Tess Holliday, born Ryann Maegan Hoven on July 5, 1985, in Laurel, Mississippi, is a trailblazing plus-size model and body positivity activist. She gained widespread recognition through her bold social media presence and advocacy for self-love, becoming the first size 22 model signed to a major agency. Holliday’s career highlights include featuring in major fashion campaigns, gracing the cover of magazines like People, and authoring the book “The Not So Subtle Art of Being a Fat Girl” in 2017. Her notable achievements encompass promoting size inclusivity and building a massive following of over 2 million on Instagram. The quotes here are sourced from her book, social media posts, and interviews, focusing on themes of life such as resilience, self-acceptance, and personal growth. This list presents 15 insightful quotes from Tess Holliday that offer wisdom on navigating life’s challenges.
15 Tess Holliday Quotes
1. “Life isn’t about fitting into someone else’s mold; it’s about creating your own path with confidence.” (Book, “The Not So Subtle Art of Being a Fat Girl,” 2017)
2. “Every setback is a setup for a comeback—embrace the struggle because it builds your strength.” (Post on Instagram, @tessholliday, April 22, 2022)
3. “True happiness in life comes from loving yourself first, flaws and all.” (Interview, Cosmopolitan, 2019)
4. “Life’s too short to waste energy on negativity; focus on what lifts you up.” (Post on X, @Tess_Holliday, July 5, 2023)
5. “I’ve learned that life’s beauty lies in imperfection—it’s what makes us real and relatable.” (Book, “The Not So Subtle Art of Being a Fat Girl,” 2017)
6. “No matter how tough life gets, remember that your story isn’t over yet—keep writing it.” (Interview, The Guardian, n.d.)
7. “Life is a journey of self-discovery; don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself along the way.” (Post on Instagram, @tessholliday, September 10, 2021)
8. “The key to a fulfilling life is surrounding yourself with people who celebrate you, not tolerate you.” (Book, “The Not So Subtle Art of Being a Fat Girl,” 2017)
9. “Life has taught me that vulnerability is power; it’s okay to show your scars.” (Interview, TED Talk, 2018)
10. “Don’t let society’s standards define your worth—life is about defining it for yourself.” (Post on X, @Tess_Holliday, February 14, 2023)
11. “In life, resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about getting back up with more fire.” (Post on Instagram, @tessholliday, November 3, 2022)
12. “Life’s greatest lessons often come from the hardest moments; they shape who you become.” (Book, “The Not So Subtle Art of Being a Fat Girl,” 2017)
13. “Embrace change in life because it’s the only constant, and it can lead to incredible growth.” (Interview, Vogue, 2020)
14. “Life is meant to be lived fully, with kindness to yourself and others, no matter your size or shape.” (Post on X, @Tess_Holliday, August 15, 2021)
15. “At the end of the day, life’s about finding joy in your own skin and sharing that light with the world.” (Book, “The Not So Subtle Art of Being a Fat Girl,” 2017)
These quotes from Tess Holliday reflect her deep wisdom on life, highlighting themes of self-empowerment, resilience, and authenticity drawn from her personal experiences. They reveal a woman who has transformed adversity into inspiration, encouraging others to live boldly and embrace their journeys. We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments— which quote resonates with you most, or how has Tess Holliday’s message influenced your life?