Tess Holliday is a name that has reshaped the modeling industry, challenging traditional beauty standards and redefining what it means to be confident in one’s own skin. Born Ryann Maegen Hoven on July 5, 1985, in Laurel, Mississippi, Tess has emerged as one of the most influential plus-size models in the world. Her journey from a small-town girl to an internationally recognized figure is nothing short of inspiring.
Over the years, Tess has not only built a successful career in modeling but has also become a powerful advocate for body positivity and inclusivity. Her bold presence, unapologetic attitude, and fearless approach to self-love have earned her a massive following on social media, where she continues to inspire millions. Beyond modeling, Tess is also a makeup artist, blogger, and entrepreneur, proving that beauty is not confined to a single size or shape.
Early Life and Background
Holliday’s story begins in the small town of Laurel, Mississippi, where she was born and raised. Growing up in a conservative environment, Tess faced numerous challenges, particularly regarding her body image. From a young age, she was bullied for her weight and appearance, which made her childhood difficult. She was born on July 5, 1985, and her current age is 39 years old as of April 2025.
Despite these hardships, Tess found solace in her mother’s unwavering support. Her mother encouraged her to embrace her uniqueness and pursue her dreams, even when society told her otherwise. This encouragement played a crucial role in shaping Tess’s confidence and determination.
Family Struggles and Resilience
Tess’s family life was far from easy. Her mother endured a tragic incident in 1995, when she was shot twice in the head by her fiancé, leaving her paralyzed. This traumatic event forced Tess and her brother to move in with their grandparents while their mother recovered.
The instability in her early years meant that Tess had to grow up quickly, learning to navigate life’s challenges with resilience. She faced verbal abuse from her father, which further impacted her self-esteem. However, instead of letting these experiences define her, Tess used them as fuel to prove her worth to the world.
Tess Holliday Wiki | BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ryann Maegen Hoven |
| Professional Name | Tess Holliday |
| Formerly Known As | Tess Munster |
| Date of Birth | July 5, 1985 |
| Age (as of April 2025) | 39 years old |
| Birthplace | Laurel, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian White |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Profession | Plus-size model, Makeup artist, Blogger |
| Years Active | 2000, 2010–present |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Weight | 304 lbs (138 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 52-49-56 inches |
| Shoe Size | 8 US |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Modeling Agency | Mavrick Artists Agency, Milk Model Management |
| Spouse | Nick Holliday (m. 2015, div. 2020) |
| Children | 2 (Bowie & Rylee) |
| Notable Campaigns | Benefit Cosmetics, Vogue Italia, Nylon Magazine, H&M, Addition Elle |
| Activism | Founder of #EffYourBeautyStandards movement |
| Net Worth (Approx.) | $4 Million |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| @tessholliday/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Tess_Holliday |
Education and Early Aspirations
Due to the bullying she faced in school, Tess left high school at 17 and earned her GED. She had always dreamed of becoming a model, but the industry’s rigid beauty standards made it seem impossible. At 15 years old, she auditioned for a plus-size modeling agency in Atlanta, only to be told she was too short and too big to succeed.
Despite the rejection, Tess refused to give up. She moved to Seattle, where she worked as a makeup artist, hairstylist, and creative director at fashion shows. This experience helped her gain confidence and develop a deeper understanding of the beauty industry.
Marriage and Family
Holliday’s personal life has been as eventful as her career. She was previously married to Nick Holliday, an Australian businessman, photographer, and artist. The couple met online in 2012 through Tumblr, where they bonded over their shared interests. After months of virtual conversations, they finally met in person, and their relationship blossomed.
In 2014, Tess and Nick got engaged, and a year later, on July 5, 2015, they secretly tied the knot. Their marriage was kept private for some time before they publicly confirmed their union. Together, they welcomed their son, Bowie, in June 2016. Tess also has an older son, Rylee, from a previous relationship.
However, their marriage eventually ended in 2020, with Tess describing the relationship as abusive. She has since focused on healing and raising her children while continuing her advocacy for body positivity.
