Tess Holliday is an amazing plus-size model, a talented author, and a beloved figure in the body positivity community. Through her career and advocacy, she’s been changing how we see beauty and inspiring many people to love and embrace their unique selves. Curious about Tess Holliday?
You’re in the right place! Let’s explore what you might want to know!
Also Read
Tess Holliday Biography
Tess Holliday, born Ryann Maegen Hoven on July 5, 1985, in Laurel, Mississippi, is a model, activist, and social media influencer. She has become a leading advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. Tess is widely recognized as the first size-22 model to sign with a major modeling agency, Milk Model Management, in 2015.
Tess Holliday’s journey is as colorful as her tattoos. Born and raised in Mississippi, Tess faced bullying throughout her childhood due to her size, pale skin, and unconventional looks. Despite these challenges, she pursued her dream of modeling.
Early in her career, she adopted the name Tess Munster, inspired by the sitcom The Munsters. She later used the name Tess Typhoon before officially adopting her fiancé’s surname, Holliday, in 2015.
In 2012, she met Australian artist and businessman Nick Holliday on Tumblr, and after seven months of online communication, the two met in person. They became engaged on July 5, 2014, and secretly wed on the same date in 2015. The couple welcomed their son, Bowie Juniper, in June 2016. Tess and Nick have since divorced, with Tess describing their marriage as abusive.
In 2019, Tess came out as pansexual, further reinforcing her message of inclusivity and self-expression. In 2021, she revealed she was in recovery from atypical anorexia, challenging misconceptions about eating disorders and size.
Quick Bio at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ryann Maegen Hoven (Tess Holliday) |
| Birthday | July 5, 1985 |
| Hometown | Laurel, Mississippi |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Education | High School Diploma |
| Spouse | Nick Holliday (m. 2015, divorced) |
| Kids | Rylee and Bowie Juniper |
| Sexual Orientation | Pansexual |
| Profession | Model, Activist, Influencer |
| Advocacy | Body positivity, inclusivity |
Tess Holliday’s Body Measurements
Tess Holliday proudly celebrates her size, symbolizing body diversity in fashion. She stands at 5’5″ tall and wears a U.S. dress size 22. Her heavily tattooed body reflects her vibrant personality and passion for self-expression.
| Measurement | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’5” (165 cm) |
| Weight | 304 lbs (138 kg) |
| Bust | 52 inches (132 cm) |
| Waist | 49 inches (124 cm) |
| Hips | 56 inches (142 cm) |
| Bra Size | 46F |
| Dress Size | 22 (US) |
| Shoe Size | 8 (US) |
Tattoos and Piercings
- Tattoos:
- Miss Piggy on her right forearm
- Mae West on her inner right forearm
- Marilyn Monroe on her left bicep
- A plus-size mermaid on her right thigh
- Hello Kitty on her right calf
- Dolly Parton on her right arm
- Piercings: Septum piercing
Career
Tess’s journey to becoming a model was not without obstacles. Agencies initially rejected her due to her size and height. However, she defied these odds and became the first size-22 model signed by Milk Model Management in 2015.
In 2013, Tess launched the viral #EffYourBeautyStandards movement, challenging societal beauty norms and empowering individuals to embrace their bodies. Her influence has led to campaigns with major brands, appearances in magazines such as Cosmopolitan UK and People, and runway appearances at London Fashion Week.
- 2010: Began her modeling career
- 2013: Launched #EffYourBeautyStandards campaign
- 2015: Signed with Milk Model Management
- Magazine Features: Cosmopolitan UK, People, Vogue Italia
- Runway Appearances: London Fashion Week
Achievements
- First size-22 model signed to a major agency
- Creator of #EffYourBeautyStandards
- Advocate for diversity and inclusivity
- Cover model for international magazines
Tess Holliday’s Net Worth
As of 2024, Tess Holliday’s net worth is around $3 million. Her income sources include:
- Modeling contracts with leading brands
- Social media collaborations
- Speaking engagements and campaigns
Here’s a roundup of some frequently asked questions that dive into her fascinating life and career.
What happened with Tess and Nick Holliday?
Tess Holliday and Nick Holliday divorced after Tess described their marriage as abusive, unhealthy, and toxic:
Signs of Change
In January 2020, Tess shared with Parents that Nick had moved to Australia in September 2019 to focus on his personal growth.
A Heartfelt Message
In January 2021, Tess took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message about her journey since leaving the marriage. She expressed gratitude for the growth she’s experienced and embraced her newfound freedom from a challenging relationship.
The Power of Therapy
Tess has mentioned how transformative therapy has been for her. A postpartum therapist gently pointed out to her, “You know you’re in an abusive relationship, right?” This realization helped her on her path to healing.
How many children does Tess Holliday have?
Tess Holliday has two sons, Rylee and Bowie:
- Rylee: Holliday’s older son
- Bowie: Holliday’s younger son
Tess Holliday recently shared a heartwarming Instagram photo featuring herself and her loved ones. She has been candid about her journey with postpartum depression after welcoming both of her children, and she often shares insights on the challenges of parenting kids from different generations. She’s navigating this journey with honesty and resilience!
Does Tess Holliday work out?
Yes, Tess Holliday works out and has spoken out about her workouts and the criticism she’s faced for doing so:
Filming Her Workouts
In 2018, Tess Holliday took to the cameras for a special on PeopleTV called “Tess Holliday: Making It Big.” She wanted to share her workouts to highlight how active she is and to push back against some of the judgment she often faces about her lifestyle.
Responding to Body Shamers
Tess has gracefully handled criticism from those who doubt her commitment to fitness or who body-shame her for working out. She believes that sharing her workout journey on social media isn’t necessary, and she emphasizes that what she does with her body is her choice. Tess has even shared some of the hurtful comments she’s received, using them as a platform to discuss body-shaming and promote positivity.
Repairing Her Relationship with Her Body
Tess has openly talked about her journey to rebuild her relationship with her body, mentioning that she’s “anorexic and in recovery.” She reflects on how societal norms often glorify thinness and link it to self-worth, encouraging others to embrace their bodies just as they are.
Tess Holliday’s life is a testament to resilience, individuality, and advocacy. From her struggles to her groundbreaking modeling career, Tess has proven that beauty transcends size, shape, and convention.
Her tattoos, bold personality, and inspiring activism have made her a force for change in the fashion industry. With her $3 million net worth, Tess continues to pave the way for inclusivity, proving that everyone deserves to be celebrated for who they are.
