I first saw Alexis Ren in 2020. I watched her through my laptop screen as I attempted to mimic those brutal alternating toe crunches in her viral 10-minute ab workout video. Over four years later, I attended her yoga class at the Flaunt Beach Club in her home city of Santa Monica, observing her in the flesh, watching her fluid, assured movements while she led a group of models, influencers, and artists into upward-facing dog. 

An entrepreneur, model, and environmental advocate, Ren was discovered in a Los Angeles mall at the age of 13 and has been working full-time ever since, booking modeling campaigns, winning the Sports Illustrated Rookie of the Year title in 2018, and partnering with major brands such as DVF, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and ColourPop. Many will recognize the 27-year-old from her social media platforms— she has amassed 17.7M followers on Instagram alone where she posts various lifestyle images and updates on her latest projects. 

Most recently, Alexis co-stars in Lionsgate’s Latency alongside Russian model and actress Sasha Luss (Anna, The Last Front, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets). The horror/thriller film centers around an agoraphobic gamer, Hana, who loses herself between subconsciousness and reality after testing an AI device that interprets the electrical activity of her brain. Alexis plays Jen, Hana’s best friend and neighbor who attempts to help her through her debilitating anxiety and escape a sinister force. 

Alexis has also broken out onto the podcast scene with co-creator Allie Michelle, a three-time bestselling author and Ren’s close friend since the pair was 11. Their podcast, Easy A, was released this summer and aims to teach listeners helpful lifestyle shortcuts through introspective and critical questioning as well as interviews with various artists, wellness experts, leaders, and researchers. 

In 2021, Allie and Alexis co-founded We Are Warriors, a wellness and personal development community offering workshops, courses, and events with the intention of strengthening women mentally, physically, and emotionally. Alexis is no stranger to mental health struggles, and her brand reflects an ambition to address the pressures and conflicts surrounding women’s bodies.

Here, Flaunt speaks with Ren about Latency, Easy A, leadership, and spiritual health. ‍

What drew you to Allie Michelle as a person? How does your working personality complement hers, and vice-versa?

Allie and I met when we were just 11 years old, so our early connection was rooted in the simple joy of being young girls together. From the start, I felt that we complemented each other beautifully. Allie was more introverted and shy, while I was the extrovert, always eager to be around people. This contrast in our personalities allowed us to blend together seamlessly, creating a dynamic that flourished because we balanced each other out. Though our differences sometimes challenged our relationship, they ultimately taught us how much we need one another and how well we work together. Allie helped me find confidence in myself, and I did the same for her. It was a truly reciprocal exchange, and our bond grew stronger because of it.

Your podcast guides people towards "asking better questions.” What’s the first question one must ask oneself to begin their journey towards a better life?

I believe the most important question to ask yourself is, 'How do you want to leave your imprint on this world? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind when you inevitably depart?' From there, start working backward. I've found that when you begin with the end in mind, it puts everything into perspective in a really beautiful way.

Who (or what) has had the most significant impact on Easy A?

My mom has been a guiding force for both Allie and me, even after she passed away in 2015. In many ways, this is a love letter to her, as she was deeply invested in expanding her knowledge and questioning everything. Her influence continues to shape and inspire us.

How has We Are Warriors reshaped your idea of community?

I always knew community was important, but growing up in LA without a steady tribe and moving between different groups of friends, I never truly grasped the impact that a strong community can have. Founding We Are Warriors changed that for me. Seeing how we all lifted each other up, shared the same goals, and supported one another through everything made me realize that community isn’t just something enjoyable—it’s a fundamental necessity in our lives.

What does it mean-- physically, mentally, and spiritually-- to create a “World Where Disease Cannot Exist?”

From a physical perspective, it means understanding the intelligence of our bodies and learning how to support them, rather than simply masking symptoms with drugs. Mentally, it involves believing that such a world is possible, recognizing that life doesn’t have to be burdened by pain. It’s about challenging the notion that suffering is normal, and realizing that it’s only what we’ve grown accustomed to. Spiritually, it’s about embracing a higher vibration—a different world we can choose to live in. By aligning with this vibration, we create coherence, where love always outweighs darkness, even though contrast will still exist. I believe we aren’t necessarily meant to create a utopia in this world, but this world is preparing us for the next. 

Latency is out now. What did you do to prepare to be Jen in the film? What did you take from the role that carries into your everyday life?

I was very fortunate with Jen because I felt a deep connection to who she was, especially in how she is as a friend. I was able to bring 100% of my own character traits into her, truly bringing her to life through my own lens. It’s not always this way with other characters, but with Jen, I was lucky enough to have that alignment. What I took from Jen is the profound importance of valuing friendship and how much it means to the world when someone is a genuinely good friend.

How do acting and podcasting intersect?

Acting and podcasting intersect through the presence required in both. In fact, the term ‘acting’ feels somewhat misleading because it’s not about acting at all—it’s about reacting to what’s in front of you. Similarly, in podcasting, you must be fully present with your guest, ensuring they feel seen and heard. While you may have a structure for the conversation, it’s crucial to remain fluid and adaptable, responding to the guest’s energy and emotions in the moment. This ability to mold to the moment is essential in both acting and podcasting. 

What does it take to become a leader, and what does it take to stay a leader?

Becoming a leader means understanding that you’ll always be a student. Leadership requires presence, compassion, and the ability to bring together many different elements to create a cohesive whole. To remain a leader, you must be accountable for your own growth, recognizing that it’s not about always being the best winner, but about learning to be the best loser. This way, you can continuously grow not in spite of the mistakes and challenges, but because of them.

How do you keep your spirit healthy? 

I keep my spirit healthy by surrounding myself with good friends, taking care of my body, and staying connected to nature. Writing, dancing, cooking, and laughing a lot are essential parts of my routine. I also make it a point to celebrate life and go out of my way to create memorable moments that I know I’ll cherish.