Skip to main content
18 facts about Tess Holliday
May 9, 20235 min read
Artistscontent creatorCreatorsInspirationTess Holliday

18 facts about Tess Holliday

Learn about model Tess Holliday, her roots, and her journey to fame. Find out about her clothing lines, personal life, and how she promotes body positivity.

The basics

Name: Ryann Maegen Hoven
Birthday: July 5, 1985
Nationality: American
Zodiac sign: Cancer
Linktree username: tessholliday

18 facts about Tess Holliday

How did Tess Holliday become a model?

While others body-shamed Holliday, her mother thought she should model. Later, this dream would come true when Holliday applied for the “House of Dreams Model Search” by Torrid. She later went on to sign with Milk Model Management, becoming the first size 22 model to sign with a major agency.

How does Tess Holliday use Linktree?

Tess Holliday’s unlimited-link account includes links to her latest covers, clothing line, TikTok account, and podcast. She also uses her account to ask viewers to get involved with the causes she’s passionate about. Her page features a custom profile picture and background color. She also uses a Subscribe button to invite viewers to stay up-to-date with email, SMS, and WhatsApp alerts.

18 facts about Tess Holliday

How does Tess Holliday identify?

In an interview with Nylon, Tess Holliday said she identifies as pansexual. She talks about how coming out has made her feel more comfortable in her relationships.

Who was Tess Holliday's husband?

Tess Holliday was married to Nick Holliday from 2015 to 2020. Nick is a non-binary Australian businessman, photographer, and artist.

What was Tess Holliday’s childhood like?

Tess Holliday shares her in her book and in many interviews. She revisits the horror of her mother being shot in the head twice by her fiancé. Holliday cites moving around multiple times as a child and dealing with bullying and difficult living conditions.

18 facts about Tess Holliday

Does Tess Holliday have a podcast?

Holliday hosts a podcast, Slumber Party, where she tries to reenact the youth's intimate “sleepover party” conversations, interviewing guests with unique stories and extraordinary missions.

Does Tess Holliday have kids?

Yes. Holliday has two children – Bowie Juniper Holliday, from her marriage to Nick Holliday, and Rylee Holliday.

Has Tess Holliday struggled with anorexia?

The curves model has been open about her struggle with an eating disorder. She says she started restricting food as a child, although she was surprised to receive her anorexia diagnosis. When she opened up about it, she received backlash from people saying she was faking the disorder for attention. She also says while she usually loves appearing in photos, she still struggles with her body image from time to time.

How many tattoos does Tess Holliday have?

In this 2017 interview with US Magazine, Holliday said she had around 30 tattoos but had lost count. Among her countless tattoos, she has inked herself with images of Dolly Parton, Mae West, Miss Piggy and drag queen Divine.

18 facts about Tess Holliday

Did Tess Holliday design a clothing line?

Tess Holliday has released a couple of clothing lines. She launched the Eff Your Beauty Standards line with Fashion to Figure, including totes, sweats, and accessories, like crystal hair clips reading words such as “fat” and “queer.” Holliday chose the models to promote this line and worked with a diverse and inclusive range of individuals. Earlier in her career, she also released MLBM, a “rocker-chic” clothing line with Canadian retail store Penningtons.

Who does Tess Holliday model for?

Tess Holliday started her career as a model by landing a gig through a call for the “House of Dreams Model Search” by plus-size fashion brand Torrid. She’s modeled for Vogue Italia, Benefit Cosmetics, Nylon and H&M. She also signed with Milk Model Management’s plus-size division, Curves, in 2015.

18 facts about Tess Holliday

Has Tess Holliday released a book?

Yes. In 2017, Tess Holliday released The Not So Subtle Art of Being a Fat Girl: Loving the Skin You're In, sharing her story and tips that help other women thrive.

What kind of music does Tess Holliday like?

As you might imagine (because she has the artist’s tattoo), Holliday is a Dolly Parton fan. She also says Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumorshad a life-changing effect on her, and she enjoys singing “Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks at karaoke.

How old is Tess Holliday?

Born on July 5, 1985, model and body-positive activist Tess Holliday is 37 at the time of writing.

How tall is Tess Holliday?

Tess Holliday is 5 feet 5 inches tall.

Does Tess Holliday have siblings?

Tess Holliday has three brothers but is only in contact with two of them.

Where is Tess Holliday from?

Tess Holliday is from Laurel, Mississippi.

If you enjoyed learning more about Tess Holliday, don’t forget to review our other celeb bios such as Miranda Kerr and Maya Hawke. Check out the information they share on Linktree and how they use custom features to give their accounts a dose of their personalities.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

All of Kurtis Conner. All Together on Linktree.
Apr 3, 2025Company3 min read
All of Kurtis Conner. All Together on Linktree.

Meet Kurtis Conner – comedian, creator, mayor – man of many talents. We sat down with Kurtis to talk about what’s coming up for him in 2024 and why we should all tune in to his special Keep Busy.

All of Newt Nguyen. All Together on Linktree.
Apr 3, 2025Company3 min read
All of Newt Nguyen. All Together on Linktree.

Meet Newt Nguyen, our favorite foodie, resident chef and now… an author! We sat down with Newt to chat all about his first ever cookbook set to debut later this year and hear more about his plans for 2024.

All of Paige Gallagher. All Together on Linktree.
Apr 3, 2025Company3 min read
All of Paige Gallagher. All Together on Linktree.

Meet Linker Paige Gallagher, actress, comedian and professional key chain jangler. You may recognize her from her painfully accurate comedy sketches or her brand new cozy podcast Pillow Talk. We sat down with Paige to talk about what’s coming this year, creators to watch and her new podcast.