Meet Tess (@tess). This BC babe is a videographer and #swimsuitmodel.
Why did you choose this career path?
I always had a passion for filmmaking and creating stories, so I made it into a career!
How would you describe yourself?
Passionate, positive, creative.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love outdoor activities like hiking with my dog, swimming, and playing sports. In my spare time I like to create documentaries, read, draw, paint, and eat vegan food!
What are three personality traits you identify with?
Genuine, empathetic, creative.
What are three words your partner would use to describe you?
Reliable, compassionate, adventurous.
What do you want people to know about you?
I’m a genuine and loving person. I consider myself to be highly empathetic- I’m always looking out for everyone’s wellbeing, including animals!
What are you hoping to achieve with your social media following and with your relationship to your followers?
My followers make me realize I need to open up more. I want them to know the true me, even if it’s just through Instagram. Ever since my shoot with Swimco I’ve started talking on my stories and giving a little bit more insight into what goes on in my day to day life. Being personal and open totally changes the relationship and connects me to my followers.
How do you hope to connect with, touch or inspire the people that follow you?
I do tend to be strict with what I upload when it comes to colour, background and filters, but I still want to connect with people by showing content that isn’t considered ‘perfect’. You don’t always have to get the right angle or take 50 selfies, it’s okay to show that not everyone is perfect and Instagram shouldn’t be about bragging about what you have. I always want my followers to see the real me. I never want them to wish they had my life- I want to encourage them to live, enjoy, and celebrate their own life.
We selected you for this campaign because we believe your life is aspirational. What do you feel makes your life aspirational? Why did you decide to participate in this campaign?
I believe my life is aspirational because I live for my passions. I make my income through my favourite hobby, I grow my social media following by posting about fashion because I love it, and I eat vegan because I love animals. My life is full of passion. The reason why I decided to participate in this campaign is because it completely lined up with my morals. I love that Swimco is changing the perception of what a swimsuit model is- if you wear a swimsuit you’re modelling it! That’s all it takes and I love it.
What did you enjoy about working with Swimco on this campaign?
I felt so honoured and grateful that I got to work with Swimco. They made me feel so comfortable and because in my own skin. Everyone was extremely nice and accommodating. I felt like I could really be myself without feeling insecure or judged. Such an awesome group of people!
Did you discover anything about yourself?
I discovered that I don’t have to be shy about who I am. Until this point I was always judging myself and my photos if they looked too posed or looked like I was trying too hard. Seeing a glimpse of the raw photos straight out of the photographer’s camera, I was almost in shock with what I saw. I looked natural glowing and happy. It was incredible.
If you could say one thing to someone who may not be confident with their body, what would it be?
Don’t let the little things bother you! We notice things about our bodies that other people don’t even see. Rock what you have! You’re beautiful! There’s no such thing as a perfect body. Confidence is what’s sexy.