Alexis Ren is a multi-talented American model, social media influencer, and entrepreneur who has captivated millions with her authentic journey from teen Instagram sensation to mental health advocate.
Born Alexis René Glabach on November 23, 1996, in Santa Monica, California, she rose to fame through stunning bikini photography that went viral on Tumblr when she was just 15 years old.
Today, at 29 years old, Alexis Ren has evolved far beyond her modeling roots, building a wellness empire, appearing on Dancing with the Stars, and using her platform to inspire positive change in mental health awareness.
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Quick Info About Alexis Ren
| Full Name | Alexis René Glabach |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Alexis Ren |
| Date of Birth | November 23, 1996 |
| Age | 29 years old (as of 2026) |
| Place of Birth | Santa Monica, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Profession | Model, Actress, Entrepreneur, Social Media Influencer |
| Known For | Instagram modeling, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Dancing with the Stars, Mental health advocacy |
| Parents | Frank Glabach (father), Cynthia Glabach (mother – deceased 2014) |
| Siblings | 4 (Alisa, Amber, Ace, Devin) |
| Relationship Status | Single (as of 2026) |
| Ex-Boyfriends | Jay Alvarrez (2015-2016), Alan Bersten (2018-2019), Noah Centineo (2019-2020) |
| Instagram Followers | 17.3+ million |
| YouTube Subscribers | 1+ million |
| Net Worth | $3-5 million (estimated) |
| Businesses | Ren Active (activewear), We Are Warriors (wellness platform) |
| Famous For | Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2018, Maxim Cover Girl 2017, DWTS Season 27 |
Who is Alexis Ren? Early Life and Background
Alexis René Glabach was born and raised in the coastal city of Santa Monica, California, where the beach culture and laid-back lifestyle would later influence her modeling aesthetic. She grew up in a close-knit family with her father, Frank Glabach, a lawyer, and her mother, Cynthia Glabach, a nutritional health expert. Alexis is the middle child among five siblings, having three sisters—Alisa, Amber, and Ace—and one younger brother, Devin.
Her childhood was unconventional in many ways. Rather than attending traditional schools, Alexis was homeschooled by her mother, which gave her the flexibility to pursue modeling opportunities from a young age. This educational approach also fostered independence and self-discipline that would serve her well in the competitive modeling industry.
The family dynamic was loving and supportive, but tragedy struck in 2014 when Alexis was just 17 years old. Her mother lost her battle with breast cancer after fighting the disease for nearly a year. This devastating loss profoundly impacted Alexis, triggering a period of intense personal struggle that she would only publicly address years later.
Growing up in Santa Monica, Alexis was exposed to the entertainment and fashion industries from an early age. The beach community’s emphasis on fitness, health, and natural beauty aligned perfectly with her eventual career path. She trained as a ballet dancer for 10 years, developing the grace, posture, and body awareness that would become hallmarks of her modeling work.
The Meteoric Rise: From Teen Model to Instagram Sensation
Alexis Ren’s modeling career began at the remarkably young age of 13 when she signed her first contract with Brandy Melville, a popular clothing brand known for its California-cool aesthetic. For about a year, she worked on small freelance modeling projects, gradually building her portfolio and learning the industry.
At 14, her career took a significant leap forward when Nous Model Management signed her as a client. Almost immediately, she was booked for an advertisement campaign with Seventeen Magazine, giving her mainstream exposure. However, it was social media that would truly transform her career trajectory.
At 15 years old, Alexis participated in a photo shoot with photographer Lucas Passmore. The images—featuring her in a black string bikini by a pool—were artistic, sun-drenched, and captured a carefree California lifestyle. When these photos were posted on Tumblr, they went viral overnight. Within weeks, her Instagram following exploded from a few hundred thousand to over a million followers.
This viral moment marked the beginning of Alexis Ren as a social media phenomenon. Her Instagram account became a carefully curated showcase of beach photography, travel content, and lifestyle imagery that resonated with young women around the world. She represented an aspirational yet seemingly attainable vision of beauty and freedom.
