Daily Inspiration: Meet Alexis Stapleton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Stapleton.

Hi Alexis, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
So I started modeling when I was very young. I remember doing castings and pageants when I was 7 years old. It’s always been a dream. I started pursuing modeling when I was 14. I knew then and there that this was what I wanted to do as my career. When I was 16 I enrolled in modeling classes in Cleveland, Ohio, and got signed to my first agency there. It wasn’t the best experience, unfortunately. But when I was 18 I finally signed with the most amazing agency. The Stair Agency is located in Knoxville, TN. I got jobs almost immediately after I signed with them. I booked runway shows, tv shows, and print work. You name it. They are amazing and such a breath of fresh air. I wanted to get to New York City, and at the time, covid was beginning at this point, so it wasn’t easy. My agents at Stair got my sister and me in touch with an agency in New York City. I called EMG models. My sister and I flew up and met with the agent at EMG, and New York models signed us. It was a dream come true. So during that time, my sister and I flew up every few months for photoshoots and castings. And, of course, I continued getting booked work and shoots in Knoxville, Nashville, and Atlanta. Nashville was a big market for us, and we traveled almost 2-3 times a month for work.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. This is one of the most challenging industries. I am constantly being judged on my appearance, weight, and height. But that’s what I signed up for going into it. You must take what agents and casting directors do with a grain of salt. It is not ever easy to hear someone tell you to lose weight or that you will “never make it” in this industry. But if you want it bad enough ( like myself), you will fight through the negatives to get to your dream. I’ve dealt with many unprofessional agents as well. The agency signed me to in Ohio 100% scammed my sister and me for money and never booked us any work. Or a casting. But now that I’m 21, I look back at that experience as a learning one. I’ll never make the mistakes I made when I signed with them at 16.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a fashion model and actress. I do runway, print, commercial, acting, and about anything involving this industry. I guess what sets me apart most from others is I have an identical twin sister, who also is in this industry. We do it together and also separately. We have been a “duo” in this industry since we were little. I’m most proud of getting to New York and working there for modeling. That’s something I worked so hard for.

Can you talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy?
Many things make me happy. But I think I find myself the happiest when I’m with my family. I have such an amazing support system at home. I also find myself the happiest when I’m in front of a camera on set shooting. Modeling is my passion and makes me the happiest person when I’m shooting and acting.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @alexisstapleton01
• Facebook: Alexis Stapleton

Image Credits
Nicole Wilson photography