A model who was bullied so badly she was forced to drop out of school has been signed by a major modelling agency.
A version of this story was originally published on Huffington Post UK and has been republished with full permission.
Tess Munster is 5’5” tall, a UK size 24 and is now officially on the books of London-based MiLK Model Management.
According to Plus Model Magazine, Tess is the first plus size model of her size and height to be signed to an agency. (The New York Daily News points out plus-size models tend to be taller than 5’8” and between sizes 10 to 18.)
“@danabrushette & I make magic. Loved working with her in #Toronto last year. #tessmunster #tessholliday #model #plussize #effyourbeautystandards” (Via: Instagram)On the back of this, the 29-year-old has been named one of the world’s top plus size models by Refinery 29 and Vogue Italia.
She told Huffington Post UK securing her contract had been “mind-blowing” and yet simultaneously: “Very humbling. I knew it would be big, but it’s far exceeded anything I could have imagined.”
The mother-of-one who occasionally uses the surname of her fiancée Nick Holliday, is also behind the hashtag #effyourbeautystandards, which encourages women to celebrate their bodies and sticks two fingers up at standard beauty ideals.
“This was taken yesterday after hiking in the #Buderim rainforest in Australia. It was tough for me because a) I wasn’t prepared & had a bikini & #aldo sandals which wasn’t the best outfit (but I looked hot TBH) & b) even though I’m active it was a strenuous hike! However I pushed myself because I’m stubborn & never quit. Don’t let your size limit you on missing out on the wonders the world has for you. This has ZERO to do with health & all to do with believing in yourself #effyourbeautystandards” (Via: Instagram)Astonishingly Mississippi-born Tess, who experienced relentless bullying as a child and eventually left school at 17, is still on the receiving end of bile because of how she looks.
The mother-of-one who works out with a trainer four times a week, walks, swims and hikes, says she receives “sometimes hundreds” of negative comments on a daily basis.
She explained: “I understand not everyone understands what I’m about. But to me it’s such a simple concept. It’s all about loving your body regardless of your size and chasing your dreams.
“I hope this makes you realize that it’s okay to be yourself, even if you happen to exist in a fat body. I’m sexy, confident & give no fucks. Also, fuck anyone for saying otherwise. Photo (unedited) shot by @themanuc Hair by @hisvintagetouch MUA @valentinaazulxo Stylist @styledbyreah #effyourbeautystandards” (Via: Instagram)“Everybody deserves to be happy but for some reason the fact that I happen to be plus size and happy seems to bother people. It’s odd really.”
To those women who experience negative body image issues, Tess’s message is firm: “Surround yourself with positive, like-minded people who support you. It’s crucial to your happiness and well-being. Never compare yourself to others and celebrate what makes you, YOU.”
Blogging for Huffington Post in 2013, Tess wrote:
“Even as a model, I still have a belly, cellulite, stretch marks, and thanks to nursing a son – not the perkiest boobs. However that doesn’t devalue me at all. I think if anything, it makes my body more interesting.
“Like my tattoos, they tell a story and I can tell you where I was or how I was feeling at that moment, similar to when I look at my body.
“’This scar is from when I had a C-section.’ These scars are from crashing my bike on the gravel after not wearing a helmet even after my mother warned me multiple times.’
“’My stretch marks are from puberty and many years after’, etc.
“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.” 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.”
Top Comments
I am all for body love, but obesity isn't healthy, it's dangerous and causes health issues, and as much as we all love to say that everybody is beautiful and perfect, it's simply not true.... She is morbidly obese, so she needs to stop eating so much junk and start eating well and exercise for better quality of life! We can't promote obesity and call it beautiful just because it's a touchy issue.
She has an exquisite face. I mean, models are always "better than" the rest of us. I'm in better shape than her, but her face is heaps prettier than mine, ie. maybe it's easier for her to love herself than an average-looking woman of her size. Modelling's just dumb full stop.