22 May Kim Alexis: From Supermodel to Wellness Advocate – A Journey of Reinvention
When we think about career transformations, few are as inspiring as Kim Alexis’s journey from international supermodel to wellness powerhouse. As the National Wellness Ambassador for Trilogy by Shea Homes, Kim exemplifies how one can redesign their life through intention, purpose, and authenticity.
Kim’s story begins in a small town outside Buffalo, where she was discovered at just 17 years old. A competitive swimmer who was number one in New York state, Kim initially planned to pursue pharmacy at the University of Rhode Island. However, fate had other plans. After deciding to try modeling for a year, her career exploded almost immediately. Within four days, she landed her first magazine cover for Italian Bazaar. Within three months, she secured her first national makeup ad. This whirlwind entry into modeling set the stage for what would become an illustrious career spanning over 500 magazine covers.
What’s fascinating about Kim’s modeling journey is how she approached it with humility and a desire to learn. Despite the competitive nature of the industry, Kim viewed modeling differently. As she explains, “Modeling was not [competitive] because you either had the look or whatever they wanted. Your efforts did not create the job.” This perspective allowed her to stay grounded throughout her career, even as her fame grew. Her Christian faith played a significant role in this, guiding her to prioritize serving others rather than seeking personal glory.
A pivotal moment in Kim’s career came when she signed an exclusive contract with Revlon, replacing Lauren Hutton as the “Ultimate Two Girl.” This three-year contract transformed her career trajectory, elevating her to household name status and necessitating reinvention once the contract ended. Kim couldn’t return to catalog work like other models – she had become a brand, though the concept of personal branding wasn’t yet common in the 70s and 80s.
This challenge led Kim to broadcasting, where she served as the fashion correspondent for Good Morning America for three years. She then ventured into hosting various cable shows, continuously expanding her skill set and redesigning her professional identity. Throughout these transitions, Kim maintained her authentic self, never compromising her values or integrity.
Today, Kim’s focus has shifted to health and wellness, aligning with her original interest in pharmacy and her athletic background. As the National Wellness Ambassador for Trilogy by Shea Homes, she creates healthy menu items, produces fitness videos, and writes weekly articles on wellness. Her approach is preventative, encouraging, and genuinely focused on helping others improve their lives.
What makes Kim’s wellness advocacy particularly impactful is her commitment to authenticity. Unlike many influencers today, she refuses to promote products for monetary gain. “I don’t dilute my brand by promoting any product for money,” she states firmly. Everything she shares comes from personal experience and genuine belief in its value.
Kim’s daily wellness routine reflects this authenticity. Her kitchen counter hosts kombucha tea, sourdough starters, and homemade shrubs (vinegar-based fruit infusions). She prioritizes outdoor activities, whether walking her dog or riding her single-speed bike. These simple yet effective practices illustrate her belief that wellness doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – it just requires consistency and intention.
Beyond physical health, Kim emphasizes spiritual wellness through her Christian faith and mental stimulation through continuous learning. Currently pursuing certification as a fitness instructor and a degree in ministry, she embodies the principle that growth never stops, regardless of age or achievement level. Kim Alexis’s journey from supermodel to wellness advocate offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to redesign their life. By staying true to her values, embracing change, and focusing on serving others, she has created a meaningful second act that positively impacts countless lives. Her story reminds us that our past experiences – even those that might seem like “sidebars” to our main path – can inform and enhance our future pursuits in unexpected ways.
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