Ryann Maegen Hoven, professionally known as Tess Holliday and previously known as Tess Munster, is an American plus-size model, blogger, and makeup artist based in Los Angeles.
She is widely recognized for her work in promoting body positivity and challenging traditional beauty standards within the fashion industry.
Through her career, Tess has become a significant figure in advocating for the inclusion of diverse body types in mainstream media.
Early Life And Education
Ryann Maegen Hoven, born on July 5, 1985, in Laurel, Mississippi, United States, was raised by her parents, Beth and Doug Hoven. She has one brother, Tad Hoven, and two younger half-brothers, Hunter and Gabriel Hoven.
During her high school years, she faced bullying, which led her to drop out at the age of 17. Tess Holliday identifies as Caucasian, but her specific religious beliefs have not been publicly shared.
Career
Tess Holliday‘s modeling journey began in the face of early rejection due to her size and height. At just 15 years old, she auditioned for plus-size modeling but was discouraged by the industry’s narrow beauty standards.
After relocating to Seattle, Tess worked as a makeup artist and creative director, roles that allowed her to hone her creative skills. In 2010, she moved to Los Angeles, where she gained the confidence to pursue modeling full-time.
Her breakthrough came in 2011 when she entered Torrid’s ‘House of Dreams Model Search,’ marking the beginning of her successful modeling career. In 2015, Tess made history by signing with Milk Model Management, becoming the first size-22 model to be represented by a major agency.
This milestone was a turning point, as Tess quickly gained widespread recognition through her work with brands like Torrid and Benefit Cosmetics. She also appeared in major publications, including Vogue Italia and Cosmopolitan UK.
Her rise to prominence challenged traditional beauty standards, opening doors for other plus-size models and promoting greater diversity within the fashion industry. In addition to her modeling success, Tess Holliday has become a vocal advocate for body positivity.
She founded the #effyourbeautystandards movement on social media, encouraging people to embrace their bodies, no matter their size. Despite facing criticism and prejudice throughout her career, Tess has remained steadfast in her mission to promote inclusivity and diversity in fashion.
Her efforts have inspired many individuals to redefine beauty and accept themselves as they are, cementing her role as a powerful force for change in the industry.
Personal Life
Tess Holliday was previously married to Nick Holliday, an Australian businessman and photographer, from July 5, 2015, until their separation in 2020. She has openly described their marriage as abusive and toxic, and now focuses on healing following the end of the relationship.
The couple share a son named Bowie, and Tess also has an older son, Rylee Holliday, from a previous relationship. While Rylee‘s biological father is not involved in his life, Tess maintains a strong, close relationship with both of her sons and prioritizes their well-being above all else.
Net Worth
Tess Holliday‘s net worth is estimated to be approximately $5 million. This wealth is primarily the result of her successful modeling career, which includes lucrative contracts with major brands such as Torrid and Benefit Cosmetics, as well as her influential role as a body positivity advocate.
{{comment.anon_name ?? comment.full_name}}
{{timeAgo(comment.date_added)}}
{{comment.body}}
{{subComment.anon_name ?? subComment.full_name}}
{{timeAgo(subComment.date_added)}}
{{subComment.body}}