How many times a day do you compare yourself to someone else? More importantly- how many times per day do you compare yourself to someone who has more followers, or is skinnier than you? For a really long time, I compared myself to other people hourly. Until I realized that what you see online isn’t what happens in real life…the clothing, the bodies, and the cars are usually borrowed or short-term rentals. But just like you’d expect, no one wants to showcase the real side of this industry.

Here’s what I’m going to post more of lately: content that shows you what this world is like. It’s not everything it’s cracked up to be, and it’s definitely not entirely like the stuff you see online. Most of the time, the clothing is getting returned, the high heels come off, and the makeup gets taken off. What matters is if you’re happy with or without the makeup on, and a lot of times, people aren’t. Even if you don’t work in my world, you should be so happy and content with yourself even if you don’t have makeup on, or if you do. You should be happy with yourself regardless of the clothing you wear or the town you came from.

Here’s me when I was a little youngin’. I remember being so desperate to escape my small town and do something more with my life, but I never knew what that would be. It’s so cool to look back and think of how (pretty much) miserable I was, and how far I’ve come since then.

To succeed in this industry, or any industry, you need a passion. You need a brain, and that goes a lot further than a sexy body or a nice set of abs. Maybe you want 100k Instagram followers, but when you get there, what’s next? I find that so many people get that amazing follow number, or beautiful dress, and they still find themselves unhappy. Why is that?

Enjoy my new video- I’m off to Thailand for 9 days tomorrow! Subscribe to my newsletter before Wednesday of this week to get access to an exclusive interview (just for subscribers) with Ann Shoket, the ex- EIC of Seventeen Magazine.

Subscribe here.

Xo,

Alexa

What is it like being a young photographer in the industry today?

Photography has changed a lot, everyone with an iPhone and an Instagram can consider themselves a photographer. What makes people stand out is their creativity and knowledge of composition and lighting, I learned photography in high school through film photography and was taught about apertures and f stops. Those principles really shaped how I look at photography. Anyone can take a photo with a nice camera, but not everyone can make you feel something when you look at the photo. Those qualities in a photographer make them stand out from everyone else. One thing that I hate about the industry right now is the decline of film photography. There is something so special about taking a photo and relying on your knowledge of lighting and shutter speed, and waiting to see if it came out right. I still shoot film and hopefully the industry will realize how valuable it is.

What advice would you give to young adults trying to break into the industry?

Share your work! Get your photos out there, social media is so powerful right now and we should all be taking advantage of it. Some people might be scared about sharing their work and worrying about what everyone will think, but that is the worst thing you could do. I know it can be hard to put yourself and your work out there, but having that exposure is a game changer. Also, reaching out to people is really important, if there is a brand or a person you want to shoot, ask them! You never know who will surprise you and respond.

What sets you apart from other photographers in LA?

I really love working with natural light, I do shoot in studios but there is nothing like working with natural light. Your skills really shine through when you can’t control the light and must work around it. I love that challenge and it fuels my creativity. I also don’t like to do a ton of retouching. I will edit the lighting or maybe things around the subject but I would never want a client to look at an edited photo of themselves and think, “wow that doesn’t even look like me.”

Who inspires you?

Women entrepreneurs always really inspire me. Ever since I was in high school I knew that I wanted to work for myself. A 9 to 5 job was just never going to be for me and I knew that working for someone else wasn’t going to make me happy. I listen to a podcast called “Being Boss” where every week they interview women who run their own businesses and I also get so inspired after listening to it. Sophia Amoroso also inspires me; her start from having nothing and ending up running a multimillion dollar business is something that has amazed me and made me want to work harder.

What has been a setback that you’ve had and how did you overcome it?

A setback in photography that I have overcome is not having an “proper education” in photography. I am self-taught and have learned a lot from interning with photographers and magazines. I thought that I was going to get a degree in photography, however I asked some other photographers if I should and they all advised not to do so. Since photography has become very digital and new technology is always popping up, the schools don’t have enough money to keep with the latest trends, so getting a degree in photography no longer made sense for me. Because of not being in school for photography I had to do a lot of research online about cameras and lenses, how to retouch, and how to run a photography business. I watched a lot of YouTube videos and read blogs, interning also really helped me because I was learning photography in the real world without having to pay for it.

