Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Chavez.
Hi, Alyssa; we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Indiana and joined the Army at 18. In the Army, I fractured my hip pretty severely but managed to stay in when they usually kick people out for my same injury. This injury was due to too much stress and insufficient conditioning, even though I thought I was in shape! Around this same time, I experienced a sexual assault, which caused a massive upheaval in my life and self-image. I turned to fitness as a coping mechanism as well as a way to strengthen my lousy hip so I’d hopefully avoid further fractures in the future. Through fitness, I began training for a bodybuilding competition and eventually competed and won overall in 2022. During this time, I turned to modeling to rebuild my self-image. I had rebuilt myself physically in the gym but also needed to rebuild mentally. I began doing photoshoots of all different themes – boudoir, fitness, fashion, even themed. Through this, I found a way to see myself through all my photographers’ other lenses and perspectives. It helped me learn to accept the different phases your body goes through in bodybuilding, where you might be super lean (and hungry), and then 6 months later, you’re softer and heavier but stronger in the gym. I started to pursue modeling a lot more after my competition and fell in love with the creative aspect of it. I moved to San Antonio in the summer of 2022 after being stationed here briefly and swearing. I’d always move back. Since then, I have worked with many photographers and other models, trying to expand and connect with others here in this city and surrounding areas. I’ve enjoyed getting to know my photographers and have worked to tap into all the facets of myself that I’d either not fully embraced or didn’t know I had. Within 3-4 years, I have done easily 100 photoshoots with 50-75 excellent photographers and have worked to excel in all the different genres/themes I shoot. It’s my hobby, my passion, and my side business as well!
Let’s dig deeper into the story – has it been an easy path, and if not, what challenges have you overcome?
It has been mostly smooth as a model, but I have had to learn where and when I start burning out. I work full-time and pursue modeling and creativity part-time, so balancing that with fitness, military, work, and family can be a lot to manage. But I’ve leaned on my supporters, close friends, and even photographers during more stressful and busy times when I may not feel my best or look my best. Many of those times are when my work becomes my best because I delve into working on my posing, wardrobe, concepts, and other creative aspects.
Alright, so let’s let’s switch gears and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a model. I specialize in boudoir, fashion, fitness, lifestyle, and other styles. I am known for my tattoos and my heavier/stronger build. For a long time, I felt like I’d only physically fit in with the leaner, taller models and people my age when I realized I packed on muscle quickly. Through modeling, I’ve embraced my solid, muscular build, and photographers get to shoot with a very different physique style than most. I am very relaxed and love to have a good time, and I stay very professional, which sets me apart from others. I also use my modeling and shape to encourage other women to do shoots they otherwise might not feel comfortable doing. I love to empower others because modeling has empowered me after my traumatic situations, and I love turning bad situations into positives.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When I moved to San Antonio, I didn’t know anyone. I jumped into multiple Facebook groups, started following San Antonio photographers whose work resonated with me on social media, and started connecting. I am friendly and engaging on social media and in person. This opened the door to shoots picking up very quickly, so I had to start limiting how many I could do in a weekend or week to ensure I kept balance. This momentum kept growing and allowed me to connect with other models, photographers, and creatives in the area. This has expanded even to a nationwide network, for which I’m very grateful and excited. Even if it’s hard to converse, just put yourself out there! Share the work you’re proud of, greet photographers and other models and excite their work, let people know you’re interested in working together, and just be available while perfecting your craft. I’ve learned quite a bit independently and from the photographers and other models I’ve worked with. Always try to learn something new. That is what has worked for me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/chavezlyssa or @chavezlyssa
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/chavezlyssa26
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/alyssa-chavez-a75879123
- Twitter: @chavezlyssa26
- Youtube: @Chavezlyssa
Image Credits
Terry Maulin, Adrian Hernandez, Savorysake Photography, Mike Gonzalez, Brown Lotus Photography – Tavarus Brown, Subtle Life Photography – Jesse Santiago
