ALEXIA: An Interview with Alexia K. Orozco
By Lea Byrnes Art
Alexia K. Orozco, also known as ALEXIA, is a Phoenix-based model who describes herself as ambitious, passionate, and resourceful. With her vibrancy and clear passion for her craft, she stands out in the crowd. “I often like to say that I was created in order to create.” ALEXIA tells us. “As a creative, I love to draw inspiration from others as well as from concepts that are unique. My favorite kinds of projects are those that get creative and messy, but somehow in the end, they come together in beautiful photos.” As a model experienced in runway, print, and fashion, ALEXIA’s photos are undoubtedly beautiful. She currently models for agencies including Contagion Media, IMD Agency, and many other local creatives. But how did her journey begin?
Photo by Lani @laniphotographer
“My artistic journey began back towards the end of 2021.” ALEXIA says. “I had stepped into the modeling world because I was looking for a confidence boost. I’ve always had issues relating confidence to my looks, so I was hoping to find a way to not only feel better about myself, but to begin my journey of self-love. I began to attend a modeling school but realized it was not my cup of tea at the time. However, I soon learned the basics of the modeling world and began to audition and attend castings from that point on.”
ALEXIA is living proof that if you want to become something great, you have to be bold enough to take the first steps into the unknown. “I think a big part of why I even got into the modeling industry in the first place was because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do something outside of my comfort zone and succeed in it, and I am very thankful to have fulfilled that for myself.” she tells us.
Throughout her career as a model, ALEXIA says that the community of people that she has met along the way have had a profound impact on her life. “My favorite part of what I do is being able to meet new people and being able to create with like-minded artists.” she says. “It is so much fun not only to build connections with others, but to collaborate in order to create art. Collaboration makes it all more fun and exciting. I love to socialize with other artists who enjoy creating as much as I do, and love working with them! I have worked with stylists, makeup artists, hair stylists, etc. All of them bring such an important element to any creative project.”
Photo by Chris Peacor @chrispeacor
Another thing ALEXIA loves about the modeling community is how supportive everyone is. She says, “We all need love and support especially as creatives and it is so heartwarming to see people support each other even if it is just on social media; it's the thought that counts. Especially being a creative who puts so much time and effort into their craft, compliments and messages of support mean the absolute world to me.”
What’s ALEXIA's biggest challenge in her artistic journey? She tells us, “It has honestly been my impostor syndrome. This is categorized as self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments and it has had a great impact on my mental health as a creative. Some days are better than others, but the biggest challenge has honestly just been getting out of my own head when I don't feel like I am ‘doing enough’ or ‘creating enough’.” We’ve all related to this struggle at one point or another, especially as artists. But pushing through our self doubt leads to beautiful things, which ALEXIA has learned throughout her life.
“My biggest life accomplishment other than my creative accomplishments has definitely been graduating with my bachelor's degree from ASU's Honors College at just 20 years old,” she tells us. “I work so hard in both my modeling career as well as my academic career, and being able to graduate at such a young age was a big accomplishment for me. I hope to go even further in my academic career eventually.”
To have already achieved so much at a young age is an amazing accomplishment, and it shows that ALEXIA has a wide range of interests outside of modeling. When we asked about her favorite music, she replied, “My favorite music album right now would have to be the latest Thee Sacred Souls album that is out. I love listening to any of their music. It's so uplifting and soothing, their music always puts me in a good mood.”
Photo by EJ Manon | Contagion Media
When it comes to her advice for aspiring artists, ALEXIA tells us, “Never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do and never listen to anybody's opinion about you. It is so liberating to be able to create your own art without listening to what anybody says or thinks of it, and it feels much more fulfilling knowing that you are doing this for yourself and not for others. At the end of the day, you can't expect anyone to believe in you if you do not believe in yourself. Trust yourself and your artistic journey because remember, they can't do what you do, and you can't do what they do!” This empowering mindset gave ALEXIA the motivation to pursue the creative career she has today.
As a model, ALEXIA has received glowing reviews from various photographers who have loved working with her for a whole myriad of reasons. They can tell she is a model who truly loves what she does and displays professionalism, kindness, and openness to new ideas. About what her fans can expect from her in the future, ALEXIA tells us, “They can expect to see me in more photoshoots, hopefully more fashion shows to come and more publications. I would love to eventually attend NYFW and be on a billboard in Times Square; I will get there slowly but surely.” With the dedication and drive that she has, we foresee this and a whole lot more in ALEXIA’s future!
