From professional basketball to reality television and sales and detox juice, Alexia Adams has gone through quite the transition in terms of career paths and opportunities. The 35-year-old played basketball internationally for years ( yes, like Monica in Love and Basketball), dribbling the ball up and down the courts in countries such as Romania, Belgium, Serbia, and Mexico.
After retiring, the Atlanta native returned to her hometown and started working for a sales company and the Atlanta Hawks basketball team. Deep down, she knew she wanted to be her own CEO, but like many aspiring entrepreneurs, she didn’t know where and how to start. But her years as an athlete made her skilled in one area; health. After a few conversations with an entrepreneur friend, Alexia became an ambassador for the detox drink company, Drink 2 Shrink last February. Started by her good friend, the detox drink is an all-natural tea. And yes, it is delicious!
Soon after her Drink 2 Shrink venture, another opportunity in the form of reality television came knocking. She found herself on season two of OWN’s Put A Ring On It with her now ex-boyfriend.
Although being on a reality show had its perks, including renewed self-awareness in her love life, Alexia’s passion has always been self-care and fitness. Like most of us who do not work out for a while, the former athlete started to become sluggish and had put on a few pounds. The personal motivation to switch up her lifestyle prompted her to make a business out of it and help others. In her spare time, she works with Weight No More, a supervised, medical loss program, hosts back-to-school events where she gives out free school supplies to children in Atlanta and charity events. Proceeds from her events go to sickle cell victims.
As a Drink 2 Shrink ambassador, the Albany State University graduate is content for now representing the brand and helping others on their healthy lifestyle journey. But it’s possible in the near future, Alexia could be introducing a brand of her own and getting in front of the big screen.
Did you deal with body-shaming growing up?
Growing up, I never had to deal with body shaming. I was always an athlete. It wasn’t until I retired that I started seeing changes in my body and wanted to do something about it.
What advice would you give to girls who deal with body shaming and low self-esteem?
If you are unhappy with your appearance, do something about it. It all starts with you. Get motivated. For me, it’s listening to ET the Hip Hop Preacher. It has to start with you.
What advice would you give to someone who strives to live a healthier lifestyle but has a problem staying on track?
You have to want it bad, as that food, you keep eating otherwise nothing will change, you have to keep going.
What values are you hoping to inspire with your brand?
You can still have a full-time job, and make time to work out, and wellness. Health is wealth, don’t wait till you get old and start having health problems. It all starts now. You are what you eat.
What makes you a Royal Woman?
I’m a flat-out boss. I have my own business while working 8-5. I’m a homeowner and provider. All while being on reality television, and filming movies. I believe that I’m the definition of if you want something, you have to put in the work.
Moving forward Alexia plans to pursue a path in acting. This summer, she is set to star in the movie, Andre Rison, the biopic about the former Atlanta Falcons football player and boyfriend of Lisa `Left Eye’ Lopes.
Alexia also plans to become a wellness coach and open a Painting With A Twist location in Kennesaw, Ga.
Follow Alexia on Instagram here
Click here to learn more about Alexia’s Drink 2 Shrink.
