Alix Earle is taking a moment to reflect on just how far she’s come. The 25-year-old social media star and recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model opened up about her personal growth in a heartfelt letter written to her future self, celebrating the experiences, challenges, and risks that have shaped her over the last several years.
“I am so proud of you for continuing to reach for the stars,” Earle wrote. “You’ve pushed yourself out of your comfort zone, which has resulted in independence and growth.”
The influencer reflected on everything from travel and friendships to professional opportunities and personal hardships, crediting those experiences for helping shape the person she is today.
“You’ve gone on journeys, you’ve made new friends, you’ve traveled, you’ve gone through hardships and experiences, and all of that has made you who you are today,” she continued. Earle specifically pointed to beginning 2026 with a trip to Botswana for her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoot, describing the experience as the perfect launch into a new chapter of her life.
The reflection comes during a particularly busy stretch for Earle, whose profile has continued expanding beyond social media into entertainment and business ventures. After competing on Dancing with the Stars in 2025, Earle launched her skincare line Reale Actives earlier this year, a project deeply connected to her long-running struggles with acne and self-confidence.
Speaking previously with Fortune, Earle explained that her acne journey unexpectedly became the foundation of her online career.
“Acne is something I started to struggle with in middle school and throughout high school,” she said, revealing she underwent Accutane treatments three separate times before her acne repeatedly returned.
At one of her lowest emotional points, Earle decided to openly document her skincare struggles online rather than hide them, which quickly resonated with audiences. “It was kind of what kickstarted my career online,” she explained. “I just decided to go online and share about my acne because I thought maybe it would help someone.”
That openness eventually inspired the creation of Reale Actives, which Earle says was designed to fill a gap between clinically effective acne skincare and beauty branding that still feels approachable, stylish, and fun.
“I was always confused by skincare,” Earle admitted. “I felt like there was a gap in the market… between a skincare brand that’s super efficacious and great for acne-prone skin, and at the same time, is fun and cute and something you’re proud to have out on your counter.”
The larger theme running through Earle’s reflections seems to be self-acceptance. Whether discussing her appearance, career, or personal growth, she repeatedly returns to the idea of becoming more comfortable with who she is rather than trying to fit someone else’s expectations.
Which, honestly, may be the most relatable thing an influencer can say in 2026.
REELated:
