Ashley Alexiss is speaking up about how her 100-pound weight reduction has altered how some people perceive her and why she is determined to be true to herself.

“I often receive comments suggesting that I am no longer a role model or someone people can look up to,” Alexiss tells PEOPLE. “And I believe that’s quite terrible since I had a life-changing loss. I lost my father, who was my best friend.

The former Sports Illustrated model, who dedicated 15 years to building a career in plus-size fashion, asserts that the transformation was unplanned. I quit drinking around two and a half years ago. I was weary of feeling like a—. Imagine indulging in a few hours of pleasure only to endure a two-day hangover as a consequence. My body just didn’t process alcohol properly. During this time, my father was battling cancer, and he passed away exactly one year ago yesterday.

Alexiss explains that mourning has significant bodily consequences. “It alters your thoughts and the way you work.” It also had physical effects on me,” she says. “I believe that many people assumed that I was unhappy with my body or was ashamed of it, which is far from the truth because I spent 15 years as a plus-size model, and my motto has always been, ‘Beauty is not a size.'” And I believe that still holds true. It makes no difference that I’m 100 pounds lighter.”

But adjusting to a new physique has not been simple. “I will admit that it has been more difficult for me to learn to enjoy this body truly since I spent so much time battling for my plus-sized body to be acknowledged and appreciated in a way that was respectful of social norms. “And it’s been difficult,” she admits.

“Many people think, ‘Well, now you’re skinny.'” And I’m like, “Mmm, yeah.” However, I am also receiving the attention and respect I deserved when I weighed 100 pounds more. That is something that remains constant. “A person is still a person, whether they weigh 215 or 115 pounds.”

Alexiss just started using CellSound treatments, a non-invasive body contouring device that tightens skin, to help her feel her best as she prepares for her approaching wedding. “The experience has been just fantastic. It’s probably one of the most relaxing treatments I’ve ever had,” she adds, laughing. “I’m very pro; do what makes you feel best.”

The non-invasive nature of CellSound makes it feel like a gentle massage. What motivated me to start using it was my recent engagement and the planning of our wedding. Managing all the responsibilities associated with being a bride while simultaneously experiencing grief is challenging. However, I am making an effort to engage in activities that help me feel like the best version of myself, so that I can be the best partner I can be for my fiancé.

Her fiancé has also been a consistent source of support. “He is a fitness junkie. For example, he goes to the gym every day, which is beneficial because he doesn’t pressure me to join him. He still lets me be myself. He supports whatever I choose to do, whether I want to be a couch potato or run around Coachella, which I believe is really important.

What Experts Say

Dr. Nicholas Nikolov, a famous Beverly Hills plastic surgeon who uses CellSound, describes how the therapy works:

“It’s unfocused ultrasound, which means the sound waves don’t converge at a location but instead travel in parallel across the tissue. When cells convert energy at a certain point, it typically results in something like Ulthera, which is a high-intensity ultrasound. When it converges at a location, it produces tissue injury, which destroys the fat cells,” he explains.

“Ours is the reverse. The waves do not merge. They’re not really intense. They do not cause any tissue harm. They move at a low intensity parallel to each other, stimulating the tissue.”

“Not only does it not cause injury, but it may be thought of as regenerating the tissue. And it does so by increasing blood flow to the tissue. This device began as a wound-healing gadget. And by increasing the volume of blood and eliminating congestion, not just on the surface but also deep into the skin, we make everything look younger and more lively. You’re producing more collagen.

Alexiss believes that the mix of science, self-care, and self-love keeps her grounded. “I am me whether I am plus-size or not,” she boasts. “Beauty is not a size.”