Alix Earle’s Unconventional Journey
“I haven’t really had a typical life for someone my age,” Alix Earle admits, with a hint of understatement. She’s about to head off to another dance rehearsal and takes a moment to meditate. I caught up with the popular social media figure amidst a busy schedule, balancing a Vogue World event the previous night with a practice session for **Dancing with the Stars** alongside her partner Val Chmerkovskiy. Earle handles it all with a remarkably positive outlook. “It’s a lot of pressure, for sure,” she reflects, “But honestly, just waking up every day to dance has been a lot of fun,” she added during our Zoom chat from her temporary L.A. studio.
This season, Earle showcased her talent, securing an impressive second place. In the finale, she wowed the judges with a dramatic freestyle performance featuring a mashup of Nelly Furtado’s “Maneater” and Tate McRae’s “Sports Car,” even nabbing a perfect score.
Her whirlwind adventure extends far beyond ordinary experiences. Earle initially gained notoriety in 2022 through her candid **”Get Ready With Me”** TikToks, shattering the idealized images often portrayed by influencers. “Transparency is key for me,” she states, “I think it’s really important for people to know that we all go through stuff. Sometimes things go wrong, and that’s what makes us relatable.”
With her long blonde hair down and donning an oversized sweatshirt emblazoned with “Bully,” she brings humor into her fashion sense. “I snatched this from my guy’s closet at a party once when I was freezing,” she chuckles, declaring it her favorite sweatshirt since then. (There’s no telling what she borrowed from her boyfriend, Braxton Berrios, a wide receiver for the Houston Texans.)
Earle has a knack for picking out standout pieces. At events, she’s often seen in edgy outfits, like the striking mini dress she wore to this year’s MTV Video Music Awards. Reflecting on a recent shoot, she shared, “It had a very playful vibe with bright colors and textures. It was a blast!”
Injecting fun into her fashion choices has reshaped her mindset. “I spent too much time trying to imitate others and fit a mold,” she explains. “Now, I check with my gut. If I look in the mirror and love my outfit, then that’s it. But if I ever feel like I’m hiding something, it’s probably not right for me.”
In January, she went with her instincts to partner with Frame, reintroducing skinny jeans. “That was a fun moment for me,” she said, admitting that Alix Jeans sold out twice on launch day. It’s part of what’s now called the **Alix Earle effect**, highlighting the trust she’s developed with her audience.
This effect extends to her personal brand as well. “It all started back in college when I found this amazing light for my TikToks. Everyone wanted one!” Her skill on camera has led her to mainstream gigs, including a Super Bowl ad and a cover for Sports Illustrated’s digital issue last year. She’s even invested in brands like a canned cocktail firm and a prebiotic soda company.
One of her most impactful interactions with her audience revolves around her struggle with acne. Sharing a candid post about her skin, she said, “It was terrifying. But if I own the narrative, maybe I won’t feel so embarrassed.” To her surprise, that video received ten times the usual views, fostering a deeper connection with her followers. “That’s when I realized this could resonate with so many people,” she reflected.
Although her skin continues to be a daily battle, she’s learning to embrace it and has found encouragement from her supportive followers. “My skin always has its ups and downs,” she shares. “It’s tough, but I’m at a point where I can be confident and explain my makeup process to others.” By openly discussing and showcasing her experiences with acne, she aims to raise awareness about the unrealistic imagery often seen on social media.
More broadly, Earle connects with her audience in a way that feels personal and approachable. “I love when fans say they feel like they know me,” she expresses. “It makes it special when they mention niche content I’ve posted. I want to foster a sense of community.”
A New Jersey native, Earle comes from a uniquely intertwined family background. Her father, a construction company owner, divorced her mother in 2013, later marrying Ashley Dupre, linked to a former governor’s scandal. Alix is the eldest of five siblings and describes herself as endlessly ambitious. “I guess you could call it delusion or confidence, but I always thought I could achieve big dreams.”
After high school, Earle attended the University of Miami, where she laid the foundation for her brand while studying marketing. In 2023, she established a scholarship for aspiring business students at her university. “It was astounding to see what I could achieve,” she said, grateful for the university’s support during her tumultuous senior year.
Not only is she involved with scholarships, but she also founded **Serve While Wearing Heels** (previously known as Meals in Heals), a volunteer group that provides meals to those in need. “It’s heartwarming to see people come together and do this meaningful work,” she said. “It’s not just about money, it’s about making a real difference.”
When asked if performing on a larger platform felt distanced from her audience, she replied, “In fact, I feel closer because I had to be vulnerable.” She elaborated on how this experience of dedicating herself to dance while being away from friends has encouraged her to share more insights through video blogs.
Considering acting isn’t off the table for her either. “I adore anything theatrical,” she remarked about her time on **Dancing with the Stars**. “It’s ignited a desire to take acting classes, even outside of specific projects.” It’s clear that being in front of the camera feels like her rightful place. “I thrive in this spotlight. It has delivered nothing but positive experiences,” she concluded.