The timing was perfect. Instagram was emerging as the dominant platform for visual content, and Alexis was among the first wave of “Instagram models”—influencers who built their careers primarily through social media rather than traditional modeling agencies. Her follower count continued to climb, eventually surpassing 17 million on Instagram alone.
Career Highlights and Major Achievements
Modeling Milestones
Alexis Ren’s modeling portfolio is extensive and impressive. She has worked with numerous high-profile brands and appeared in major publications:
Magazine Covers and Features:
- Maxim Magazine’s August 2017 cover girl
- Maxim Mexico’s March 2018 cover
- Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2018 rookie
- Included in Maxim’s Hot 100 list of 2019
Brand Partnerships and Campaigns: Alexis has been a brand ambassador and appeared in campaigns for major fashion and lifestyle companies including:
- Calvin Klein (famous “Put It On, Take It Off” video campaign)
- Tommy Hilfiger
- Puma
- L’Oréal
- Forever 21
- Tobi
- US Rags
- Fox Head
- Gooseberry Intimates
- Miss Holly
- SweatTheStyle
- A’GACI
Runway Experience: In 2014, Alexis made her runway debut in Los Angeles for Sahara Ray Swimwear, marking her transition from print and digital modeling to live fashion shows.
Dancing with the Stars Journey
In September 2018, Alexis expanded her public profile beyond modeling when she was announced as a contestant on Season 27 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Partnered with professional dancer Alan Bersten, she impressed judges and audiences with her dedication and natural grace developed from years of ballet training.
Throughout the competition, Alexis received consistently high scores:
- Week 1: Cha-cha-cha – 23/30 points
- Her performances improved weekly, earning multiple scores of 26-27/30
- Team Freestyle received 26/30 points
- In the semi-finals and finals, she earned perfect 30/30 scores for several dances
Alexis and Alan ultimately finished in fourth place on November 19, 2018. The experience was transformative for her, pushing her outside her comfort zone and showcasing her work ethic to a national television audience.
Entertainment Industry Ventures
Beyond modeling and reality television, Alexis has ventured into acting and music video appearances:
Film and Television:
- “Love Advent” (2017) – Appeared as herself
- “Deported” (2020) – Supporting role
- “The Enforcer” (2022) – American action thriller directed by Richard Hughes, marking her silver screen debut alongside Antonio Banderas and Kate Bosworth
Music Video Appearances:
- “Silverlined” by XYconstant (2015) – Co-lead role
- “Hey” by Fais featuring Afrojack (2016) – Appeared with then-boyfriend Jay Alvarrez
- “Not Ok” by Kygo (2019)
- “South of the Border” by Ed Sheeran featuring Camila Cabello and Cardi B (2019) – Played character “Scarlet Jones”
YouTube and Digital Content Creation
In September 2017, Alexis launched her YouTube channel, which has grown to over 1 million subscribers. Her content focuses on fitness, wellness, lifestyle, and personal vlogs. Her second video, “10 Minute Ab Workout,” became her most-viewed content with over 50 million views, demonstrating the strong interest in her fitness expertise.
In April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she began uploading cover songs to her YouTube channel, revealing another creative dimension to her talents.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Ren Active (Activewear Line)
Leveraging her fitness influence, Alexis launched Ren Active, an activewear clothing line designed for women who want stylish, functional workout apparel. The brand reflects her personal aesthetic—minimalist, comfortable, and designed to make women feel confident during their fitness journeys.
We Are Warriors (Mental Health Platform)
In 2021, Alexis founded We Are Warriors, her most significant entrepreneurial venture to date. This online education hub focuses on mental health, wellness, and fitness, offering resources, courses, and community support. The platform emerged from her own struggles with mental health following her mother’s death and her battles with eating disorders.
We Are Warriors represents a shift in Alexis’s public persona—from primarily visual content to substantive education and advocacy. The platform offers:
- Mental health education courses
- Fitness programs
- Wellness workshops
- Community support groups
- Resources for eating disorder recovery
Sirens NFT Project
In 2022, Alexis entered the Web3 space with Sirens, a women-led NFT community project built on the Solana blockchain. The initiative aims to create eco-villages and mental wellness spaces, combining her passion for sustainability, community building, and mental health advocacy.
