Think Before You Type: You are the founder of the organization I Am that Girl. Can you explain the work that you all do and your inspiration for starting it?

Alexis Jones: I’m a full time motivational speaker, and I get to travel all over the world reminding girls that they are awesome. My inspiration for it, if I’m being honest, is that I built it because I desperately needed it.

TBYT: You’ve stated that your organization’s mission is about “turning self doubt into self love”. That’s such a noble cause. What are some ways that you help girls have this internal transformation?

Alexis: I think the first way is by reminding girls that it’s not really their fault for feeling so bad about themselves and for being so mean to themselves because with the consumption of 10+ hours of media a day and consuming over 3K perfectly airbrushed brand images daily, we’re actually programmed to be insecure. That being said, I offer a broader definition of “beauty.” One that includes integrity, sense of humor, intelligence, athleticism, passion, creativity and myriad of other things that allow girls to rock what they got- so that “pretty” isn’t our only pursuit.

TBYT: You have made your voice heard in a variety of settings. That has to take a lot of confidence. What advice do you have for young girls who are working on finding their voices and mustering up the confidence to share their greatness with the world?

Alexis: I think the best way to find your voice and muster up more confidence is by doing things that scare you! Whether it’s signing up for a new dance class, learning a new language or taking a trip somewhere you’ve always wanted to go- I think when you have the courage to step outside your comfort zone, that you’re able look in the mirror and have Brave look back at you!

TBYT: What’s your favorite quote?

Alexis: “She took a leap of faith and built her wings on the way down”

TBYT: Who is your role model?

Alexis: Hands down, my mom. She’s my best friend and the coolest person that I know.

TBYT: What encouragement do you have for young people who are being cyberbullied?

Alexis: Watch the new documentary I just produced called A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story and know that despite what mean things people say, the awful things they call you, and the inhumane things they do- they are hurting exponentially more than you can even imagine. Rather than respond with the same toxicity they used, please respond with grace and love… it’s the only way we’re ever really going to change the world!!

Thanks for reading!