Check out our interview with gorgeous American Model, Influencer & Entrepreneur Alison Bowles. Alison is also the founder and CEO of the Marketing and Brand Strategy agency Uprise Marketing.
Follow Alison @alisonbowles
Hi Alison, please tell us a little about you?
I am a matcha loving bi-coastal model & influencer that loves to travel! I am the founder of travel blog wanderinheels.com and I also run my own digital marketing agency, Uprise Marketing.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Purposeful, Charismatic, Empathetic
Name one your strengths?
My faith. I wouldn’t be anywhere without God!
Best advice ever given?
Always treat everyone as if they are the most important person in the room.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
In regards to modeling I have been heavily influenced by Olivia Culpo. Stemming from my start in pageantry, I always looked up to her, and even more now because she was one of the first petite models to really make it big.
How and when did you start into modeling/influencer?
I started getting into Instagram in college when being an “influencer” wasn’t a thing or even cool yet. I saw normal people gaining a following and making a career out of it- so I thought well if they can do it, I can do it too!
I never saw myself as a model, as I was always told I wasn’t the “type.” Too short, too muscular. When my fiancé (Adeiny Hechavarria) got traded to the New York Yankees, I took a chance and walking into an agency in New York. I got signed and my career started to take off from there.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
Modeling is my passion, so for me I feel like I can express myself and release all of my creative energy when working. The feeling of booking the next campaign or show is so exciting and it feels like all the hard work is worth it. The modeling industry is cutthroat, and you have to face rejection- a lot, but at the end of the day it is what I love to do, so I just keep pushing to reach new heights in my career.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
I’ve competed in pageants for 9 years and I have never won a pageant. What I have learned from this is that you are not always going to be everyone’s favorite… but that doesn’t determine your success.
The most important thing when you are shooting is?
The most important thing when shooting is to know the look and the vibe that the client is going for and put yourself into that character. What people don’t realize is that modeling really is a whole lot of acting! There are millions of poses and expressions we can make to convey a certain feeling or story through photos.
What’s your advice for the newer models/influencers?
Start building your brand and your following. Having a strong brand and a loyal following can definitely help you get more bookings. Everyone has to start somewhere, so just START! For anyone that would like 1-on-1 advice and expertise for building a personal brand and following, they can book a session with me on my marketing website uprisemarketing.co .
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
Closed mouths don’t get fed. Always ask, always show up. Show up to castings even when you don’t meet the height or measurement requirements. You have to really put yourself out there and prepare to be rejected but have the attitude that you are more than qualified for the job.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren. I have read this book over and over- it is about knowing your true purpose for this life and how your passions, desires, and goals are intertwined with the specific and unique design that God has for your life.
What actor/actress/model do you admire the most, and why?
I really love Camille Kostek! I met her in Miami a couple years ago during the Super Bowl and I thought she was the most gorgeous human ever. I started following her after that and I love the energy she exudes. She was a cover model for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, which is also my biggest goal in my career.
What’s next for Alison Kay Bowles in 2022?
I am working on continuing to break down height barriers in the modeling industry. I just walked 7 shows at New York Fashion Week and I am working towards making waves at Miami Swim Week this year. The castings for these shows are very exclusive, requiring that models must be 5’8” + and I want to change the narrative!
Which magazine or project is still on your bucket list?
My biggest goal in my career right now is to model in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.
Now talking about Instagram, can you share some tips for keeping your account interesting?
Make Reels! Your Reels content gets pushed out to a wider audience, and it gives your followers a chance to see your personality!
You are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of doing always the right thing?
In the midst of cancel culture, this is tough. Truly. You will never say or do the right thing, ever. It is important to not cave in to the loud minority but to stay true to yourself.
I bet you get millions of it, but what are the best and worst Instagram DM pickup lines you received so far?
Oh gosh- hahaha. I’ve gotten some doozies. I think the best one was someone sent me an entire video pitching himself on why he would be the best date. It was pretty hilarious, but I am pretty sure he sent the same video to dozens of other models.
Now tell us about the huge success of your agency Uprise Marketing. That’s amazing. Congrats!
Thank you! I actually graduated Summa Cu Laude with a 4.0 from Lindenwood University with my B.S. in Marketing. Marketing and brand strategy is something that I just GET- you know? It is always changing and so interesting. Helping other businesses and individuals grow with my services is truly rewarding. I have the opportunity every day to help others live their dream life!
What is different from your agency to other ones in the market?
What I love about MMG is that it truly feels like a family. They have always believed in me and I am so grateful for that relationship!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Mango
And your favorite cheat food?
Tequenos
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness is something you find in doing things that fulfill your soul and your purpose. It doesn’t always have to be that deep- I find so much happiness in the small things like an iced matcha latte or going to afternoon tea and eating mini scones. 🙂
How would your best friend describe you?
Hard working.
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
Candace Swanepoel- she is a classic beauty that I have always looked up to!
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is an amazing way to express yourself and build personal confidence. I didn’t know that much about fashion until I met Adeiny– he introduced me to a lot of things. Living in other cities besides my home town really influenced my sense of fashion.
How would you explain your fashion style and what items in your closet can you not be without?
I have a very feminine and classic style. Think parisian aesthetic mixed with designer inspiration. I wear dresses a lot, mainly because I don’t have to find matching pieces to go with!
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I want to visit everywhere. Is it crazy that I have a hobby of studying maps? I am so intrigued by different cultures and parts of the world. I would love to be able to travel the world with my family and my fiancé.
What do you like to watch on Tv?
I am a huge fan of the Amazing Race and Shark Tank.
What music do you like?
I like a little bit of everything. I can jump from country, to rap- to christian all in one car ride.
Do you support any charity?
I work directly with the Skin Cancer Foundation hosting events with my own charity, YOUv Radiance.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
My phone (duh), lip gloss and my little pink passport holder from wanderinheels.com that I use as a wallet.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Going to church with my fiancé & family and then going to afternoon tea!
Where we can follow you?
Instagram @alisonbowles
TikTok @alisonkay
Holiday Destination: The Maldives
Drink: Matcha Lemonade
Favorite song? Why? Grateful, by Elevation Worship. It puts me in the best mood.
Sports Team: St. Louis Blues
Photo Credits:
Cover & Pink Swimsuit: @meganeclaire
Yellow Bikini: @vivianarthurphoto
