Foreword
One of my favorite YouTube hyper-fixations used to be watching the fitness and diet routines of famous runway models. Now that I’m a ✨wellness girlie✨, I try to focus less on how want my body to look, instead focusing on how I want my body to feel.
After moving to Miami and being exposed to Miami Swim Week, I was pleasantly surprised to see the diversity featured on the Swim Week runways. The body types and ethnicities may vary, but the common theme is glowing skin and an aura of health. It’s gives very much 2000s-era Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, but with more curves.
The body types and ethnicities vary, but the common theme is glowing skin and an aura of health. It gives very much 2000s-era Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, but with more curves.”
— Azeezah Goodwin on Miami Swim Week models
Below, we take a look at the wellness routine of Laura Alexander (@firstnamelaura), a Miami Swimweek Model (she has also appeared on NYFW runways) and entrepreneur. Laura began her modeling career later in life, after successfully establishing her business: Aircare Properties. Juggling both has led her to cultivate a comprehensive wellness routine that supports her lifestyle.
Laura Alexander: In Her Own Words
Background
Hi, my name is Laura Alexander. [I’m] originally from Ottawa, Canada, I’ve always been averse to cold weather. After getting my business off the ground, I decided to ditch the hometown for a more nomadic lifestyle. It started with extended escapes during the winter which evolved into a permanent move away from snowfall. Miami seemed an unlikely choice, as I thought it was a crazy town, but after frequent stops during my travels, I realized it’s got the perfect blend – great weather, the best flight hub, and a diverse wellness community. I do hit up Miami’s nightlife from time to time, of course, but Miami is about so much more than that.
On Wellness
Now, let’s talk wellness. Sorting through the overload of advice out there can be a pain. My take? Cut yourself some slack. Wellness is a personal puzzle, so give yourself room to figure it out.
In 2024, my wellness goals include maintaining the fitness habits I developed in 2023. The discipline I achieved during Miami Swim Week was a game-changer. It reached a level I didn’t know I had in me, and I take pride in that. Improving meal planning for runway shows and castings was a major focus. Especially considering the long hours on my feet and in back rooms. Ensuring my body was well-supported involved packing more nutritious and fulfilling snacks. I committed to achieving the healthiest and happiest glow for my skin. I actively addressed my longstanding struggle with lymphatic health, which often leads to discomfort and inflammation.
The discipline I achieved during Miami Swim Week was a game-changer. It reached a level I didn’t know I had in me, and I take pride in that.”
— Laura Alexander on preparing for Miami Swim Week
Mental Health
My mental health is intricately tied to my physical health. Engaging in daily physical activity has become a cornerstone of my routine. Frequent yoga sessions and completing 1-2 walking laps around Brickell Key each day (or hitting 10k steps) contributes to maintaining a consistent momentum. I’ve learned that not every workout requires intensity. My advice: simply [focus on] doing something that keeps you moving forward throughout the day. It’s the principle of a body in motion staying in motion.
The transformative power of yoga became evident when I discovered a group of skilled teachers to regularly learn from. This intentional practice extends beyond physical exertion; it involves pushing away intrusive thoughts. Yoga, for me, evolved into a moving meditation. At the conclusion of a yoga class, I often find myself generating some of my clearest and most innovative ideas. The practice allows energy to flow through the body, providing physical benefits while fostering an inner stillness that is mentally beneficial.
I’ve learned that not every workout requires intensity. My advice: simply [focus on] doing something that keeps you moving throughout the day. It’s the principle of a body in motion staying in motion.”
Wellness Inspiration
Wellness accounts I follow: @azeeahgoodwin of course; @skin.cupid.uk is my favorite for Korean skincare product recommendations.
I follow a lot of yoga accounts and the accounts of other people living a similar lifestyle, so I can continue to be inspired by other’s wellness routines.
For my mental health, I make an annual trip to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica to meet with spiritual healers for what I call my quantum upgrade. The whole “energy-body connection” thing is something I strongly believe in. With a therapist for a mom, traditional therapy never felt like my thing. Seeing spiritual healers, though, that’s my version of therapy. I feel like the lush rainforest and jungle sounds makes me feel very grounded and almost in an ongoing meditative state while there.
For my mental health, I make an annual trip to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica to meet with spiritual healers for what I call my quantum upgrade. The whole ‘energy-body connection’ thing is something I strongly believe in.”
Oh, and I mess around with herbal remedies every now and then. 😉
A Day in the Life
Morning
I’m naturally up between 6:30 am and 8 am every day without an alarm. If I want to be up earlier, I’ll try getting my nighttime routine started a bit sooner and/or just tell myself to wake up at 7 am – and it strangely works.
