Well-Being From The Kitchen & Beyond with Shayna Taylor

Forget the dietician, the private chef, and the personal trainer— this model is her own best nutritionist. After getting signed by Wilhelmina Models in 2012 and pursuing a professional modeling career, Shayna Taylor soon discovered her own passion for wellness, effectively launching her public blog platform, Shayna’s Kitchen. Here, you’ll find no shortage of nutritious recipes, intense workouts, travel tips from around the world, and informational resources on health and wellness. BWB had the chance to meet with the bicoastal blonde to talk about what goes on outside of Shayna’s kitchen.

What gets you out of bed in the mornings?

Honestly, I wasn’t always a morning person, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve learned to love waking up early to start my morning rituals. I do a little stretch and let the pups out to potty. I really look forward to my morning matcha lattes and watching the sunrise before my day starts. I guess you can say it’s part of my self-care routine.

A failing of our era that shocks you the most?

As much good as there is in having your whole life in the palm of your hands, it’s also toxic and addictive for most of society.

It’s so interesting to be a millennial. We were the last generation before social media and cellphones truly took over everyone’s life. As much good as there is in having your whole life in the palm of your hands, it’s also toxic and addictive for most of society. The same goes for social media. As a small business owner, you understand how important it is to have social media. It truly is remarkable how much you can connect with different people and likeminded companies, but I think we all need to realize how special and peaceful life is JUST BEING PRESENT in the moment and not living through a phone lens.

The quality you admire the most in other people?

My top quality I admire most in people is thoughtfulness. So many people are so self-absorbed and only want or do things that benefit them. I respect and admire someone who always thinks of others just as much as they think of themselves.

A bad habit you can’t get rid of?

I still struggle with the habit of loving me for me, no matter what stage of life I’m in.

A bad habit I can’t seem to get rid of is being too hard on myself and always thinking I can do better, look better, and be better. As much as some people would think I’m confident and love myself (don’t get me wrong, I do), I consistently beat myself up for eating something I wasn’t supposed to or skipping a day or two of not working out. It’s gotten much better over the years, but I still struggle with the habit of loving me for me, no matter what stage of life I’m in.

Something you always knew andisconfirmed year after year?

Something I always knew was that I wanted to help and educate people, and every year it becomes stronger and clearer on how I can do that.

A film or documentary you could watch over and over again?

If I’m being honest, I don’t watch much TV or movies now in my life, and I can’t think of one movie or documentary that I would want to share. I just have so many other things I rather do, BUT as a kid I was obsessed with Finding Nemo. I could have watched that movie 100 times and still wouldn’t be sick of it. I honestly might have watched it 100 times in my life.

The casting for a perfect dinner party?

A casting for the perfect dinner party would just be my closest friends. I’ve never been the person that has 234852948 friends. No particular reason – I just only truly connect with and trust very few people. So my perfect cast would be my 6 best friends – Kenzie, Claire, Paula, Madison, Rachel, and Faryn.

How do you “disconnect”?

I disconnect in a lot of ways; it just depends on what my body needs. I’ve never been a fan of my phone and the more I have to be on it for work, the more I resent it when I don’t need it. My easiest way to disconnect is just putting my phone down, cleaning around the house, cook something simple and fun with my favorite music on. Last but not least, I light my candles, incense and take a nice salt bath.

Your secret for a nice vacation?

I could go anywhere in the world—as long as I’m next to nature or the ocean—I’m the happiest girl alive.

My secret for a nice vacation is to travel with either my love, by myself, or a best friend. Eat healthy, do yoga, and basically pretend like I don’t own a cell phone. I could go anywhere in the world—as long as I’m next to nature or the ocean—I’m the happiest girl alive.

What’s next for Shayna’s Kitchen?

Shayna’s Kitchen has a lot in the works! I’ve really enjoyed sharing my knowledge of health and wellness through food, but I have SO much more to share with people and I can’t wait for 2020. For those of you who are new to following Shayna’s Kitchen, check out my Instagram and website for my latest products launching and more lifestyle tips to help you live and healthier, sustainable, and more present lifestyle.