A Model for Women
Kim Alexis: By Aloise Schmitt and Jacqueline Persandi
the most well-known faces in the industry. She is famous around the world for having graced more than 500 magazine covers—but Kim is more than just a pretty face. She is also an athlete, writer, actress, and a wife and mother. Since leaving the runway, Kim has focused on fitness and a fulfilling life on the First Coast with her family, and is an empowering figure for all women.
K Originally from New York, Kim first
moved to the Jacksonville area in 1981 as her career was taking off. Over the years, her work and personal life led her in and out of Florida, but she always kept her family rooted on the First Coast. “It was a great place to raise kids,” she says. And a kid- friendly environment is certainly important for Kim—she and her husband of 20 years, retired hockey star Ron Duguay, have a total of five children.
Even with such a large family, Kim has
remained active in the public circuit promoting physical fitness and health. “I’ve been on a speaking circuit for about 15 years,” she says. As one of the world’s first supermodels, Kim understands the pressures the fashion industry can place on women and young girls. She devotes her time to helping young girls create successful careers.
She also understands that the desire to
look perfect can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices, and has seen first-hand the physical toll these choices can take. Kim takes it upon herself to encourage all women to see their beauty and be their best selves, both outside and in.
One of the ways Kim works to empower
women is through her books. “I’ve been through so much in so many different areas…so I find—might as well just write about it,” she says. She began writing about her experiences because so many people have asked her about her career. “It was interesting to write it out…it was so much fun.”
26 | Family! In one of her books, Dieting Lessons,Kim
inspires readers to take healthy steps towards a happy self-image and dashes the concept that women need to be skinny to be beautiful. “It’s not a diet per se, it’s just the mindset, the thought process, the determination…sort of what I’ve observed with people.” By drawing from personal experiences, she is able to clarify misconceptions about models and explain that they are not perfect—and that no woman should set perfection as her personal goal.
Kim also promotes women’s health by
encouraging regular exercise. In this, she leads by example—she has participated in eight marathons and three triathlons. One of Kim’s favorite things to do on the First Coast is run barefoot on the beach with her dog. She believes running is something that people should look at as a source of rejuvenation.
Feeling great about herself gives Kim a
happy outlook and allows her to focus on her favorite part of life—spending time with her family and friends. She is currently living on the First Coast, and though her children are now grown, they remain a close knit family. She plans to continue writing. “I’m working on my fourth e-book right now.”
Kim is an inspiration as a model, writer,
fitness advocate, wife and mother. She proves that women can have it all, right here on the First Coast.
HERITAGE PUBLISHING, INC. © 2013
im Alexis was only a teenager when she began her modeling career in 1978. Before long, she became one of
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