Why Tess Holliday Is About to Change Modeling Forever

Updated on May 23, 2015 at 10:30 AM

Instagram | tessholliday

Model Tess Holliday is out to redefine the modeling industry. As the first size 22 model to sign with a major agency, she's on a fast track to change the fashion world forever and not just in front of the camera. Tess created the #EffYourBeautyStandards campaign to challenge traditional perceptions of beauty.

"Our bodies tell a story and everyone's journey is different, everybody is different, unique, exquisite. The only problem is that not everyone respects that or comprehends that we don't have to all look like a cookie cutter or perfect picture of 'health.'" She wrote in a blog for The Huffington Post. "We have so many forces around us that try and influence us otherwise. Why be our own worst enemy? Even if you don't have a partner to dress up (or take it off) for, do it for yourself. Our relationships with ourselves and our bodies are the most important ones we will ever have."

And while Tess suffered rejection and bullying early on, she's now proving all the haters wrong. After landing major campaigns and gaining recognition in the industry as one of the world's top plus-size models, it seems, in fact, that Tess is headed for world domination. Read on to find out more about Holliday and why she's inspiring us and women everywhere to love our bodies.

She's the first model of her size and height to be signed by a major agency

Earlier this year, Tess began to work with London's Milk Model Management.

She's leading the #EffYourBeautyStandards movement

Tess helped pioneer the movement on social media. According to her website, the movement now has over 65,000 shares on Instagram.

She describes herself as a "body positive activist"

She's out to change the modeling industry

At size 22, Tess is redefining what it means to be a plus-size model.

She's a viral sensation

Tess currently has 722,000 Instagram followers and a following on Facebook of 903,000.

She doesn't sweat the haters

"When people are telling you, 'You're fat and gross,' it does the complete opposite," she stated. "At the end of the day, they're not paying my bills."

Tess has landed some major fashion campaigns

She's modeled for Torrid and was the face of the A&E program Heavy in addition to posing for many stunning editorials.

She wants all women to feel confident, no matter what size

She states that the best part of her career is the ability to empower and inspire women everywhere.

Tess began her career as a makeup artist

"I had been interested in makeup forever," she told People. "My mom had bought me Kevyn Aucoin books when I was 13 and it changed my life. I still do makeup – but not as much because I'm busy!"

Tess was forced to drop out of high school due to severe bullying

Tess earned her GED and headed for Los Angeles where she began her modeling career.

In 2013, Vogue Italia named her one of the top six plus-size models in the world

She's got some seriously inspiring tattoos

The model has inked pictures of Marilyn Monroe, Mae West, Dolly Parton, and even Miss Piggy.

Holliday is actually her fiancé's last name

Tess has also gone by both Tess Typhoon and Tess Munster during her career, but she was actually born Ryann Hoven.