With social media playing such a big part in photography now, how do you deal with the negativity that comes with it?

I really don’t pay attention to any hate, if anything it motivates me to prove the “haters” wrong. With social media, everyone has something to say about anything you do. But the people that say negative things are just projecting their own insecurity onto others. That is something I always think about when I read mean comments or harsh feedback and I never let it get to me. Sometimes it’s hard to not take things personally but it will run your life if you let it and that’s not how I want to live!

Wearing Banana Republic pants + heels, Trina Turk blazer, Primark tank top

If you haven’t had a chance to pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE mag, head to page 52- I’m on it! I was pretty proud this morning when I opened the newest edition to see my name featured in the first two paragraphs. I never really think too much about any press opportunities, but sometimes when you see yourself in a magazine- you have to freak out for just a little bit!

I didn’t have a chance to put a post up last week after I spoke in NYC at CUNY with Kechie’s Project and my friend, Meredith O’ Connor, so I wanted to include it in this post. I headed to NY with my awesome boyfriend (who stood and took 10000s of pictures for me) on a boiling hot day, which was unusual because the weather lately has been terrible- and I spent the day talking to some lovely ladies about the Internet + social media. Talking directly to young adults is the most direct way to get my message about following your dreams across- because when you’re talking to someone, they kind of have to pay attention to you. Surprisingly, I get more scared talking to kids than I do appearing on TV- TODAY Show included! Just like you get nervous about getting “approval” from your friends, I get nervous getting approval from other teens. You never know what people are going to think about you, and that can be a really scary feeling.

In M.I.N.T, talks- we always try and avoid NOT talking about feelings. I feel like our generation is getting things wrong by not talking about their feelings, or only talking about them behind a screen. Things like sexting, and cutting, and eating disorders are really uncomfortable topics to talk about. They’re even scarier to talk about when you’re surrounded by a bunch of people who you think might judge you! The key is to start realizing that everyone around you is dealing with the same stuff. Don’t worry about what other people think, because they’re curious what you’re thinking, too.

If you’re happy on the inside, I guarantee you it’ll show on the outside.

Read a longer article on People HERE.

Xo,

Alexa

When I suddenly decided to move to New York City when I was 17 (I was seriously determined) I met some really wacky people. The cool thing about NYC is that everyone is seriously so different. Unlike Boston, people have no shame in wearing the weirdest, the coolest, the sexiest, or the most unusual clothing. The city is a place that people go to follow their dreams and find who they are.

Luckily, I managed to meet someone who I immediately fell in love with. If I could marry Abie, I would. Her rocker off-duty style is literally the perfect mix between Gigi & Kendall: her hair is never greasy yet always looks like she stepped out of a Bumble & Bumble beach ad. She’s strong, independent, and determined to succeed. When I met her, she was modeling, and dealing with similar body image issues to me. Since I moved out of NYC, Abie has decided to work her magic on the other side of the camera: scouting models for a popular Midwest modeling agency.

Welcome to Influencer Intro, Abie. And thank you for being one of the coolest chicks I know.

A: How do you describe the modeling industry in 2017?

The industry in 2017 has become everything fashion promised us it would never become. Its faces became the epitome of everything that had ever trended. The industry in 2017 was uninspired, overtaken by celebrities and trust fund babies. And then it went one step further and allowed obvious non-model types to Instagram themselves to fashion fame – taking all of the power away from models who stand at line at castings and do things the old-fashioned way. Models lost their clients over lack of a following while others filtered their way into the mix.

A: What makes you interested in social media and mental health?

I find myself genuinely embarrassed when I post a photo that doesn’t get much love. I spend time scrolling through my own page looking for things that look disconnected from whatever I feel like my “theme” may be. I have too many friends editing their bodies to pull their stomachs in, tighten their thighs and pull their butts out. I have witnessed friends spending money to acquire followers. This is all completely fake, and no one cares yet we all care so much. The other day I read a quote – “There is nothing worse than other people’s Instagrams.” I agree with that – So what are we Instagramming for? Everyone else hates every post you make and half the reasons we post is to piss off our ex or make old friends jealous. Ridiculous.

A: What advice would you give to young adults interested in starting a business?

