Sherine Lionel, a figure on social media, is gaining a curated audience of people who relate to her struggles.
Sherine Lionel, after a personal journey of self-discovery, weight loss, and finding her self-confidence, she recently stepped in front of the lens and embraced a new chapter.
We all know someone who has faced various forms of hardship, each as unique as the individual enduring them.
In a world filled with challenges, it’s easy to recognise that many individuals grapple with their own personal battles. Yet society often ignores these subtle cries for help, neglecting those on a relentless quest for strength and resilience.
Our social media feeds frequently bombard us with curated images of perfection, where beauty is often equated with immense talent or sheer luck. This idealised portrayal can create a distorted view of reality, masking the struggles that lie beneath the surface.
Weight gain, though more common, can also lead to feelings of wanting to hide. Those who fight back, often for health reasons, carry the torch for many who feel lost and in need of direction.
One such champion is Sherine Lionel, a figure on social media who is gaining a curated audience of people who relate to her struggles. We caught up with her for a candid conversation about modelling and how she overcame her personal challenges to emerge on the other side.
Journey
Can you tell us more about your personal journey of self-discovery and how it has shaped who you are today?
My journey of self-discovery really began with my health not being the best. I tried everything I could to improve it, but eventually I realised something bigger needed to change. In 2023, I made the life-changing decision to have surgery, a choice that led to losing a whopping 11 stone.
I’ve always been the fun-loving, bubbly person in the room, and that’s genuinely part of who I am. But deep down, I knew I was also hiding behind that personality because of my physicality. I loved taking selfies, but always with a filter, never fully showing the real me. It was a way of protecting myself while still wanting to be seen.
Losing the weight didn’t just change my body; it changed my relationship with myself. It allowed me to love who I was both inside and out. For the first time in many years, the person looking back at me in the mirror finally felt like me, the person I had always wanted to see.
Creative Shoots
Can you share some memorable moments from your creative shoots that particularly resonated with you?
I’ve been lucky enough to experience a handful of shoots, all completely different, from modelling for an independent hair company to carnival costume shoots, pageantry headshots, and fun creative projects.
Every single one has been incredible, and I’ve cherished them all in different ways. However, the shoot that truly reflected my journey was the one I did for my very first pageant. Stepping into a professional shoot for the first time and seeing the new version of myself and how far I had come felt like a real pinch-me moment.
I had always been the one behind the camera, so finding the confidence to let someone else take my photos was a huge step. Seeing the final images and loving the outcome was genuinely breathtaking.
The Reward
What do you find most rewarding about being involved in the pageant industry, and how has it impacted your view of self-celebration?
What I find most rewarding about being involved in the pageant industry is the way it encourages growth, confidence, and self-belief. It’s so much more than appearances; it’s about showing up as your authentic self, owning your story, and celebrating how far you’ve come.
Being part of pageantry has completely changed the way I view self-celebration. For a long time, I struggled to truly celebrate myself, but pageantry has taught me that it’s okay and important to be proud of the journey.
Standing on stage, knowing everything I’ve overcome with my health and personal confidence, has helped me embrace who I am without guilt or hesitation. It’s allowed me to celebrate myself openly and inspire others to do the same.
Sherine Lionel – Modelling
How do you express authenticity and individuality in your modelling work?
I express my authenticity and individuality in my modelling work by showing up as my true self and letting my personality shine through. I’ve always been fun, bubbly, and expressive, and now I no longer use that as a shield; it’s simply who I am.
I love having fun with the shoots, but I also know when to keep it professional. One thing I can’t do a shoot without… is music! Music really helps set the scene, so I love to make sure the environment is relaxed and fun, and it also helps me get in the zone!
Sherine Lionel – Challenges
What challenges have you faced in your journey, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was the judgment and negative comments from others when I chose to be open about my journey online. Some people said I had taken the “easy way out,” which was incredibly difficult to hear, especially when the decision was deeply personal and made to improve my health and quality of life.
I overcame this by constantly reminding myself that I was doing this for me, and only me. It was about protecting my health, my happiness, and my future. I also leaned into my spirituality, with a wise woman once reminding me that people only try to dull your sparkle when they’re already in the dark. I truly believe that, and it helped me stay grounded, focused, and confident in my choices.
Motivation
How do you stay motivated and driven in the competitive world of modelling and creative projects?
I stay motivated and driven by always remembering why I started. Everything I do is rooted in bettering my health, my confidence, and my quality of life, not in seeking validation from others. That keeps me focused and grounded, especially in such a competitive industry.
I also draw motivation from my journey and how far I’ve come. Modelling and creative projects are no longer about proving myself; they’re about celebrating growth, authenticity, and self-expression. I stay driven by surrounding myself with positivity, trusting my instincts, and holding onto the belief that no one else can dim my sparkle unless I let them.
Message
What message do you hope to convey through your work, especially in the context of confidence and creativity?
Through my work, I hope to convey that confidence and creativity come from embracing your authentic self. I want people to see that self-expression isn’t about perfection, it’s about celebrating who you are inside and out, no matter your journey.
Having gone through my own transformation, I’ve learned that confidence grows when you allow yourself to be seen, to experiment, and to take up space unapologetically. My goal is to inspire others to embrace their individuality, trust themselves, and find joy in expressing it creatively, and to show that anything is possible if you want it.
Sherine Lionel – Goals
What are your future goals in the modelling industry, and how do you plan to continue your journey of growth?
My future goals in the modelling industry are to continue working on diverse and creative projects that allow me to express authenticity and inspire confidence in others. This year, I’m taking part in the Miss Great Britain pageant, which isan exciting opportunity to challenge myself even more and push my personal and professional boundaries.
I will continue my journey of growth, as I plan to keep learning, refine my skills in front of the camera, & exploring new aspects of the industry. I plan to share my story to empower others, stay grounded, embrace new opportunities, and remain true to myself, which will always guide my growth, both personally and professionally.
Credits
Website cover Photography by: The Creative Fox Photos© @thecreativefoxphotos
Sherine Lionel – Instagram
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