Scheana Shay Discusses Heritage and New Memoir, “My Good Side”

Scheana Shay, known for her role in the reality television series “Vanderpump Rules,” recently opened up about her experiences growing up and her journey toward embracing her Mexican heritage. In a candid discussion, she reflected on the challenges of feeling “not Mexican enough” during her childhood and how she is raising her daughter with a deeper appreciation for their cultural identity.

Shay’s memoir, My Good Side, released in March 2023, quickly became a New York Times bestseller. The process of writing the book was a collaborative effort, involving input from her team and publisher. Shay noted that deciding what to include was challenging, as she could have written extensively about her life. Ultimately, the focus was on sharing aspects that would resonate with readers.

In the memoir, Shay discusses her early life, including her struggles with identity. She felt disconnected from her Mexican heritage, partly due to her upbringing in a predominantly white household. These feelings of “imposter syndrome” were compounded by her family’s appearance. Her father, who raised her, is Dutch with blonde hair and blue eyes, while her mother shares similar traits. Shay’s connection to her Mexican heritage primarily came from her biological father’s side, which influenced her identity but was not a central part of her upbringing.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Shay shared, “I felt like I couldn’t tell people that I was Mexican because my last name was Jancan, and my parents are white.” This struggle to fit in led her to hide parts of her identity, which she now recognizes as an essential aspect of her life. “I am proud to be Mexican,” she stated, emphasizing her desire to explore this part of her identity more fully as she raises her daughter.

Shay’s commitment to her heritage extends to her family life. She is dedicated to teaching her daughter about their cultural background, including the Spanish language. She remarked, “I tell my daughter she’s Mexican and she’s Polynesian.” Spending time with her Hispanic family has been an important part of this journey, as Shay aims to provide her daughter with a well-rounded understanding of her roots.

In addition to discussing her heritage, Shay addressed contemporary issues affecting the Latin community, particularly in light of recent events in Los Angeles. She has used her platform to speak out against ICE raids and the treatment of immigrant families, highlighting the human aspect of these issues. “It’s not even a political issue at this point. It’s a human issue,” Shay asserted, drawing attention to the injustices faced by many.

The memoir also delves into Shay’s time on “Vanderpump Rules” and the reactions of friends and family to her revelations. While her family had mixed responses, she found that many friends were surprised by aspects of her life they were previously unaware of, such as a lawsuit she was involved in during her time at Hooters.

Shay expressed gratitude for the support she has received from fellow celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Seth Rogen, who have publicly acknowledged her work and presence on the show. “To hear them say they either will miss me the most or relate to me the most was crazy,” she said.

As Shay moves forward, she is excited about new opportunities and projects on the horizon. She recently announced her decision not to return for Season 3 of “The Valley,” despite being offered a spot, indicating a desire to pursue new ventures. “I have a lot of things that I’m working on,” she revealed, indicating that her career is evolving.

Through her memoir and public discussions, Scheana Shay aims to inspire others to embrace their identities and take pride in their heritage. Her journey reflects a commitment to understanding her roots while raising her daughter to appreciate the richness of their cultural background. For those interested in following her journey, Shay remains active on social media and continues to share her story through her podcast, Scheananigans.