Sharina Gutierrez: How a Model, Activist & Entrepreneur Turns Dreams Into Reality
A Journey of Resilience, Connection, and Unstoppable Ambition
Few stories embody the power of perseverance quite like Sharina Gutierrez’s. A Sports Illustrated Swim rookie, connection activist, multi-entrepreneur, and devoted mother of three, she has redefined what it means to chase dreams—no matter the odds. Her life is a testament to the belief that anything is possible when you dare to believe in yourself.
From a 12-year-old with her “head in the clouds” to a global influencer, Sharina’s path wasn’t just about modeling—it was about transforming challenges into purpose. Today, she shares how she turned skepticism into success, balances a multifaceted career, and uses her platform to reconnect families, empower marginalized voices, and inspire the next generation.
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From Doubt to Sports Illustrated: The Power of Self-Belief
For over a decade, Sharina faced relentless doubt. Industry insiders told her she was “too old,” “not sexy enough,” and “not influential”—all because she was a mother of three in her 30s. But one conversation with her husband changed everything.
“I was starting to believe my dream was unreachable. Then my husband gave me a wake-up call: ‘You haven’t even given this version of yourself a chance.’ So I did—my way.”
Instead of conforming to industry standards, she sent a raw, unfiltered video—her story, her family, her journey. The response? A resounding “yes.” Today, she stands as a Sports Illustrated Swim rookie, proving that motherhood, age, and influence are not barriers—they’re strengths.
“I decided to choose me,” she declares. “Now, I’m here to show the world that dreams don’t expire—they evolve.”
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Key Lesson:
- Defy the naysayers—your biggest critic is often your own mind.
- Redefine “sexy”—confidence, authenticity, and resilience are the new standards.
- Your story is your power—own it, share it, and let it open doors.
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Balancing Motherhood, Modeling, and Mission: The Art of “The Great Game”
How does Sharina juggle modeling, entrepreneurship, activism, and family without burning out? She credits her mentor, Adam Robinson (New York Times bestselling author of The Great Game), for teaching her a vital truth:
“Life is one great game. Balance isn’t about division—it’s about embodiment. When you love what you do, it’s not work; it’s play.”
Her secret? Mindful resets. With 86,400 seconds in a day, she chooses when to pause, reflect, and realign. Whether it’s cooking, self-care, or one-on-one time with her children, she ensures every role gets its moment.
“I don’t have to finish everything in a day,” she admits. “Progress is a celebration. Every step forward is part of the bigger picture.”
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Mama Mantra: Reconnecting Families in a Digital World
In an era where technology disconnects as much as it connects, Sharina and her family noticed a troubling trend: dinner tables silent with screens, conversations replaced by scrolls. This inspired Mama Mantra, a movement to help families disconnect to reconnect.
“We’re losing human connection—the deep, meaningful kind,” she explains. “Mama Mantra is about guiding families back to each other through conversation, presence, and heart-centered living.”
How Mama Mantra Works:
- Tech-free zones—designated times to unplug and engage.
- Conversation starters—questions that spark real dialogue.
- mindful rituals—cooking, storytelling, and gratitude practices.
“The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence,” Sharina says. “When families reconnect, they heal, grow, and thrive together.”
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Sound Healing & self-love: The Vibration of Transformation
Long before she became a model, Sharina was fascinated by the power of sound and vibration. “Words carry energy,” she explains. “What we say—to ourselves and others—shapes our reality.”
As a sound guide, she helps people:
- Rewrite their inner dialogue—from self-doubt to self-love.
- Align with their truth—using affirmations and frequency.
- Become “magnets for love and success”—by vibrating at their highest potential.
“When you love yourself fully, you attract the same energy back. That’s how dreams manifest—from the inside out.”
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Overcoming Skepticism: A Blueprint for the Doubters
To those facing rejection or discouragement, Sharina offers a bold reminder:
“No one can stop you but you. If something is meant for you, the universe will conspire to make it happen—but you must believe first.”
Her advice for turning “impossible” into “I’m possible“:
- Own your “why”—let purpose fuel your persistence.
- Ignore the noise—naysayers reflect their limits, not yours.
- Take aligned action—not just hard work, but soul-led work.
- Celebrate small wins—momentum builds miracles.
“The word impossible itself says ‘I’m possible’. That’s not a coincidence—that’s a sign.”
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Philanthropy as a Way of Life: “Make It Happen”
For Sharina, giving back isn’t an obligation—it’s oxygen. Whether through The Model Rev (empowering Filipino representation in fashion) or her work with indigenous communities, she integrates philanthropy into her daily life.
“I make time for what matters,” she says. “That means:
- Self-care first—you can’t pour from an empty cup.
- Family focus—showing each member they’re valued.
- Single-tasking—quality over quantity in every endeavor.
- Celebrating progress—every step is a victory.
“Philanthropy isn’t just donations—it’s how you live. When you operate from abundance, giving becomes effortless.”
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Breaking Barriers in Fashion: Representation & Revolution
As one of the few Filipino models in the industry 22 years ago, Sharina knows the struggle of underrepresentation. Through The Model Rev, she’s changing the narrative:
“Fashion should reflect all of us—not just a select few. Today, we see more Filipino creators, models, and leaders, but the work isn’t done.”
Her vision for the industry:
- Diversity behind and in front of the camera.
- Authentic storytelling—not just tokenism.
- Community over competition—rising together.
“Fashion is a cultural movement. When we include more voices, we elevate the entire industry.”
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Lessons from Indigenous Communities: Healing & Humility
Some of Sharina’s most profound growth came from traveling to villages worldwide. “These communities didn’t just need help—they healed me,” she reflects.
Key takeaways:
- Wealth isn’t material—it’s connection, wisdom, and land.
- Generosity is cyclic—the more you give, the more you receive.
- Mother Earth teaches humility—we’re stewards, not owners.
“I bring my children to these places so they see life beyond screens. True education isn’t in textbooks—it’s in experience, empathy, and exchange.”
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The Fashion Industry’s Hidden Truth: Connection Over Clicks
After two decades in fashion, Sharina sees the gap between social media illusion and real impact. “We’re told to chase likes, but real influence is connection,” she says.
Her call to action:
- Use platforms to unite—not just to impress.
- Collaborate, don’t compete—success is collective.
- Be a beacon of light—like trees connected through roots.
“The fashion industry thrives when we lift each other. That’s how we redefine beauty, power, and purpose.”
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The Future: Mama Mantra, Legacy, and Limitless Possibility
Looking ahead, Sharina’s mission is clear: “Inspire the world to dream fearlessly.”
Her goals:
- Expand Mama Mantra—making it a household name for family connection.
- Deepened philanthropic impact—especially in education and indigenous rights.
- More “impossible” milestones—because she’s just getting started.
“I’m here to honor God, serve humanity, and leave a legacy of love. If my story helps one person believe in their dreams, I’ve done my job.”
And for those still doubting their potential? Sharina leaves them with this:
“Your dreams are waiting for you to claim them. The question isn’t ‘Can I?’—it’s ‘Will I?’ And the answer? Yes. Always yes.“
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Follow Sharina’s Journey:
- Mama Mantra: [Website Link]
- Sports Illustrated Feature: [Link]
- Instagram: @sharinagutierrez