Personal Life: Relationships and Private Struggles
High-Profile Relationships
Alexis Ren’s romantic relationships have often been in the public eye, given her social media prominence:
Jay Alvarrez (2015-2016): Alexis’s relationship with travel influencer and surfer Jay Alvarrez was highly publicized on social media. The couple appeared to live an idyllic lifestyle, traveling to exotic locations and creating enviable content together. They collaborated on the music video “Hey” by Fais featuring Afrojack.
However, their breakup in 2016 turned ugly when both parties engaged in a public Twitter dispute that included body-shaming accusations. The fallout was a harsh lesson in the pitfalls of living one’s relationship so publicly online.
Alan Bersten (October 2018 – January 2019): Alexis confirmed a romantic relationship with her Dancing with the Stars partner Alan Bersten. The romance began during filming of Season 27 and lasted approximately three months after the show concluded.
Noah Centineo (March 2019 – April 2020): Perhaps her most high-profile relationship was with actor Noah Centineo, star of Netflix’s “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” franchise. The couple dated for approximately one year before quietly ending their relationship in early 2020.
Mental Health Journey and Eating Disorder
In May 2017, Alexis made the brave decision to publicly share her struggle with an eating disorder that developed after her mother’s death in 2014. In interviews with Cosmopolitan and other publications, she revealed:
- Following her mother’s passing, she fell into what she described as a “toxic state of mind”
- She developed restrictive eating patterns and became obsessed with maintaining an unrealistic body image
- The pressure to maintain her Instagram-perfect image exacerbated her mental health issues
- She overworked herself physically while undernourishing her body
- The lowest point came when she realized her eating disorder was controlling her life
Her decision to speak openly about these struggles was revolutionary in the influencer space. At the time, most Instagram models maintained facades of effortless perfection. Alexis’s vulnerability helped destigmatize mental health issues and showed her millions of followers that even seemingly “perfect” lives involve struggle.
This experience directly inspired the creation of We Are Warriors and her ongoing mental health advocacy work. She has since become a vocal proponent of therapy, proper nutrition, and body positivity.
Physical Appearance and Fitness Philosophy
Alexis Ren stands 5 feet 9 inches tall (175 cm) with a naturally slender but athletic build. Her physical appearance has been central to her modeling career, but she has worked to shift the conversation from purely aesthetic appreciation to holistic health and wellness.
Fitness Routine
Alexis maintains her physique through a balanced approach to fitness:
Daily Exercise Regimen:
- One hour of Pilates or yoga each morning
- Two-hour total daily commitment to fitness and toning
- Ballet-inspired movements for grace and posture
- Core strengthening exercises (as evidenced by her viral ab workout video)
- Outdoor activities when possible, including hiking and beach workouts
Training Philosophy: Rather than extreme measures, Alexis advocates for consistency and sustainability. She has spoken about the importance of listening to your body and avoiding the punishing routines that contributed to her eating disorder.
Diet and Nutrition
Having grown up with a nutritionist mother, Alexis has extensive knowledge of healthy eating:
Dietary Approach:
- Avoids bread, red meat, and fast food
- Focuses on fresh vegetables and fruits for every meal
- Eliminates refined sugar and alcohol
- Eats dinner before 7 PM to support digestion and metabolism
- Drinks plenty of water for hydration and skin health
Philosophy: Alexis emphasizes that her diet is about nourishment rather than restriction. After her eating disorder recovery, she has been careful to promote balanced, sustainable nutrition rather than extreme dieting.
