We’re looking forward to introducing you to Alyssa Alexander (Wood). Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Alyssa, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Absolutely! I recently went viral on social media after sharing that I’m one of the models on the packaging for Depends Incontinence and Postpartum Underwear. I honestly didn’t expect it to blow up the way it did — millions of views, thousands of comments — it was wild! But what really moved me were the messages from women saying how much it meant to see a real, confident face representing something that’s often hidden or stigmatized.
Modeling for Depends made me realize that vulnerability is strength. It’s so important to normalize incontinence and body changes — whether it’s postpartum, post-surgery, athletic strain, or just part of life. These things don’t make you less beautiful or less worthy; they make you human.
I heard from nurses, caregivers, and women going through everything from heavy periods to cancer treatments and recovery — all saying that seeing me on that box made them feel seen, secure, and dignified. Someone even joked that I am an influencer to astronauts because Depends products are literally used in space!
The funniest part? There was no Photoshop used in the images, no filters — just me, flaws and all. I think that’s what I’m most proud of — helping women feel less alone and more confident in their own skin, which is one of the main reasons I got into this industry in the first place.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Alyssa Rae Alexander (Wood) — a Curve model, commercial actress, and content creator originally from Kentucky who’s been working in the industry for over a decade now. I’ve had the opportunity to live and work in Los Angeles, working on set with some of the world’s most recognizable brands in both print and commercial campaigns — including Delta Airlines, Walmart, Disney, Orange Theory Fitness, GNC, Kohls, Lodge Cast Iron, DSW, Pedialyte, BarkBox, and Ross Stores, among many others. I now also coach other aspiring models & commercial actresses to guide them on their way through the industry offering one on one career coaching, photo sessions, posing classes, etc.
While I love being in front of the camera, and my goal has always been to help women of any shape or size feel seen, represented, & confident, my life and career have evolved into something much more multifaceted. My husband and I are mainly based back home in Kentucky now, where we’re building a portfolio of short-term rental properties near the Bourbon Trail. We’re also diving into gardening and homesteading — and soon we’ll be welcoming ducks to the family as we work toward our long-term dream of owning a sustainable farm and wedding venue.
Creativity runs through everything we do — whether it’s restoring vintage furniture, making homemade candles, taking up sewing projects, and building businesses that reflect our values. My mom and I even started a dog tug toy company that gives back to local animal shelters, combining our love for dogs with our passion for community.
At the heart of it all, my brand is about realness, growth, and connection. Whether it’s in modeling, entrepreneurship, or everyday life, I want to inspire others to embrace every season of their journey — with confidence, curiosity, and a sense of purpose.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I really struggled with body dysmorphia. I always believed I was the fattest or biggest kid in my class or on my sports teams, constantly hiding my body and belly under oversized T-shirts because I was so uncomfortable in my own skin. I thought my worth was tied to how I looked, and I spent a lot of time wishing I could be smaller, prettier, or somehow “enough.”
Looking back at photos now, I just want to hug that little girl and tell her she was never any of those things she believed about herself — she was strong, beautiful, worthy, and already enough exactly as she was. I think so many women can relate to that feeling, and it’s part of why I’m so passionate now about promoting realness and self-acceptance.
Today, I no longer see confidence as something that comes from fitting into a certain size or standard. I’ve learned that confidence comes from knowing who you are, embracing your story, and loving yourself through every season. Modeling for Depends actually reinforced that lesson for me — that vulnerability is powerful, and that showing up as your real, unfiltered self can help others feel seen and understood.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. I think anyone who’s been in this industry long enough has had those moments where you wonder if it’s all worth it. Modeling and commercial acting can be such a mental battle — it’s a constant cycle of auditions, castings, self-tapes, and submissions, hearing “no” so many times before you ever hear a “yes.”
You spend hours perfecting your portfolio, your website, your reels, your socials — and still, so much is out of your control. The creative team on a project could decide to shift at the last second and 9 times out of 10 there is nothing you could have done “better”, they just decided to go in a different direction.
There are times when you get so close — being put on hold for a dream job, hearing that a huge brand is “interested,” or being asked for extra digitals — and then the opportunity slips away. You’re always balancing this unpredictable lifestyle, turning down vacations or personal plans because a last-minute huge booking might come through. It can wear on you mentally, especially when you’re pouring so much of yourself into it.
And even on the influencer & content creator side, it’s not much different. You’re constantly comparing yourself to others, worrying about engagement, hoping your audience connects with what you’re sharing. It’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing validation instead of remembering your why.
There were definitely times I thought about stepping away — but what’s kept me going is remembering that every “no” just means I’m one step closer to the right “yes.” The moments that test your patience and self-worth are the same ones that build your resilience. Over time, I’ve learned to trust that what’s meant for me won’t miss me, and that showing up authentically — not perfectly — is what creates true longevity in this business.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I truly try my best to make sure it is. Social media can be such a highlight reel, and even with the best intentions, it’s hard not to fall into that pattern. There’s a certain vulnerability that comes with showing the hard or unglamorous parts of life — I don’t refrain from it because I want to hide them, but because sometimes you don’t want to bring anyone else’s mood down.
I’ve always wanted my platforms to be a place that inspires and uplifts people, not one that feels heavy or negative.
At the same time, there’s a lot of pressure in my industry to make sure everything looks “just right” for potential clients and brands — your feed, your tone, your engagement — all of it plays a role in whether you get the next job. But I’m constantly reminding myself that real connection comes from authenticity, not perfection.
My friends and family would probably say I do a good job of keeping things real, but it’s always something I’m working on. I try to share more of my actual life — experiencing life with my wonderful husband, cleaning our Airbnbs, gardening in the backyard, flipping furniture, or soon, taking care of ducks — not just the polished moments in front of the camera. Because that’s me too. The model and commercial actress side is just a part of my world, but so is the messy, creative, down-to-earth side. And I think showing both is what makes me feel most grounded and genuine.
Surprisingly, I’ve never been someone who’s super into fashion or designer labels. Some people are surprised to learn that because of my modeling career, but day-to-day I’m usually in activewear or comfy clothes, doing something outdoors or hands-on. I’m far more at home in sneakers and a messy bun than in heels and full glam! The version of me people see online is definitely real — it’s just one part of me. The other part is simple, grounded, and happiest when I’m creating, working with my hands, or enjoying life outside of the spotlight.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I was kind, real, and inspiring — that I made others feel seen, loved, and understood. More than anything, I want to be remembered as someone who used her platform and career to help women feel represented and confident in their own skin. Whether it was through a modeling campaign, a viral moment, or just a simple post, I hope I helped break down stigmas and reminded people that beauty and worth come in all forms.
I also hope I’ve inspired others to chase their dreams, even when the path isn’t easy or traditional — to believe that it’s possible to work towards building a life that brings you joy and purpose.
And on a more personal note, I hope my friends and family remember me as someone who loved deeply, encouraged others, and always tried to leave people & places better than I found them. If my story can make someone feel a little more confident, hopeful, or understood — then I’ll know I did something meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alyssalexander.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssaralexander/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alyssaalexander
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@alyssaralexander
https://linktr.ee/alyssaralexander
