At home with Sherry Shi
At home exclusively with top model Sherry Shi at IMG Models. Sherry self-shot and self-edited the images, captured during her quarantine times in NYC.
Who are you and what is your profession?
My name is Sherry Shi! I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I have two older siblings and two Chinese immigrant parents. I am a fashion model, but I would also consider myself a business woman. I am currently studying marketing online, however I learn the most from my experiences as a model. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to travel to so many incredible places, and to meet so many different people across the world. I would consider fashion models as business women for sure.
How do you think Covid-19 will affect the fashion industry both long-term and short-term? How do you see the impact of the Corona crisis on the general perception of fashion? Do you believe everything will just go back to normal after Covid-19, or how do you see it will be?
E-Commerce is definitely going to be playing a bigger role now more than ever in fashion. Companies are now seeing warehouse space as a more valuable investment than in person stores. In terms of social media, there is no doubt we've all remained strong and hopeful. Supporting and uplifting others. Giving generously and loving genuinely. I also believe we've all become more aware and grateful for the little things. How fortunate are we to have a home and to be sheltered safely? I believe that once this has all passed, we will come back stronger than ever before, and more importantly, more loving. I also feel people tend to think of the fashion industry as just clothes and pretty faces. But it is so much more than this. We are a community. A team. We stand together.
How do you spend your Quarantine time and are you still able to create while being quarantined?
Covid-19 and quarantine time definitely hasn't stopped my love and focus of creating. I actually find that I’ve been creating a lot more, and have been more active then I was prior to quarantine. I have a lot more time on my hands these days since everyone including myself is social distancing and staying home!
What is your first memory with fashion? And how did you start modeling?
My first memory with fashion was walking the Alexander Wang show. I had gone to New York once as a child, but going there as a 16 year old felt as though it were my first ever time really stepping out of my home or comfort zone in Texas. It felt like a whole new world in the city. As a child, my older sister was modeling with our mother agency, and after a few years, my family and I eventually decided to give modeling a try. I had the opportunity to meet my current agency, IMG Worldwide. After signing with IMG, I was on the way to a dentist appointment after school when I was given the news by my parents I was going to possibly walk for the Alexander Wang 2019 resort show! When I arrived in New York (which felt like a dream) I met the most welcoming team of agents and went to the Alexander Wang fitting! After a day or two, I was confirmed! It was my first ever time really in New York, and my first ever job. It’s been such a crazy but incredible ride living in New York since!
What is your daily beauty routine like? And what beauty products you cannot go without?
-Every night before I go to bed, I always wash my face with a mild dry skin face wash, and after stepping out of the shower, I apply a moisturizing facial lotion. I absolutely cannot go anywhere without my facial cleansing wash, face lotion, oatmeal body lotion, and lip balm. They are my must haves!
What is the coolest new thing you have learnt since being quarantined and how did you learn it?
I actually learned how to properly run! I always felt so free and unstoppable while running, but since I've been running more and more, I have actually discovered there is a certain form to follow if you want to run faster and more powerfully. Such as, never turn your head to look at what's behind you, because it disturbs your momentum and balance!
Tell us something about yourself that isn't on your CV.
I actually don't tell a lot of people this, but I love to sing. Something about letting out smooth or more powerful notes feels as if I'm letting a certain message or feeling come out of my body. Sounds weird! Haha, but I love to sing.
What's the first place you'd want to go when it's safe again to travel and go out of our homes and why there?
Definitely a friend's only getaway trip to Seoul, Korea during holiday. I've always had a love and appreciation for the Korean culture, and just Korea in general. The Kdramas, the food, the shows, the cute guys, the energy, the music, the acting and kpop industry, etc. This is a trip I see as a must happen! I not only love the modern and sleepless asian city, I also absolutely love the nature and raw/natural landscapes of Korea. It is a dream to make the images in my head of exploring Korea with friends a reality.
What is your favorite song at the moment and why? Do you have a playlist that you would like to share with us?
On by BTS! I am obsessed with the Map of the soul: 7 album! I used to not really love kpop, but after getting to know BTS, hear their stories, and fall in love with not only them but their music, they have become my all time favorite band. I can't put into words how their performance makes me feel! It's a rush of energy and love each time seeing them.
What is the first thing you like to do when you wake up, and last thing you like to do before going to bed?
-The first thing, and yes, this is true mom! The first thing I do is open the blinds to get that natural morning sunlight as soon as possible, to reset my circadian rhythms. Next, I always make my bed. Psych and military experts have shown making your bed first thing in the morning everyday boosts productivity levels. It took a lot of nagging from my mom to be doing the second thing everyday, but I eventually grew up! Haha. The last thing i like to do before bed is to take a warm shower after brushing my teeth. I like to go straight to bed as when your body temperature starts to lower from the shower, you fall sleepier. If I dont go to bed right away after showering, I like to study or go on my electronics. On night shift mode for my devices at all times always of course.
Have you ever been to Amsterdam? If yes, describe your experience of Amsterdam in one sentence.
I have actually surprisingly never been! However I have always wanted to go. Whenever I think of Amsterdam, I think of bicycles and fun times haha!
What is your go-to work-out for staying in shape? What does working out mean to you?
I have actually always been very skinny, tall, and lean. My whole family is this way, and it is how I was born. I will always be a very skinny but also very active person. So when I workout, I work for strength and a healthy lifestyle more than I do for losing weight. I actually gain more weight by staying fit, because getting that toned figure involves muscle.
What is your favorite painting and has it inspired you for any of your work thus far?
The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo has always been a painting I've remembered. I feel it has inspired me through remembering we were all created with purpose and love. It gives me hope and faith. It humbles me. It has a message that has a lot to do with how my mind works, and what I believe in with all my heart.
What is your favorite recipe? And would you like to share one with our readers?
My all time favorite recipe is one that hits the heart of home, and everytime I eat this dish I feel like I'm a kid again. I used to have this dish after every meal, and after playing in the chilly or cold outdoors with some friends in the neighborhood. It just warms your entire body on a cold day. Tomato egg soup (originally taught by my mom).
What is the best part of cooking for you and what is the first thing you first ever cooked (if you remember)?
-The best part is that I get to learn from my parents. I get to learn authentic Chinese recipes from my parents, that I can later pass down to my future American generations, like my own children in the future. Even though I was born and raised in Texas, I still get to remember my roots, and have appreciation for all the sacrifices my parents endured to provide a better life for us in America when I serve and taste these meals. My first ever dish I cooked wasn't actually Chinese. I was helping one of my neighbors cook spaghetti for a church event, and when I came home, I convinced my dad to bring me to the grocery store to make the sauce for a delicious spaghetti. After cooking for my family that night, I later on learned how to add my own twists to the sauce, and keep a wonderful backstory of it with me. I also learned how to make a delicious and crispy cheese, avocado, and ham sandwich from YouTube. I learned these recipes around the age of 10, and served them for my family on several occasions
What ingredients do you must have at home always and why?
Spices. Spices, spices, and more spices. The flavor. The key is the flavor and quality. Traditional Chinese spices, garlic powder, Tony Chachere’s Original Creole seasoning, etc.
INSTAGRAM: @sherryramsayshi
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