Personal Interests Beyond Fitness
Alexis is a multifaceted individual with interests beyond modeling and wellness:
- Plays guitar
- Enjoys drawing and visual arts
- Passionate about travel and experiencing different cultures
- Animal lover who has kept dogs and cats as pets
- Has three tattoos, all dedicated to her mother’s memory
Social Media Presence and Digital Influence
Alexis Ren’s social media presence is one of her most valuable assets, with a combined following exceeding 20 million across platforms:
Instagram (@alexisren):
- Over 17.3 million followers
- Content mix: fashion, travel, fitness, mental health advocacy, behind-the-scenes lifestyle
- Posting frequency: 3-5 times per week
- Engagement strategy: Authentic captions sharing personal experiences
YouTube:
- Over 1 million subscribers
- Content focus: Fitness tutorials, wellness advice, vlogs, personal stories
- Most popular video: “10 Minute Ab Workout” with 50+ million views
- Upload frequency: Weekly to bi-weekly
Twitter:
- Over 1 million followers
- Platform for sharing thoughts, advocacy, and engaging with current events
TikTok:
- Growing presence with fitness and lifestyle content
- Adapting to short-form video trends
Her influence extends beyond follower counts. Alexis has mastered the art of authentic engagement, sharing both aspirational content and vulnerable personal moments. This balance has helped her maintain relevance even as social media platforms and trends evolve.
Alexis Ren Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2024-2025, Alexis Ren’s estimated net worth ranges between $3 million and $5 million, though some sources place it higher depending on the valuation of her business ventures.
Income Sources:
Modeling Contracts and Campaigns: Major fashion brands pay premium rates for Alexis’s association and reach. A single campaign can earn six figures depending on usage rights and duration.
Social Media Sponsorships: With over 17 million Instagram followers, Alexis commands substantial fees for sponsored posts. Industry estimates suggest influencers of her caliber earn $15,000-$50,000 per sponsored Instagram post, depending on the brand and campaign scope.
YouTube Revenue: Her YouTube channel generates income through:
- Ad revenue from 50+ million video views
- Brand integrations within video content
- YouTube Premium revenue share
Business Ventures:
- Ren Active activewear line sales and royalties
- We Are Warriors subscription and course fees
- Sirens NFT project (2022)
Television and Film:
- Dancing with the Stars appearance fee
- Acting roles in films and music videos
- Potential reality TV and hosting opportunities
Affiliate Marketing and Product Lines: Various partnerships and affiliate relationships with wellness, beauty, and lifestyle brands.
Financial Philosophy:
Alexis has indicated in interviews that financial success is important but secondary to creating meaningful impact. The launch of We Are Warriors reflected her priority on building something that helps others rather than purely pursuing maximum earnings.
Impact and Legacy: Mental Health Advocacy
Perhaps Alexis Ren’s most significant contribution extends beyond entertainment and into social impact. Her openness about mental health struggles has:
- Destigmatized eating disorders among young women who follow influencer culture
- Challenged the “Instagram perfect” narrative by showing that even successful models struggle
- Created accessible resources through We Are Warriors for people seeking mental health support
- Advocated for therapy and professional help rather than suffering in silence
- Inspired other influencers to be more authentic about their challenges
Her evolution from Instagram model to mental health advocate represents a maturing of influencer culture itself. Alexis has demonstrated that social media platforms can be used not just for aspiration and commerce, but for genuine positive impact.
Controversies and Challenges
While Alexis has cultivated a largely positive public image, she has faced some controversies:
Jay Alvarrez Breakup Drama (2016): The public nature of her split with Jay Alvarrez included body-shaming accusations and exposed the dangers of conducting relationships in the public eye. Both parties later expressed regret about the public fallout.
Eating Disorder Recovery Criticism: Some critics argued that continuing to post bikini photos while discussing eating disorder recovery sent mixed messages. Alexis has addressed this by emphasizing that recovery is about mental health, not avoiding certain types of photography.
Influencer Authenticity Debates: As with many influencers, Alexis has faced questions about the authenticity of her “candid” photographs and whether her lifestyle is as spontaneous as portrayed. She has acknowledged the curated nature of Instagram while maintaining that her vulnerability is genuine.
What Sets Alexis Ren Apart from Other Influencers
In an oversaturated influencer market, several factors distinguish Alexis Ren:
- Genuine Evolution: She has genuinely evolved from model to entrepreneur to mental health advocate, rather than simply adding labels
- Substance Over Surface: While maintaining visual appeal, she has added substantive content about wellness and mental health
- Business Acumen: She has created actual businesses (Ren Active, We Are Warriors) rather than just accepting sponsorships
- Vulnerability: Her willingness to discuss eating disorders and mental health struggles sets her apart from influencers who maintain perfect facades
- Longevity: She has remained relevant for over a decade in an industry known for brief moments of fame
- Multi-Platform Success: She has successfully translated Instagram fame to YouTube, television, film, and business ventures
Current Projects and Future Endeavors (2024-2025)
As of early 2025, Alexis Ren continues to expand her influence and business interests:
We Are Warriors Growth: The platform is expanding its course offerings and building a larger community of members seeking mental health and wellness support.
