Alexis's story is powerful. So powerful I didn't feel I could do it justice. I asked her to share her journey and inspiration behind this shoot. Here are some of her words:
"June 2nd, 2014
I stare at that date and have a hard time putting into words what that day means to me. It is the day my innocence was stolen from me, my comfort of safety taken. It was on the morning of June 2nd, 2014 that I was raped.
How did I get through it? Have I gotten over it? The answer is no. There are defining moments, good and bad, that alter our lives forever. My mother always described me as her little gypsy. Wearing flowing dresses, with flowers in my hair, running through the warm summer rain. I believed in dragons, mermaids and yes the fairy still exists. I was kind, loving and gentle. The Alexis that I knew was hiding somewhere deep inside of me. For the longest time I thought she was gone.
Instead of turning to sex, drugs, or booze....trust me I wanted to at times. I knew that would take me down a deeper rabbit hole. Instead, I became selfish and took care of ME. Yoga and the ocean were my savior. I did yoga 7-10 times per week and would swim in the ocean for hours. I remember on day in Marina Del Ray on June in 2015. I was on a surf board at sea as I felt this extremely strong force under the water coming towards me. This feel, although terrifying, was magical. I ended up being surrounded by dolphins. They seemed to stick around for a bit and check me out. That was the most beautiful moment of my life. This reminded me that I might not ever be the same again. I am just a different version of that girl. I'm the woman version of the little gypsy girl I once knew.
Many ask if I would take it back. It's shocking to most, but no I wouldn't take it back. I am a fighter. I am survivor. I would not be the woman I am today if I hadn't fought to survive that pain and loss. I have created who I am today by overcoming this dark past and the trial it brought.
For now I'll live by the ocean, love by the moon and find my cure in salt water....sweat, tears, and the sea. "
You can follow more of her journey here: http://warriorgypsy.blogspot.com/
