When it comes to defying the odds, no one does it better than plus-sized model turned entrepreneur Ashley Alexiss. The Instagram bombshell forged her own path to success having modeled professionally for the first 10 years of her career without a manager or talent agency behind her. Measuring in at just five foot, three inches, Alexiss was told she would never be able to walk in a runway
show due to her short stature. Flash forward to 2019 when Alexiss made waves in the plus-sized modeling community after becoming the first petit, plus-sized model to ever walk in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show during Miami Swim Week. Beyond modeling, Alexiss turned her day job into a lifestyle after starting her own swimwear line, a feat she was also told would never happen in her career. The USA-made swimwear line “Alexiss” features a wide range of sizing options to accommodate any woman (bottoms range from size S-5XL and tops feature A-L sized cups).
FWM: You have made waves in the plus-sized modeling industry. Share your background.
When I was a little girl, I never had anyone that looked like me in the industry. It made me feel like something was wrong with me because it just wasn’t considered a “beauty standard.” When I started accepting my curves and loving my body, I really wanted to make sure I could help other women feel the same confidence I felt. To this day, that keeps me going. Representation matters!
FWM: Did you always dream of being featured in the pages of Maxim, Playboy, Esquire? Tell us about your journey.
This road has been anything BUT easy. I’ve never had a manager or an agency, so it’s been up to me to open these doors for myself. I’m blessed that I’ve had the tough skin and resilience to keep going and get myself published. I honestly just try to show that plus size women ARE sexy too. Talk about walking in the Sports Illustrated Runway Show during Miami Swim Week. How excited were you? (Why was this monumental?) Walking the Sports Illustrated Runway Show was the highlight of my career, so far. I was the first petite, plus size, model to walk and I did it in my swimwear brand. Talk about a dream come true. SI Swim is really so iconic because they care about representation and it meant a lot for them to take a chance on little ole me. I will forever cherish that moment.
FWM: You have over 2 million followers on Instagram. What is your strategy?
I don’t create content just to create content. I enjoying sharing my life with my following. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Many times people think you should only show the glamorous parts of life but I’m actually very dedicated to keeping it 100% real at all times. I want my followers to know it’s okay that things aren’t perfect and life can get tough sometimes. It also helps me share the importance of mental health.
FWM: What is your mantra?
Beauty is not a size!
FWM: What led you to launch your own swim line, “Alexiss?”
Alexiss Swimwear is my baby and something I am so proud of creating and growing. It is currently the most inclusive, USA made, swimwear brand. I wanted women of ALL sizes to feel supported and confident in their swimwear. I didn’t want to just cater to plus size, or smaller sizes, because beauty is not a size. I implement that in every design.
FWM: What can we find in “Alexiss?”
Just about everything! Bikinis, tankinis, one pieces, thongs. There’s something for everyone depending on their coverage desires. I believe it’s important for women to be able to express themselves and do it confidently.
FWM: What is your message to young women who have the dream of modeling and entrepreneurship?
Do it! Ask questions. Reach out to brands and mentors. The worst thing someone can say is “no.” Then you can move on. You don’t want to look back and wish you did it, so go and do it. I’m rooting for you!
Please share your social media handles,
.@AshAlexiss – IG@AshAlexiss- TikTok@ShopAlexiss – www.facebook.com/ashleyalexiss
www.ShopAlexiss.com
“Beauty is Not A Size”