After waking up, I make my bed and it’s straight into workout gear and a good chug of water. Fasted gym sessions last 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the day. Coffee isn’t a daily ritual, but when it happens before the gym, I’ll nibble on something first – like half a banana.
In the gym, heavy weights and stairs are my go-to. If the weather’s not great or I’m feeling off, I’ll walk on the treadmill. I set a rule for myself – even if I don’t feel like a full workout, 2 laps around Brickell Key or 20 mins on the stairs are a must. It usually ends up motivating me to do more.
Post-gym, it’s an optional steam, sauna, and/or cold plunge. Meditation happens in the steam or sauna. I shower and spend about 20 minutes on my daytime skincare routine. Then, it’s a combo breakfast-lunch, with options like scrambled eggs, avocado toast, yogurt with fruit, or acai bowls. If there’s a good 11 am yoga class, I will likely go to that; otherwise, I sometimes save yoga for a mid-afternoon boost.
Afternoon
Computer time kicks off my workday. With a lot of online tasks, I plan out my day. Sundays I plan for major meetings or project deadlines so the rest of the week has flexibility. Flexibility is key – some days, I tackle creative projects first, while others, I get the boring stuff out of the way. If productivity takes a hit or a batch of calls leaves me drained, a walk around Brickell Key or do some arm balance practice to get me back on track. Lunch usually falls between 2 pm and 4 pm and is often light, like fruit, a smoothie, a salad, or a wrap.
Evening
My work schedule lacks a set end time, thanks to Aircare, my property management company, where I delegate most tasks. Evenings can be spent off the computer, but if issues arise or there’s back-end work, I might work late into the night. Then comes the modeling work – casting applications, social media work, agent communication – a bit of everything. The flexible schedule is nice, but it means I’m never fully off. Always available, I put in a bit of work every day, 365 days a year. This is why wellness is a top priority.
I aim to eat by 8 pm when at home, but in Miami, dinners often stretch to 9 pm when meeting up with others. Light dinners work best for me for a good night’s sleep.
Bedtime
Once I’m done working for the day, post-dinner routine involves brushing my teeth and a 25-minute skincare routine before bed – a bit longer if I throw in my LED mask. Korean skincare has become my obsession, making my skin the best it’s ever been in record time.
I hit the hay between 10 pm and 12 am.
Breaking into the Industry: Tips and Tricks
My venture into modeling stemmed from a desire for a creative outlet. Starting Aircare was a creative process, but after four years, once everything was running smoothly, I felt a void. Recognizing the need to balance my yin and yang, I tried dating artistic individuals, but it didn’t quite align with me. I decided to walk in Miami Swim Week for fun. A supportive model friend guided me and gave me tips and tricks. I exceeded my initial goal of 2 shows to a whopping 14 shows. It was a wild ride, and I wasn’t fully prepared, but it was amazing. I even took two walking classes to grasp the basics of the runway.
I decided to walk in Miami Swim Week for fun. A supportive model friend guided me and gave me tips and tricks. I exceeded my initial goal of walking two shows to landing a whopping fourteen shows.”
Key Advice
My key advice for modeling boils down to being assertive, independent, and your own biggest advocate. If a casting director instructs you to wait in a corner, do NOT do that; go to where the designers are—the people you need to engage with. Take the initiative, be personable, and make a memorable impression. My success in securing opportunities often resulted from being bold and enjoyable to work with. Timidity can be a hurdle in this industry.
My success in securing opportunities often resulted from being bold and enjoyable to work with. Timidity can be a hurdle in this industry.”
— Laura Alexander
Remember, everyone is focused on themselves, so do whatever it takes to reach your goals. If a fellow model’s anxieties are affecting you, create space—put on headphones or politely end the conversation. Compassion is important, but it’s also okay to safeguard your energy for peak performance. Models who drain your energy won’t look back, so concentrate on your path forward, both figuratively and literally.
What drew me to modeling was the lack of control—quite the opposite of my role at Aircare where I am the boss. In modeling, you’re told where to be, when, what to wear, and how to look. Embracing the lack of control in runway moments, feeling feminine and cute during shoots, became a newfound love. Interestingly, delving into modeling reignited my enjoyment of Aircare tasks. This needed yin yang balance led to overdue changes in my business, injecting creativity into that part of my life again.
Finding Balance
Achieving the perfect balance between modeling and Aircare remains uncertain, and I’m not actively seeking one. I have some ideas on how things could unfold, but I prefer flexibility. With the right life habits that support me physically and mentally, I trust myself to make decisions as they arise. Currently, modeling is a new venture, and I’m exploring which aspects I enjoy the most. My favorite event so far has been Miami Swim Week, as it aligns with my passion for lingerie and swimwear. I intend to pursue more opportunities in that niche. Fitness modeling also appeal to me. Wherever modeling takes me, I’m confident I can adjust other aspects of my life to complement it.
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