Alexis R.
Age: 26
Measurements:
Waist: 25.5"
Hips: 35"
Bust: 32"
Height: 5'1”
Weight: 105 lb
Hair/Eye Color: Dark Brown Hair, Dark Brown Eyes
Tell us about yourself (where are you from, age, whatever you want to add)
I am from a small town called New Castle in Pennsylvania. I grew up dancing in a preprofessional ballet company. I love to dance, that is where I learned to love the spotlight. I am a Slippery Rock University Student studying psychology, creative writing, and philosophy. One of my life goals is to become a life coach. I am already certified but I need some hands-on experience. I really want to help people live their dreams! I also have an 8-year-old son named Storm!
Tell us about your modeling experience.
I started modeling two years ago. I began by looking for photographers to help me create a portfolio. In the midst of that, I competed in a local fashion show and modeling competition where I placed 2nd. I now work with Elegant Images modeling for most of my modeling pictures. I have also recently been asked to do a local commercial. I have worked as a freelancer for the better part of these 2 years.
What is your biggest dream?
This might sound silly but my biggest dream is to become someone I am proud of. I spent a lot of my teenage years trying to make everyone happy and do the things I thought I "should" be doing. That got me nowhere but in trouble. I was very insecure and I had almost no self-esteem. It took me until two years ago to decide I was going to start being true to myself and stop playing small. So my biggest dream is to go after what I want with full force while at the same time remaining true to myself. I want to be a successful model with a voice! I want to become someone others can look up to. I want to not only make beautiful creations with photographs but also be able to coach others to be who they were meant to be in this life. My biggest dream is to inspire others and help them find their power the way I am finding mine.
What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?
To be yourself! We are all so amazing in our own unique ways. We all have something individual we are meant to share with the world. The ability to listen to your heart of hearts. In a world that tries so hard to change you the ability to see past the illusions is essential.
And the Timeless beauty of being kind. This world can be harsh, scary, and unpredictable. But it can also be beautiful if we share our love with everyone. Smile, compliment someone, forgive, let go, be open-minded, open a door, help someone in need. There is no act more beautiful than something you did for someone else.
"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." - Mathew 25:40
How would you describe your fashion style?
Relaxed. I am a jeans and tee-shirt type of girl most of the time. When I go out though I love to go all out. I love leather jackets and ripped jeans. Thigh-high boots. I'm really into the edgy look.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by my faith. I don't know where I would be without it. I was raised catholic and it is what helps me strive every day to be a better person.
What is your advice to someone who is just getting started with modeling?
Don't wait! More often than not we wait for the perfect time to get started, but there is no perfect time. Start taking photos and sending them into agencies, or contact a photographer and start building a portfolio. One thing will lead to another before you know it!
Describe some obstacles you have overcome in your life and how that has changed or shaped you.
When I was 17 I had my son Storm. I was a single parent but luckily I had the support of my family. Thanks to that support I was able to graduate high school. However, I no longer had time for dance classes and right after school, I had to get a job. I worked at a gas station and I hated every second. I was having anxiety attacks all the time and I felt so stuck. Then one day I decided I had to do something about it. I bought this book titled "You are a Badass" by Jen Sincero and I credit that book to what helped me change everything around. It helped me combat my own self-deprecating thoughts, help me gain confidence and control my anxiety. This book helped me narrow down what I want and go for it. In just 4 days after reading this book, I was enrolled in college. That summer I got my teeth fixed (I had been waiting to do that since I was 12) and started finding my place in modeling. This challenge gave me a huge appreciation for my family and friends who stuck by me during this time. There love and support is something I will never take for granted and something I will always strive to pay forward. My son is now almost 9 years old and has been my sidekick since the day he was born. He is my motivation to go for it all because that is what I want him to do. I want him to know he really can do or be anything he wants. That is why I want to help do the same for others. I am forever grateful for the love and support I was given. To be able to do that for someone who might not have it, I want to be able to do that for someone.
What makes you beautiful/handsome?
I'd like to think what makes me beautiful is that even though I have a lot to learn I am willing to learn and always trying to be better than I was yesterday. Also, I am grateful to be someone who truly cares and wants the best for others.
What would you say to another girl/guy your age who is struggling with their confidence?
I would tell them to get the book I mentioned above "You are a Badass" by Jen Sincero. If you apply what she talks about you will never look back. Honestly, that book taught me how to love myself. I would also say if you're not a reader look up videos of Mel Robbins. She helps so many people with easy tricks to teach yourself. One of the best things you can do is keep promises you make to yourself. Make small promises to yourself every day and the more you make an effort to keep them the more you will trust yourself. That is one way you can build confidence. Most people think you're born with or without it, but that's simply not true. It is a skill you can build! I am living proof:)