DUBAI: Part-Arab model Shanina Shaik took to social media to share her hopes for 2024 and look back on the past year while ringing in the new year in Lagos, Nigeria.
The 32-year-old model — who is of Saudi, Pakistani, Lithuanian and Australian descent — took to Instagram Stories to write “2024 will be my year!”
She went on to share a heartfelt message about the previous year, telling her 3.5 million followers it was the “most challenging” year she has faced so far.
“This year was the most challenging year of my life! I can look back on the last 364 days and appreciate the lessons. Obstacles and challenges are lessons that turn into strength and growth,” she wrote on Instagram Stories.
“Every year on this day, I write a letter to myself — an overview of my year. I journal about what occurred throughout the year … then follow with what I would like to work on for the new year. I manifest what I see for my new year — more importantly, what I’m deserving of,” she added.
Shaik explained that she has been writing yearly letters to herself for the past eight years, before adding: “I highly recommend it — you will notice over every letter (year after year) your growth and success. My takeaway from all the letters over the years is that the universe is always on your side. Even when they have to make you really uncomfortable.”
Shaik also shared a short video on Instagram with highlights from her 2023, including clips of her now one-year-old baby, Zai Adesuyan Matthew.
The model and social media star also shared clips of her fashion work over the past year, highlighting her summer appearance on the runway for New York-based brand Retrofete. She graced the runway in a mini reflective gold dress from the brand’s Fall/Winter collection in June.
Shaik also shared behind-the-scenes snapshots of her work promoting a pop-up store in Los Angeles by FWRD.
The Revolve Group-owned luxury e-commerce platform, which boasts supermodel Kendall Jenner as its creative director, tapped Shaik to promote the store in June.
It was a big year for Shaik, who also launched her own beauty line by kicking off with a mascara.
Her new brand, which is in partnership with beauty brand incubator Beaubble, is called Sala, meaning “island” in Lithuanian.
“Welcome to Sala! Where clean beauty and community meet. Introducing the ultimate mascara that’s all about bringing back the iconic 90’s fierce confidence. We are so excited to announce Sala mascara will be launching September. We can't wait to share it with you,” Shaik posted on Instagram earlier this year.
Beaubble has incubated several influencer and model-founded brands.
