SI Swim Search: Allie Ayers

SI Swimsuit | Apr 15, 2021

Name: Allie Ayers Lindsey
Hometown: Snyder, Okla.
Occupation: Model, Founder and CEO of Bissy Swim, Model Coach

What inspired you to try out again for SI Swim Search?

I’ve known since the beginning I wanted to be connected with this company again. This year, seeing such growth on a personal level and within my career, I knew it was time to rejoin forces.

What would it mean to you to win Swim Search?

It would mean continuing to reinforce the platform of normalizing diversity within the fashion industry and guiding other women through the weird, wonderful career that is modeling.

What has been the best part about being a part of the Swim Search community?

I believe the Swim Search community is the best part of the Swim Search. Period. To empower women on such a wide-reaching level and during a pandemic? We all felt so closed off to the outside world this year and the Swim Search community brought us together. Some of my most incredible friends and biggest inspirations have been found through this community and I don't know where I'd be without them.

What is your favorite SI Swimsuit memory?

Being from a small town, a lot of this can feel like it's untouchable. Even now, I can't begin to fathom my life and how it has transpired. This industry has a way of making you feel so small, but my best SI Swimsuit memory was right after I had walked in the SI Show at 2017 Miami Swim Week. I saw MJ Day chatting with people who were, by all accounts, considered more important than I was. I didn't want to interrupt, but I needed to thank MJ for this opportunity; I needed to tell her how much this meant to me. So I stood by, but she immediately invited me into her circle and in that moment, I knew how I would choose to lead in this world. Following her example, I would be inviting, I would open up my circles and make everyone feel important. When I'm designing a new swimsuit or working with my team on how we can continue to push the needle, I think of MJ and that moment.

Who is your role model?

I’m my own role model. I’ve made my biggest, scariest dreams come true and I’ve stayed honest to myself through it. I’m proud of that.

What would you tell your younger self?
You’re gonna love those lanky limbs someday, babe. Promise.

How are you preparing for the SI Swim Search photo shoot?

I like who I am right now in this moment. And the beautiful thing about SI Swimsuit is that they like me for who I am right now, too. Not who I was or what I looked like when I was 14 or 23, but who I am right now - however my body looks, whatever perceived flaws it might have. My preparation for this photo shoot looks like me, waking up every morning, and just giving my gratitude. I open my eyes and literally say, "thank you, thank you, thank you."

Who was the first person you told the good news to?

My husband, Dusty. He has been beside himself excited to find out the good news. He was also waking us up every morning to check who was the next model announced for the magazine. He’s extremely supportive and is my best cheerleader.