It will not fall into your lap. You aren’t going to just be a success one day at anything. You have to TRY things, you have to DO things. You will not gain INTEREST in anything without first getting INVOLVED. Most people I know think interest comes first and involvement comes second. That’s a lie. You have to get involved in things to see if you have any interest. When you find it, jump in 100%. Jump in while you’re young. You have more time to screw up than you do later in life. Do it now and go big.

A: What interests you about my program, Media Impact and Navigation for Teens, and why do you think schools should talk to kids about their bodies?

When I was 13 I was modeling. I didn’t know that I was skinny. I mean I had zero awareness as to what my or other girls bodies looked like. I stared modeling and saw that I looked great, but didn’t think much else.   I think girls are seeing so many social media posts of girls almost naked they are realizing their pre-pubescent bodies have natural abs and plump butts and are feeling its OK to post half-naked pictures as well.

A: How can teens avoid getting caught up with what they see on Instagram?

You have to be a real and genuine person in life. You just have to. You have got to be a good person. I have done a lot of work on myself trying to figure out what “being a good person” is. I think I still mess up sometimes, but that’s okay. Being able to recognize that is probably part of it. You have to take time to work on yourself. You have flaws, pick out what you think they are. How do you think your friends would describe you? How do you want them to describe you? I spend much of my time finding the good characteristics my friends have and trying to emulate them. I want to be more like the good people I know. Don’t edit your pictures, EVER. You are beautiful without the Snapchat filters that make you look prettier or put makeup on for you. You are better than the app that tightens your body, you are better than it all. The only you way you will win, is not to try. Enjoy your real moments and DO. NOT. EDIT.

A: What’s the first step to being a model in 2017?

If you want to be a model, take five photos of yourself with no makeup on and your hair natural. Put on black skinny jeans, high heels and a white t-shirt and take photos of yourself in good, natural lighting. Then Google the top 10 modeling agencies near you and start submitting. If you can be a model, you will be. If not, its just not for you. You don’t need to be a model to be beautiful. In fact, you will get further in life being a hot, beautiful girl.

Xo,

Alexa

Last week was absolutely INCREDIBLE. I basically did a full media tour in two cities, which was absolutely unexpected. The cool part about life is that you never know what to expect, and last week was one of those weeks!

I had a cute outfit from Banana Republic anxiously awaiting the perfect time to be worn (that I got for less than $50) that I threw on before we began filming. I frequently talk about how what you see on the web isn’t always a perfect example of what real life is like, and I hope that these BTS videos show a little bit of reality. It’s rare that you’re given more than one day to prep for a segment, and occasionally, you get booked one hour before! Since starting my blog at 12, I’ve realized that most of my job is about staying calm, collected, and together. I’ve had my fair amount of freak moments, which can be both good and bad, and I’m not ashamed to admit that. Yes, I get to go on TV and talk about what I’m passionate about, but it’s still work. Nothing ever goes straightforward. Segments that you may put hours or weeks into get cut, articles get rejected, and your feelings are rarely taken into account. I always try and preach to young adults (who ask me about starting a blog) how important it is to have a tough skin. Being in any industry where rejection is part of the process will force you to become so confident and proud of who you are, regardless of what other people say.

Enjoy the video, and subscribe to my newsletter to get exclusive access into an interview with Ann Shoket (the old EIC of Seventeen Magazine) coming out NEXT WEEK just for subscribers!

Subscribe here. 

Xo,

Alexa

Since my job revolves around the web, I’m always online either researching, or flipping through magazines to find people in my industry doing really inspiring work.

That’s how I came across Mia Kang. The Sports Illustrated model is taking the world by storm, for her brains AND beauty. I was first captivated by Mia because of her confident attitude, but more importantly, because of what she stands for. Mia isn’t just promoting modeling and pretty pictures on beaches: she’s opening up the conversation revolving around modeling and body image, which not to many models are talking about.

In 2016, Mia won the SI Swimsuit Model Contest, and has since graced the pages of the magazine. She grew up in Hong Kong, which explains her beautifully exotic look. Before she was modeling, she struggled with anorexia, bulimia, and depression. I always talk about how models and celebrities are dealing with the SAME stuff that you are, they’re just dealing with stuff in front of the public eye.

