Aura Magazine Has The Most Aura: A Conversation With CEO Shaira Gustilo
Written by Daphne Bryant
Image courtesy of @visualsbyty
Magazines are having an epic renaissance right now, and one of the newest industry innOvators is the FABULOUS Shaira Gustilo. Shaira is the founding ceo of Aura magaZine, a spokane-based publication and movement where beauty, talent and individuality collide. founder to founder, i had the pleasure of speaking with shaira about all things Y2K, baddie culture, and girlhood. read our interview below <3
Daphne Bryant: Let’s introduce you to the DWG fanbase! What’s your name, how old are you, and what do you do as the founding CEO of Aura Magazine?
Shaira Gustilo: Hi DWG! My name is Shaira, I’m 22 years old, and I’m the CEO of Aura Magazine. As the CEO, I’m responsible for being the full-time photographer, editor, content creator, and scheduler for shoots. I also scout and interview models for the magazine, as well as design all the pages. Aura Magazine is still new—it’s been less than a month since I started it—so there’s a lot of responsibility on me right now. However, I’m looking forward to expanding the team in the future.
Image courtesy of @shairalgustilo
2. One of Aura Magazine’s slogans is“ Where Creativity Meets Confidence: Bad Bitches Creating The Future.” How would you personally define Aura Magazine?
I would define Aura Magazine as a platform that celebrates bold, creative, and confident individuals who are unapologetically themselves. It’s not just about showcasing talent and aesthetics, but also about empowering those with unique styles and voices to confidently express who they are. Aura Magazine is a space where creativity thrives and where individuals who break the mold come together to shape the future of fashion, beauty, and self-expression. It’s a celebration of strength, confidence, and the boldness to stand out.
3. What inspired you to start Aura?
Aura Magazine started because I’ve met many creative women in my life who are often unrecognized for their hard work and talent. I’ve always enjoyed photography, modeling, and styling, so at first, I wanted to create a magazine that would serve as a portfolio for my photography. However, I also really enjoy journalism, so I thought combining my passions into one magazine would be the perfect way to showcase these amazing individuals and their talents.
4. Love that! The magazine is based out of Spokane, Washington. What is the art scene like there? How does your publication fit into the mix?
I’m based out of Spokane, and honestly, I’ve never been surrounded by more creative go-getters in my life. They’ve truly motivated me. Spokane is a diverse and creative area, and the connections here are perfect for starting a small project like Aura. My publication is a great fit because, even though it’s a small town, it’s filled with so many talented creatives.
5. Your most recent photoshoot has heavy Y2K energy. Is that an aesthetic you’re hoping to tap into more as you continue on your mag journey?
Yes, absolutely! I love the Y2K aesthetic—it’s such a fun blend of nostalgia and bold creativity. The vibrant colors, futuristic vibes, and playful attitude really speak to me, and I think it resonates with a lot of people today who are drawn to that era's energy. As I continue with *Aura Magazine*, I definitely want to explore more Y2K-inspired shoots and bring that vibe into the magazine. It’s a perfect fit for showcasing the confident, bold energy that *Aura* celebrates, while also appealing to a generation that’s rediscovering those trends.
Image courtesy of @shairalgustilo
6. One really cool thing about Aura is your Model Ambassador program! Why did you start this and how can people who are interested in joining do so?
Thank you! The Model Ambassador program is something I’m really excited about because it gives people the opportunity to not only be featured in *Aura Magazine* but also to become part of a community of confident, creative individuals who share similar passions. I started the program because I wanted to create a platform where models, whether experienced or just starting out, could gain exposure, connect with others, and grow within a supportive environment. If you're interested in joining, it's pretty simple! You can reach out through our website or directly on social media. We’re always looking for people who embody the essence of *Aura*—confidence, creativity, and a unique personal style. Just send in your portfolio or some photos along with a little about yourself, and we’ll get in touch if we think you’d be a great fit for the program!
7. How do you see the future of magazine culture evolving?
I think the future of magazine culture is going to be a really exciting blend of digital innovation and a return to more personalized, niche content. With social media and online platforms continuing to grow, print magazines are becoming more specialized, focusing on building unique communities and offering content that truly resonates with their audience. The digital space allows for more interactive and dynamic experiences—think video content, virtual reality, and even more immersive storytelling.
At the same time, I believe there will always be a place for print magazines, but the focus will shift to offering something tangible and special, with an emphasis on artistry, quality, and craftsmanship. People will continue to crave the tactile experience of flipping through a beautifully designed issue, but with a stronger connection to the values and personalities behind the publication. For Aura Magazine, this means blending baddie culture, empowerment, and creativity with innovative content that speaks directly to a like-minded community.
It’ll definitely be a shift toward more digital-first, but with an appreciation for what print can uniquely offer. The future of magazines is definitely more about curating niche, valuable experiences and less about the mass-market approach.
“People will continue to crave the tactile experience of flipping through a beautifully designed issue, but with a stronger connection to the values and personalities behind the publication. For Aura Magazine, this means blending baddie culture, empowerment, and creativity with innovative content that speaks directly to a like-minded community.”
Image courtesy of @shairalgustilo
8. 100% agree with that. Let’s talk girlhood: what does girlhood mean to you?
To me, girlhood is about embracing growth, change, and discovering who you are with no limits. It's a time of exploring your passions, making mistakes, and learning from them while building your confidence. Girlhood isn’t just about age or appearance, it’s about the energy and strength that comes from owning your individuality. It's about supporting one another, breaking barriers, and carving out space where you can express yourself freely, unapologetically. In a way, girlhood represents a journey of self-discovery and empowerment—where you are allowed to be bold, vulnerable, and everything in between. It’s about defining yourself on your own terms and standing together with others who are doing the same.
9. What projects are you working on right now for Aura Magazine?
Right now, I’m focused on finalizing the first issue of Aura Magazine, titled Rise of Aura. It’s been such an exciting process—scouting models, scheduling shoots, designing layouts, and curating content that embodies the bold, confident energy of the brand. I’m also working on building up the Model Ambassador program, which I’m really passionate about because it creates a space for models to be part of a supportive, creative community.
In addition to that, I’m always planning styled and creative shoots to showcase in the upcoming issues, especially tapping into aesthetic themes like Y2K vibes and the baddie culture. I’m also working on increasing Aura Magazine’s visibility on social media, like growing our Instagram account to engage more with potential models, photographers, and creatives who vibe with the magazine’s mission.
There’s a lot on my plate right now, but everything I’m working on feels like an essential step toward building Aura into something special.
