Alicia Marie the Unconventional Entrepreneur

Q. As a celebrity fitness and nutrition consultant, what do you love and hate about your job?

AM: I don’t hate anything. I am having the time of my life. I am very, very, lucky to be doing what I love and making a living. It took a whole lot of work to get to where I am today, so I just enjoy the journey!

Q. You went from being a model to a fitness and nutrition guru. Can you take us through that journey?

AM: I have actually been a “fitness and gym bunny” since childhood. I remember being obsessed with Mousercize (via the Disney Channel) and Kathy Smith in the 4th grade! By age 12, I happened to be tall enough to enter and win a model search (in a mall) and that is where my story began! I modeled throughout high school, doing catalogs for JC Penney, Marshall’s, and other big department stores until I was in my 20s. I also signed with Ford Models at 19, and began runway modeling. I have modeled for top designers such as Versace and Vivienne Westwood. I still modeled when I moved to New York, doing more television spots (MTV, HBO, Comcast, Comedy Central) and I even did voiceover work for MTV: Music Television.

[Meanwhile,] I still kept up with my fitness. Late one night, in 2011, I watched a fitness competition on ESPN. A year later, I competed and won. Then, the following year, I won the world championship, which began my career in fitness and modeling—I have been on over 25 magazine covers since 2005—combined with my other true love, media! That is where I am today. It’s been quite the ride.

Q. As a model, TV host & personality, executive, fitness competitor, and now consultant to the stars, you wore many hats throughout your career. Which role was your favorite and why?

AM: I am also a writer and have my own fitness wear line (http://www.aliciamariebyrogiani.com/). I have a syndicated column in Oxygen Magazine (fitness for women) and a monthly: ”ASK ALICIA.” And, I am about to release my fitness and beauty ebook series (in the Spring of 2011), it is something I am very, very excited about. So, picking a favorite is a tough one, because I love it all!!! My dream job would probably be hosting a talk show, like Tyra Banks or Ellen—something along those lines.

Q. You also hosted your own Fashion Television Show and have been a featured trainer on MTV Made. How did you make the transition from runway to television?

AM: MTV is my FAMILY. I have been “with” MTV in some capacity since I was right out of my teens. I have worked behind and in front of the camera, and even did voice-over work. When the position for a fitness trainer came up on a new show called “MADE” (which won multiple Emmy Awards for MTV)—I jumped at the opportunity. I’t’s fun stuff—a very rewarding experience.

Q. Along with everything else you are doing, you now have your own clothing line. Can you tell us more about it?

AM: We “officially” launched in December of 2010, but I have had my own “pieces” since ’08. This is the first of my own lines. I partnered with an Italian design company, ROGIANI, because I love their clothing; I actually owned a few ROGIANI swimwear designs that I loved, so I basically sought to get in touch with the company. That was in 2005.