Thank you SO much Mia sharing your story, and for being such an incredible inspiration to young girls across the globe!

1. How do you describe the modeling industry in 2017?

Transitioning, but confused. There is definitely change happening and the industry is becoming more aware of size diversity and healthy body image, but a lot of brands and designers seem to be too afraid to make the jump.

3. What advice would you give to young adults interested in modeling? How do they avoid the negativity?

There is no avoiding negativity in the fashion or even entertainment industry as a whole. When you put yourself out there to be judged, you will hear the good and the bad. The most important thing is to keep a good head on your shoulders. Stay grounded. Know that modeling is so far from the center of the world. Educate yourself and be smart.

4. Does social media play a huge role in your business?

Yes. When I started modeling 15 years ago we booked jobs because we were right for it. Today, it seems like Instagram is a major deciding factor on whether you confirm a job or not. On the one hand it’s great because we have more control over our brand and we have a platform and a voice to express ourselves, but on the other hand it has also forced us to this extreme narcissism. If I post a picture of a great book I read it will receive next to no likes. If I post a picture of my boobs it will receive a ton of likes. And with this massive pressure to increase your following (because it then helps you book paid jobs), you find yourself with a major pressure to conform to what you think people want to see. It’s getting harder to remain authentic because I’m not sure if substance is truly recognized.

5. What interests you about my program, Media Impact and Navigation for Teens, and why do you think schools should talk to kids about their bodies?

MINT is something that would have been great to have around when I was a teenager. I grew up overweight and heavily bullied. At age 13 I halved my weight and got scouted as a model. For the next 15 years I dealt with every eating disorder you could imagine, body dysmorphic disorders,  crippling anxiety, psychological issues, addictions and even toyed with the idea of suicide. So much of this was fueled by what I saw in the media. If I had known that even others were in the same position as me, I think it could have helped me battle my demons.

6. What is one piece of advice you have for teens who want to follow their dreams, and don’t know where to start?

You have to really, really want it. A lot of people say they have dreams they want to pursue, very few people are willing to devote every ounce of themselves to their dreams. That’s what separates them from the masses. Never ever give up – even when things are adverse and everyone tells you ‘no’, make sure that fire in your belly keeps blazing.

What’s it like to go on LIVE TV with no makeup? Um, seriously invigorating and awesome. I usually wear a pretty decent amount of makeup on TV, simply because it’s my job to look like I #JustWokeUpLikeThis (even though I totally don’t) so I was excited to switch it up for a change. I got contacted by CTV News in Canada in Monday to film a segment with them and ended up at the ABC studio in D.C. Before hand, I checked into my hotel right outside of D.C., and was actually halfway through a nutella trifle at Circa restaurant when I got the call!

I didn’t have time to get my hair and makeup done, which is why I had to wing it and do it totally on my own. I am so bad at any beauty, so I wasn’t prepared to put on a full face of makeup or do my hair. That’s when I had a thought: why would I wear makeup when I love myself without makeup on?

I’ve stated in the past how important it is to love yourself with makeup on or no makeup on. It’s always easier said than done, but having to wing it on Monday forced me to totally accept who I am.

Maybe you’re not going on TV like I do, but you can just as easily try a day without makeup. It might make you realize how stunning you are without any on, and how important it is to let your skin breathe (even if it’s only occasionally).

P.S. I’ll be on NBC Nightly tonight with LESTER HOLT!!! TUNE IN AT 6 PM!

Xo,

Alexa

Wearing Lands’ End

Hair and makeup by Blo Dupont Circle

I headed to D.C. on Monday for one segment (that turned into two) with Let’s Talk Live! I usually stay at a hotel that’s really far from any station I’m appearing on, but on this particular occasion, my hotel was DIRECTLY across the street from the studio! Thank you Hyatt Centric for having such an incredible location!

I got to talk about swimwear that makes you feel good on the inside AND outside. I had three beautiful models, who absolutely rocked their looks. I’m a huge fan of the Lands’ End blue active suit, that you can buy here. And the blue sandals she wore, too! I mean can swimwear get any cooler than this? I also featured Crispy Green snacks, and Seabuck Wonders Ultimate Hair, Skin & Nails. I try not to promote any products that I don’t love or actually use, so you know that I’m totally on set snacking away on fruit snacks. I gave a few bags to my models to bring home so they could get hooked, too!

