Ashley Alexiss, a model and entrepreneur, has consistently challenged societal norms and redefined beauty standards throughout her career. Her journey, marked by both personal triumphs and tribulations, offers a compelling narrative beyond the confines of weight loss. This article explores Alexiss's views on body image, her business ventures, and how she navigated significant life changes, including divorce and grief, while remaining an influential figure.
A Confident Start: Embracing Curves and Challenging Norms
Ashley Alexiss initially rose to prominence as a plus-size model, championing body positivity and self-acceptance. In September 2023, she confidently flaunted her curves on Instagram, stating she was "booked and busy". Eschewing typical bikini or lingerie shots, the 33-year-old highlighted her figure in a sparkly crop top and skirt, reminding her 2 million+ followers that "beauty isn't a size." This message resonated deeply with her audience, who praised her for her unwavering confidence and for promoting a more inclusive vision of beauty.
Business Success: Shop Alexiss
Ashley Alexiss has proven that anyone can start a successful business. She founded her swim and lingerie brand, Shop Alexiss, in 2014. The label currently boasts over 240,000 followers on Instagram.
Navigating Life Changes: Divorce and Self-Discovery
Ashley Alexiss celebrated the arrival of 2024 in style. Partying in a thigh-skimming black minidress, the stunner showed off her assets via the dress' gold mesh chest detailing, here likely delighting her male followers. All smiles as she posed from a party and holding up a glass of champagne just under a week ago, Ashley told fans: "Going into 2024 with zero expectations except to be easier on me & find hope and love in all my days."
Alexiss's journey took a turn as she went through a divorce from her ex-husband, Travis Yohe. In a display of resilience and self-empowerment, she celebrated her newfound singledom by sharing a series of lingerie snaps on Instagram. The 33-year-old flaunted her figure in racy outfits, including suspenders, a cheeky thong, and a cleavage-baring bustier. Referencing her singledom in her captions, Ashley looked flawless. Displaying her slimmed-down waist as she posed from a studio, Ashley wowed in a suspender bodysuit for one shot. In a separate photo, Ashley modeled a similar look, this time switching out her bodysuit for a bustier bra and briefs set. Fans, who have been there for Ashley since day one, proved supportive. "I hope you were able to celebrate in some sort of way after receiving the papers! May his hairline recede with every success you obtain in this life," one user replied.
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Weight Loss and its Impact
More recently, Alexiss experienced a significant weight loss, shedding over 100 pounds after what she described as a "life-changing loss" - the death of her father. This transformation led to mixed reactions from her followers.
Published Aug 27, 2025 • Last updated Aug 28, 2025 • 2 minute read. Model Ashley Alexiss is opening up about how a 'life-changing loss' led to her dropping more than 100 pounds. Like, having a few hours of fun and then having to essentially pay for it for two days with a hangover,” she said. “My body just didn’t metabolize alcohol well. The 34-year-old beauty detailed how the grief impacted her mentally and physically. “It changes your mind, it changes how you operate. And it had physical effects on me as well,” she said.
Addressing Misconceptions and Maintaining Her Message
Alexiss has been open about the misconceptions surrounding her weight loss. She emphasized that her weight loss was not driven by dissatisfaction with her body. “I think that a lot of people assumed that I wasn’t happy in my body or that I was ashamed of it, which is so far from the truth because I spent 15 years being a plus-size model and my motto has always been, ‘Beauty is not a size.’“And I think that still rings true. Being 100 pounds lighter, it doesn’t change.” She reiterated that her core belief - "Beauty is not a size" - remains unchanged.
Navigating her new body has not been without its challenges - including learning to appreciate it. “I spent so long fighting for my plus-sized body to be accepted and to be noticed in a way that was respected based on societal standards,” she said.“A lot of people think, ‘Well, now you’re skinny.’ And I’m like, ‘Mmm, yeah. But I’m also getting the attention and respect that I should have gotten 100 pounds heavier.’ Like, that doesn’t change. A person is still a person whether they’re 215 or 115 (pounds).”
The Role Model Debate
One of the most significant challenges Alexiss faced was the perception that she was no longer a role model after losing weight. “I often get comments and stuff that I’m no longer a role model or I’m no longer someone that someone can look up to,” Alexiss told the publication.“And I think that that’s really sad because I went through a life-changing loss. I lost my dad and my dad was my best friend.“I am me whether I am plus size or not.
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Alexiss, however, firmly believes that her value as a role model transcends her physical appearance. She emphasizes that her personal experiences, resilience, and commitment to self-acceptance are what truly define her.