Bustle Exclusive
She has a history of speaking dreams into existence and the CV to back it up.
What cant she do?
Shay Mitchell doesnt sit still, at least not figuratively.
Shes outfitted in double denim: a pair of relaxed, light-wash jeans and a darker-hued jacket.
Its not something a lot of people could pull off.
I dont have any rules when it comes to fashion.
I have fun with it.
For me, that comes from accessories, whether its a sparkly bag or jewelry.
Thats how I like to add my sparkle.
But today, she seemssimultaneously laid-back and focusedin the moment.
Shes got chicken adobo and pancit waiting on the stove.
But first, she sits down to talk about manifestation, Filipino cooking, and dream destinations.
Its so nice to meet you.
Looking back on 2024, what were some of your big moments?
I had a really great year of travel.
I had a lot of fun.
I mean, Barcelona, Scotland, New York a bunch.
I feel really grateful for getting to travel to a bunch of different places.
Speaking of travel, do you have any updates on a second season ofThirst?
I read in another interview that youd be hoping to go to Asia.
Oh, my God, 100%.
Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, China.
There are a lot of different places Id like to go to.
Whats to drink in the Philippines?
There are beers, but they have an alcohol thats specific to the Philippines.
My mom was telling me.
Im actually also half Filipina, so Im extra excited to talk with you.
Wheres your mom from?
Shes from Pilar, from Bicol.
I actually havent been.
Oh, my God, its amazing.
Im gonna go this time next year.
Ive been twice, and now I need to bring my kids.
Wheres your mom from?
I always like to ask people who are also half Filipino whether they felt disconnected growing up.
Was that your experience?
Maybe its different in Canada.
Fortunately, I grew up around a lot of my moms siblings.
She was one of 10.
Its always been a huge part of who I am.
I do think Filipino Americans have been getting recognition recently.
Like, James Beard-winning chefs in L.A.
Kuya Lord, right?
I also think my aunt needs to get recognition with James Beard.
Her cooking is really amazing.
Your aunt, but not your mom?
We always have jokes, like Who can make the best pancit?
But my aunt can definitely cook more Filipino dishes.
Is she in the States?
She lives in the Philippines, but shes actually here now.
I have a whole thing of chicken adobo and pancit [at my house.]
My husband learned how to make adobo.
Do you cook, too?
No, not at all.
I like to eat what they make.
But do family members ever bug you about that?
No, my familys so awesome about it.
My mom never bothered me about getting in a relationship, having kids, nothing.
She was just like, Succeed for yourself.
Do what you want to accomplish.
And I would never put pressure on my kids to get married.
Like, live your life.
Do what you want without the pressure of society norms, because who cares?
Im not living it for anybody other than myself.
Thats just how I live my life.
I feel zero pressure from anybody to get married.
I mean, I have two kids with this person thats more of a commitment than anything.
My parents were similar.
Yeah, putting pressure on your kids is so off-putting to me.
Have your kids asked about it?
What do you say?
Yeah, Atlas has asked, because she sees it in Disney movies.
Like, Are you guys married?
And [Im like,] Were committed, and I just continue to repeat that.
Were a family, first and foremost.
Changing topics, youve talked a lot about manifesting, and I want to know more.
How did you get into it?
Is it something you do regularly?
If something bothers me, I wont pay attention to it.
Your words are very powerful.
Thats why Im very careful with them, and Ive said this over the years.
I dont say certain things.
Even with my kids, like, Dont tell me that youre starving because youre not.
And I know its a joke sometimes, but Im very specific.
Totally, words are spells.
Do you remember where you learned this?
No, Ive always had this little knack.
I mean, my dads slogan was you’re able to achieve anything you put your mind to.
I took it another step.
[Its even in] how I say things.
Like I dont say, I want this.
Im like, Im grateful for this, because I envision already having it.
Its something Ive done for a long time now.
Speaking of talking things into existence, whats on your 2025 vision board?
If they werent on a physical board, theyve been in my head.
Ive always seen it happening, and I knew these were the next things I was going to do.
OK, so what else is coming up?
I know you have the thrillerThe Up and Comer.
Yeah, we shot top of November.
I want to see this movie, regardless of the fact that Im in it, which is telling.
I love the storyline.
Im already proud of it, and I havent even seen it.
I dont think it got as much awareness as it should have.
Its such a good show, with incredible writers.
I loved the girls on that show, and it was such a perfect shoot experience.
I remember listening to Esther Povitskys old podcast,Glowing Up, and the episode you were in.
I made the coffee you talked about, with the dates.
It was delicious.What other things are you obsessed with, food or otherwise?
I mean, Hello Kitty has taken over my world, because both my girls are obsessed with it.
If you looked at my past searches, its, like, Hello Kitty everything.
Im obsessed with bags and Beis bags, of course.
I dont care what goes in them.
They just make me very happy.
Im not, like, even a jewelry person.
Im a bag lady.
Do you keep anything unusual in your bag?
I like to write and draw things.
Thats a manifesting thing, right?
Like, put it on paper.
Do you have any other spiritual or magical practices?
I wish I could say I do [it] on the regular.
I would like to focus on meditating more next year, but I dont beat myself up over that.
I also dont feel like I need a new year to start something.
you could start it tomorrow.
you might start it right now.
it’s possible for you to start whenever you want.
I dont really believe in New Years resolutions.
Yeah, and I think guided meditations are a great way to start.
This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.
All clothing and accessories courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger.