Career Beginnings
Holliday’s journey into modeling was far from easy. At 15 years old, she auditioned for a plus-size modeling agency in Atlanta, only to be told she was too short and too big to succeed. This rejection could have discouraged her, but instead, it fueled her determination.
She moved to Seattle, where she worked as a makeup artist, hairstylist, and creative director at fashion shows. This experience helped her gain confidence and develop a deeper understanding of the beauty industry.
First Steps Toward Success
In 2010, Tess made a bold move to Los Angeles, hoping to break into the modeling world. She started by posting her photos on Model Mayhem, an online platform for aspiring models. Her striking looks and confidence quickly caught the attention of industry professionals.
Her breakthrough came in 2011, when she was selected for Torrid’s ‘House of Dreams Model Search’. Around the same time, she was discovered online by A&E, who chose her to be the face of their documentary series Heavy. This exposure helped her gain recognition and opened doors to new opportunities.
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Rise to Fame
In 2014, she quit her day job to pursue modeling full-time. In 2015, she became the first plus-size model above size 20 to be signed by Milk Model Management. She was featured on the cover of People Magazine, making history as one of the most prominent plus-size models.
Tess has worked with Benefit Cosmetics, Vogue Italia, Nylon Magazine, and Marie Claire UK. She has also modeled for Monif Clarke’s swimwear line, Torrid, and Addition Elle.
Tess has challenged traditional beauty standards, proving that plus-size models deserve representation in mainstream fashion. Her confidence and unapologetic attitude have inspired countless individuals to embrace their bodies.
Modeling Career
Tess has defied conventional beauty standards, proving that plus-size models deserve mainstream representation. Her journey from rejection to success is a testament to her resilience and determination. In 2015, she made history by becoming the first plus-size model above size 20 to be signed by Milk Model Management.
This milestone was a turning point for the fashion industry, as it challenged the long-standing norms that favored only slim models. Despite her success, Tess has faced criticism and body shaming. Many questioned whether plus-size models should be celebrated in mainstream fashion. However, she remained unapologetic, using her platform to advocate for self-love and acceptance.
Makeup Artistry and Other Ventures
Before stepping into the modeling world, Tess worked as a makeup artist, hairstylist, and creative director at fashion shows. This experience helped her develop a deep understanding of beauty and style.
Her expertise in makeup artistry has allowed her to collaborate with major brands, further expanding her influence beyond modeling. Her entrepreneurial spirit has solidified her status as a multi-talented influencer in the fashion and beauty industry.
Body Positivity and Activism
Holliday is not just a model—she is a body positivity activist who has challenged societal beauty norms. She embraces the word “fat” and encourages people to love their bodies, regardless of size. In 2013, she launched the #EffYourBeautyStandards movement, which has gained global recognition.
This campaign empowers individuals to reject unrealistic beauty expectations and embrace their natural selves. Tess’s activism has led to major changes in the fashion industry, encouraging brands to expand their size ranges and feature diverse models. Her work has inspired millions to embrace their uniqueness and reject harmful beauty standards.
Social Media Presence
Tess has built a strong social media presence, using platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to connect with her audience. With over 2 million followers on Instagram, she shares empowering messages, fashion looks, and personal insights that resonate with her fans.
Her #EffYourBeautyStandards movement, launched in 2013, has gained global recognition, encouraging people to embrace their bodies and reject unrealistic beauty standards. Through her posts, Tess continues to challenge societal norms and promote self-love.
Estimated Net Worth
As of 2025, Holliday’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million. Her income comes from modeling contracts, brand endorsements, social media partnerships, and business ventures. Tess earns money through Modeling campaigns with brands like Benefit Cosmetics, Torrid, and Addition Elle, Social media sponsorships and collaborations, her clothing line and merchandise sales, and Public speaking engagements on body positivity and inclusivity.
Tess enjoys a comfortable lifestyle, residing in Los Angeles, California. She invests in fashion, beauty, and advocacy projects, ensuring her influence extends beyond modeling.
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