Ashley Alexiss

Ashley Alexiss is an American curve model, entrepreneur, and body-positivity advocate. Known for promoting inclusive beauty standards and redefining representation in the fashion industry, she has built a prominent career across print media, runway shows, and digital platforms. She is the founder and chief executive officer of Alexiss Swimwear, an inclusive swim line catering to women of diverse body types.

Early Life and Education

Ashley Alexiss was born Ashley Alexis Smith on November 25, 1990, in Boston, Massachusetts. Raised in New England, she developed an interest in modeling during her teenage years and entered her first local beauty pageant, Miss Teen Massachusetts, in 2006 while attending high school. Recognizing the importance of education alongside her creative pursuits, she enrolled at Kaplan University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications. She later pursued graduate studies, laying a foundation for her future ventures in brand building and digital marketing.

Modeling and Television Career

Alexiss began working professionally as a model in the late 2000s, carving out a niche as a prominent plus-size and curve fashion model despite initial industry challenges regarding height and size standards. Her early work included appearances in swimsuit catalogs, glamour publications, and brand ambassadorships. She gained wider television recognition starring alongside her mother, Velvet Smith, on the Oxygen network reality series Fix My Mom in 2015. Over the years, Alexiss has been featured in major outlets such as Maxim, Playboy, and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. In 2019, she achieved a significant career milestone by walking the runway during Miami Swim Week for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit show, becoming one of the first petite curve models to do so.

Entrepreneurship and Body Positivity

In 2014, Alexiss expanded her professional portfolio by launching Alexiss Swimwear (ShopAlexiss), an independent apparel line designed to offer supportive, stylish, and size-inclusive swimwear. Driven by her personal experiences navigating fashion limitations, the brand offers inclusive sizing ranging from small to 5XL with cup sizes up to L. Beyond product design, Alexiss utilizes her platform to champion self-love, mental health awareness, and body neutrality. Through her social media presence and public speaking, she continues to advocate for broader diversity and realistic representation across the fashion and entertainment industries.