Whenever you put on a swimsuit, just remember how stunning you are. You might be like me, and hate your body in swimwear, but it’s important to overcome the insecurities that clothing like swimwear bring. Who cares what you look like in a swimsuit!? I’m going to hate my stomach for forever, to be honest, and that’s just an insecurity that will never go away. Scars and insecurities make you human, though.

Don’t waste your time trying to change your body, spend your time doing stuff that make you more confident.

Watch below, or here!

Xo,

Alexa

Wearing Marshalls and Kate Spade

Last week, I went straight from New York City to Connecticut to Boston to speak at the Junior League of Boston Girl’s Summit. The league is located right in Back Bay, Boston, and is a pretty incredible organization tailored towards young girls.

’13 Reasons Why’ has been popping up everywhere, which is why I thought it would be suitable to bring the show up in my talk. Surprisingly, the older girls AND younger girls had all seen the show. I’ve been talking to tons of kids about how the show made them feel, and the girls in this talk believed the show brought up many valid points. I believe the younger girls who had seen the show (11-13) were way too young to witness the action that occurs in the show, but, they all seemed to have a good head on their shoulders. From bullying, to the power of words, the show is definitely getting kids to talk. Parents should be aware of the aftermath that can come from someone young watching the show, so I’m advising parents to keep an eye out for any alarming behavior coming from their child after seeing the show.

We also spoke a bit about social media and figuring out what you love most, because who wants a job that they don’t totally love? One question I’m frequently asked is whether I think young adults should go to college, and I always tell people that I can’t answer that question for them. But, in a post coming out tomorrow, I’ll talk a bit about why I think teens should have the option to not go to college. As long as you’re following your dreams, and doing something that can eventually make a profit, who cares what people think?

Xo,

Alexa

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ThirstInspiration #CollectiveBias

On my hunt to remain fashionable, I came across a sweet new water brand called LIFEWTR sold at many retailers, but I found it at 7-Eleven. You may think water is overrated, but think again.

According to their website:

“LIFEWTR is a new premium bottled water brand that fuses creativity and design to serve as a source of inspiration and hydration. It is a purified water, pH balanced with electrolytes added for taste. LIFEWTR bottles provide a beautiful canvas for art and design, featuring rotating label motifs created by emerging and developing artists, whose work will serve as a spark of creativity and dose of inspiration.”

Umm, heck yes. There is no brand out there in the space that’s giving people exposure, credit, and inspiration, which is why I’m supporting the brand as much as I can. LIFEWTR doesn’t just keep me hydrated- it restores my body, quenches my curiosity, and lets me express myself. Whether I’m at the gym, my apartment, or on the go, traveling with this product pushes me to be successful 24/7.  Since there’s a 7-Eleven just about everywhere, you won’t have trouble finding a bottle of LIFEWTR.

Since I’m always on the go, I drink LIFEWTR daily. You don’t have to worry about using an ugly or boring water bottle at the gym anymore. Say bye to the days of traveling with traditional water bottles, and hello to the days where your water bottle is your new BFF and fav accessory.

Here’s my tutorial for self-care on the go:

1. Don’t forget breakfast. Having a strong breakfast is really important. I like gluten-free oatmeal with almond milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon. But avocado, eggs and toast are a great breakfast, too.

2. Get ready the night before. It makes everything so much easier.

– Keep a cute bag handy so that you can put everything into one bag. I love my large bag because it’s big enough for all of my water bottles. Get your LIFEWTR ready the night before, too. That means lemon and ginger ready for a warm mug of water in the morning or simply having your water ready on the go.

3. Put your snacks and water into a plastic bag. I tend to go for nutrient-dense snack bars. Maybe you like turkey, cheese and almonds, or simply an apple? As long as the food makes you feel sustained and full, you’ll be set.

4. Voila, you’re ready to go!

Hope this helps save time in the morning, and keeps you inspired and hydrated throughout the day! Find more ThirstInspiration at LIFEWTR.

Hope this helps save time in the morning, and keeps you inspired and hydrated throughout the day!

Xo,

Alexa