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Lexi’s journey began long before content creation. After being bullied in middle school, Lexi learned to love herself through yoga, and at age 13, she became an RYT 200-hour Nationally Certified Yoga Instructor, making her the youngest certified teacher in Florida at the time. At 16, Lexi was named Miss Boca Raton Teen USA, and after competed for Miss Florida Teen USA with intentions to use the platform to promote her yoga teachings and inspire those around her. Although she was unsuccessful in securing the Miss Florida Teen USA crown, Lexi continued to spread her positive message, and years later began grabbing the attention of hundreds of thousands on TikTok and Instagram. Following her rise to social media stardom, Lexi has set herself apart from other influencers by consistently using her platform for good. Beyond her pageant title and yoga accomplishments, at 23, this young creative continues to inspire us all as the host of “The Moments Podcast”, author of “The Moments Journal”, animal rescue volunteer, and charity fundraiser. Here, Miami Living dives into the mind of a young influencer, discussing life in South Florida, the importance of mental health and community, and simply being yourself, one moment at a time. Miami Living: What motivated you to start creating content on social media? Did you aim to become an influencer from the beginning? Lexi Hidalgo: I have always been the friend that loved to take pictures and document life. I enjoy looking back on the memories that I’ve been able to make, and I enjoy being able to share them. When I started posting on social media, I had no intentions of gaining a following the way that I did. I believe that was God‘s work. I have always loved to spread a positive message through whatever it was I was doing in life, so to be given the opportunity to do it on such a large scale through social media has been such a gift. Miami Living: In what ways has growing up in South Florida influenced your content and the messages you share? Lexi Hidalgo: Growing up in South Florida has impacted my content in so many ways. I strongly believe a huge part of my following grew because of our beautiful south Florida environment. I remember I started posting during the middle of winter. Most people were making snowmen, while I was taking an afternoon dip at the beach. I think this shocked many people, which brought attention to my page. My messages have since then grown into more conversations about mental health but through that I also continue to highlight the beauty of where I live! Whether that is the constant sunshine or our beautiful ocean, I feel very blessed to be born and raised in South Florida. Miami Living: You have been involved in many community projects, such as collaborating with local businesses, posing as the cover star for student-run Strike Magazine Boca Raton, volunteering with Tri-County Animal Rescue, and starting the Paws For A Moment campaign. What drives you to engage in these community-focused activities? Lexi Hidalgo: For me, everything is about community. Having an online platform taught me very quickly the beauty of being able to connect with those around you, whether that’s through a screen or in person - the relationships that we build with one another is one of the things that keeps life beautiful. I feel the most fulfilled in life when I am helping those around me. Sometimes that’s people, sometimes it’s animals, but it’s always when I pour into something other than me. Our world drives the idea that we need to be selfish, we need to constantly focus on ourselves when in reality, we sometimes become the best version of ourselves by surrounding ourselves with others (and doing good). Community has become everything to me and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities to host events and meet those who make this life possible while doing good for those around us.