Ashley Alexiss is widely recognized as an ambitious self-made curve model, It Girl, advocate, fashion designer and role model, and continues to take over the industry, leading the way for plus size models in the industry. Throughout her career, Alexiss has graced the covers of many magazines, built an inclusive swimwear brand, and has been a voice in equality and mental health over her decade-long career.
Ashley uses her beautiful natural plus size figure as the blueprint for others to embrace their own size. She draws her inspiration from her childhood desire to see more representation in the industry. Her determination and hustler mentality sprouted a desire to create a movement in the industry towards
acceptance and inclusion of other sizes. Ashley stays true to her roots by focusing on body positivity and most importantly, being confident in one’s own skin.
You are a self-made curve model, IT Girl, and Fashion Designer. Tell about your background.
First, I really appreciate being recognized as “self-made” it’s one of my proudest titles. To be honest, I’m just a girl from Boston trying to live out her little girl dreams regardless of any obstacles in front of me. I have an MBA with a concentration in marketing, but my entire career has been fueled by my ambition and drive to truly be the best version of myself that I can be.
“When I was a little girl, I remember not really seeing anybody who looked like me.” How was this a catalyst for you fulfilling your dreams.
My number one goal is to create something that’ll outlive me and on top of that, I love inspiring and helping others. Put those two together, and you have my career. I want to be a glimmer of hope that you can truly be anything you want to be if you put your mind to it. No matter how many “no’s” you get, no matter what doors close on you, you can do it. Even if nobody looks like you. I wanted to make sure little girls saw themselves being represented by me so they could pass it on as they grew up & took on their own identities. Kind of like a pay it forward moment.
Throughout your career you have graced many covers. Which projects did you enjoy the most?
There’s really too many to name. Each one has had a special place in my heart because of how they opened the door for the next opportunity. From Playboy, to Maxim, FHM, American Curves, Entrepreneur, you name it, I’ve done it & I’ve done it on my own. I feel that’s my favorite part and what I enjoy most about all of this.
Share a pivotal moment during your career that had a profound impact on how you viewed yourself.
Walking the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway show in 2019 in my swimwear, Alexiss Swimwear was by far the highlight of my career so far. Having a brand as iconic as SI Swim trust in me to represent them during Miami swim week was something I couldn’t have even dreamed of happening. I’m 5’3 & plus size, you never see that on a runway… even in today’s inclusive society. So this happening and being the first petite, plus model, to do it, made me truly feel like I am doing what I was meant to do.
What does it take to be a successful curve model? What have you learned about your self on your journey?
Pun intended, it takes some thick skin! Haha – I started when I was 15/16 years old and that was 15/16 years ago, so plus size and curvy weren’t really accepted then. I was told no by every agency & manager I sought out. Photographers would turn me away saying my body was “too much work for them to Photoshop to look acceptable.” Honestly, I don’t know how I stuck it out & saw my own vision, looking back. Everyone made fun of me because I was trying to be something that wasn’t really heard of then. Blogs & bullying sites would tear me apart every day to the point that I was physically sick from how upset it made me. But I just kept going. Something in me said “this is what you’re meant for.. keep going.” It taught me that I’m capable of a lot more than I tend to give myself credit for.
If you’re wanting to be a successful curve model, or just a model PERIOD, you have to know that the only real opinion that matters is your own & DO YOUR RESEARCH on who you work with! Seriously, I cannot stress that enough
Do you believe that you have created a movement in the industry?
I believe I’m part of the movement of inclusivity. I don’t believe I created it. There’s so many incredible people who have come before me and who are still paving the path I’m following. I’m just honored to be included in such a monumental point in history.
Tell us about your swimwear brand.
Alexiss Swimwear was created to showcase that “Beauty is NOT A Size.” I didn’t want to create a plus-size swimwear brand nor did I want to create a S-L size swimwear brand. I wanted to create something for all women with all different types of bodies. We are the most inclusive, USA made, swimwear brand and I’m beyond proud of that. Our sizing starts at an A cup for tops & goes to an L cup. Our bottoms & one pieces start at a size 2 and go up to a size 32. The more we grow, the more our sizing will also expand because again, beauty is not a size, and we make sure to incorporate that into every-single-piece.
What do you enjoy the most about being an entrepreneur?
If I’m being honest, the freedom it brings me. I live to travel and being an entrepreneur allows me to do that at any given time. I can run my business from anywhere in the world & I believe that’s a gift in itself.
Do you have a favorite swimsuit?
One of my favorite swimsuits is “Lillian’s Kiss.” It was named after my late grandmother because of the abstract butterflies (which remind me of her.) It was a way to keep her involved in something I’m so proud of, thus making it one of my faves.
You are a voice for equality and mental health. Tell us about your current initiatives.
I definitely am passionate about equality & mental health. At the end of the day, we’re all human beings & we deserve to be treated as such. As someone who struggles with mental health, I like to, often, remind my followers that it’s okay to not be okay. Just acknowledging it publicly helps people know that they’re not alone. My passion is to just be a voice. My reasoning is, what’s the point in having a platform as large as I do & not using it to make a positive impact?
As we move into 2022, what is your vision for ALEXISS?
2020 & 2021 created a lot of challenging dynamics in terms of fabrics getting stuck at ports & my factory not having the ability to operate at 100% due to covid-19 protocols, so I really want to take 2022 to add lots of new styles & good vibes to the brand. Alexiss is all about the customer & I want to make sure that women of all sizes have incredible designs to showcase their confidence.
Instagram: @AshAlexiss
TikTok: @AshAlexiss
Twitter: @AshAlexiss
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ashleyalexiss
About The Author
