invited me to lead a sound bath at their event, where I guided around 35 influencers and celebrities through a journey of self-love and trauma healing. Each session is unique because sound acts as medicine; it profoundly influences our emotions and well-being. That's why it's crucial to be mindful of what we say to ourselves and the music we listen to daily.

AL __ What kind of music do you enjoy?

SG __ At home, I have a sound machine that plays beautiful frequencies; it's on 24/7, especially when I'm sleeping. My bedroom is my safe space. I also have a playlist called My God's Words, featuring everything from Frank Ocean to gospel music, as well as nostalgic 90s tracks. I focus on music that uplifts my spirit and try to avoid negative frequencies. I'm passionate about promoting positive sound in my family. We often use frequency healing tools and crystals for stress relief.

AL __ It's beautiful that you share such great values with your family and that they're receptive to them.

SG __ Absolutely! We have a nightly routine where we gather after dinner to discuss how we can be better the next day. This started when we realized how disconnected we were becoming as life got busier. It’s essential for us to start and end our day together as a family. We talk about difficult topics and address the trauma we carry from our upbringing. As a Filipino woman, I was taught to suppress my emotions and maintain strength, so I wanted to break that cycle. A big part of the Mama Mantra way of life is having those important conversations.

AL __ I admire your efforts to keep this routine as a focal point of your communication. Do you have any advice you’d like to leave us with?

SG __ I feel we've covered everything, but I do want to emphasize my three pillars of life: spirituality, fitness, and mental health. These elements are interconnected. They all need attention. I journal every night, scripting my goals and expressing gratitude as if they’ve already happened. It’s essential to manifest with clarity and intention, so you can attract what you truly desire.

Photographer Kevin Sinclair, Interviewer Alexandra Lerner, Stylist David Gargiulo, Makeup Deanna Melluso (Forward Artists), Hair Nastya Miliaeva (L'Atelier), Photo Assistant Anna Istomina, Talent Sharina Gutierrez (NY Models)