Acting Career Development: Following her debut in “The Enforcer,” Alexis is reportedly pursuing additional film and television opportunities, particularly roles that align with her values.
Wellness Retreats: Planning immersive wellness experiences that combine fitness, mental health workshops, and community building.
Podcast Potential: Rumors suggest Alexis may launch a podcast focused on mental health, relationships, and personal growth conversations.
Sustainable Fashion: Potential expansion of Ren Active with increased focus on sustainable, eco-friendly activewear production.
Lessons from Alexis Ren’s Journey
Alexis Ren’s career offers several valuable lessons:
For Aspiring Models and Influencers:
- Authenticity creates lasting connection beyond physical appearance
- Diversification is crucial for long-term career stability
- Mental health should never be sacrificed for professional success
- Building a business is more sustainable than relying solely on sponsorships
For Young Women:
- Social media perfection is often an illusion
- Seeking help for mental health struggles is strength, not weakness
- Your worth extends far beyond your physical appearance
- Personal growth matters more than maintaining an image
For Entrepreneurs:
- Personal experience can inform powerful business ideas
- Building a mission-driven business creates deeper engagement
- Social media platforms can launch legitimate business ventures
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How old is Alexis Ren?
Alexis Ren is 29 years old, born on November 23, 1996, in Santa Monica, California.
What is Alexis Ren net worth?
Alexis Ren’s estimated net worth is between $3 million and $5 million, earned through modeling contracts, social media sponsorships, business ventures (Ren Active and We Are Warriors), and entertainment appearances.
Who is Alexis Ren dating now?
As of 2026, Alexis Ren is reportedly single; she previously dated Jay Alvarrez (2015-2016), Alan Bersten (2018-2019), and Noah Centineo (2019-2020).
How did Alexis Ren become famous?
Alexis Ren became famous at age 15 when her bikini photos went viral on Tumblr in 2012, leading to explosive Instagram growth from hundreds of thousands to millions of followers overnight.
What is Alexis Ren doing now in 2025?
Alexis Ren is currently running her wellness platform We Are Warriors, expanding her activewear line Ren Active, pursuing acting opportunities, and advocating for mental health awareness through her social media platforms.
Conclusion
Alexis Ren’s journey from teenage Instagram model to mental health entrepreneur represents one of the more successful evolutions in influencer culture. At 29 years old, she has achieved what many social media personalities never manage: transcending her initial platform to build something meaningful and lasting.
Her story is not one of overnight success followed by maintenance of the status quo. Instead, it is a narrative of constant growth, vulnerability, learning from mistakes, and using privilege and platform for positive impact. The young girl who went viral in a bikini has matured into a businesswoman, advocate, and role model who uses her influence to address serious issues affecting millions of young people.
As social media continues to evolve and the influencer landscape becomes increasingly crowded, Alexis Ren stands out as someone who has successfully navigated the transition from visual content creator to substantive thought leader. Her emphasis on mental health, authentic wellness, and personal growth positions her well for continued relevance regardless of platform changes or shifting trends.
Whether you know her as the Instagram model, the Dancing with the Stars contestant, the mental health advocate, or the wellness entrepreneur, Alexis Ren has proven that social media fame can be a launching pad for meaningful work rather than an end in itself. Her ongoing evolution will likely continue to inspire and influence the next generation of content creators seeking to build careers with both success and substance.
The legacy of Alexis Ren may ultimately be defined not by her stunning photographs or impressive follower counts, but by the conversations she started about mental health, the women she helped through We Are Warriors, and the example she set for using influence responsibly. In an industry often criticized for superficiality, she has added depth—and that may be her most impressive achievement of all.
