Amara Shia, the homegrown luxury jewelry brand, celebrated its 5th anniversary with an exclusive gala at Okada Manila on May 27, 2025.
The event gathered close friends, clients, and supporters in a glittering evening that honored the brand’s journey and unveiled bold plans for the future.
For founder and CEO Shina Aquino, the milestone was deeply personal.
“Si Amara, nagstart lang siya as a passion. Passion ko lang magbenta kasi to be honest, I started selling online as a reseller,” Shina shared during her speech. “I started ten years ago, after five years, I started creating the Amara Shia. My husband, siya talaga ‘yung naging mentor ko.”
She continued: “Sobrang thankful ako kasi nandiyan siya to guide me. Nag-start kami ng Amara Shia locally, nag-open kami ng first branch sa General Santos, then second branch. Nag-expand kami ng third branch sa SM Manila. Hindi namin siya in-expect, ‘yung bilis ng blessings.”
Shina also revealed that 2023 was a turning point for the brand.
“Nag-start kami with our suppliers of gold. And then, after that, kahit nagkaroon ng second thoughts ‘yung partnership namin with Sam, ang naging pinakamagandang desisyon namin. Na-amaze ako na ang lawak pala talaga ng market ng jewelry.”
From local beginnings to international reach, the brand’s rapid expansion has led to two exciting new chapters:
The upcoming Amara Shia BGC branch, which will bring the brand’s signature luxury experience to one of Metro Manila’s most upscale districts.
The official launch of the Amara Shia Production House, a creative arm focused on storytelling, visual branding, and high-quality service.
“Iga-guide ka talaga ni Lord kung saan ka dapat, kung sino talaga ‘yung mga taong dadating sa’yo,” Shina said. “From local, naging national tayo and hindi namin in-expect na mage-expand tayo hanggang international. And from there, nagtayo na tayo ng sarili nating production house.”
Adding star power to the night were Amara Shia ambassadors Sanya Lopez and Jenela in Japan, who each shared touching testimonials about their relationship with the brand.
“Sobrang happy ako. Sabi ko nga na natutuwa ako na ‘yung tiwala nila hanggang ngayon, nandiyan pa din,” Sanya said. “Every time na may blessings ni Ms. Shina, parang parte ka. Kasama kami and ‘yun ‘yung reason siguro kung bakit siya mas lalong bine-bless—because she shares her blessings.”
Jenela echoed the same gratitude: “Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa din ako makapaniwala bakit ako. Siyempre, si Ms. Sanya tapos bakit ako?” she said. “Ang dami pang mas deserving na influencers and yet ako ang pinili at pinagkatiwalaan ng Amara Shia Jewelry. Almost two years na akong ambassador. Hindi lang po ambassador ang turing sa akin—parang kapatid na.”
When asked why she chose the two as ambassadors, Shina answered with sincerity: “Sa una talaga, ang makikita mo, pretty, sikat sila. Pero along the way na matagal na ‘yung relationship namin, hindi na siya ganun. Si Sanya and si Jenela iba talaga kasi ‘yung small things man o big things, grateful sila sa lahat.”
“Sa ngayon, hindi na siya business—more on the relationship na sobrang hirap tibagin. Sila ang sobrang nag-trust sa brand and sobrang thankful ako.”
Amara Shia also announced a ₱1 million raffle prize pool for upcoming live selling events in June, further extending the celebration to its digital community.
