TESS HOLLIDAY 2011: Dental receptionist, while modelling on the side

2017: The Not So Subtle Art Of Being A Fat Girl: Loving The Skin You’re In is published

“I’d always joked that I should write a book because I have lived such a big life. When the opportunity came up, I thought, ‘This is my time.’ Opening up about my personal life was a lot harder than I thought it would be. The reception was overwhelmingly positive, though. I’ve had women say that because of my book they realised their partners were abusive and left them.”

2015: Model, H&M sustainable fashion campaign, alongside Iggy Pop and Daniel Lismore

“It was really exciting to be involved with a high-street campaign, because at that time, they hadn’t used a plus-size model before – also, to be in something with Iggy Pop was surreal.”

2013: Launched #effyourbeauty standards campaign via Instagram

“I created this out of frustration. I was angry and sad that people kept commenting on my pictures saying, ‘You’re too fat to wear that!’ or ‘Cover up! No one wants to see that!’ And then one night I was lying in bed and thought, ‘F*ck that!’ So I posted an image with four photographs of myself wearing things that fat women are often told we ‘can’t wear’, and encouraged others to do the same. That hashtag has now been used 3.2 million times!”

2011: The face of reality TV series Heavy

“It was tricky to balance the two jobs. There were days where I would work at the dental office from 8am to 5pm, then drive two hours into LA for a job. Then I’d get up and do it all over again the next day. At that time I was earning about £19,000 a year, which is a fraction of what I earn now.”

2009: Noticed after posting pictures to Model Mayhem website

“The photos were very gothy. I remember loving them at the time, but now I look back and I’m quite embarrassed. But hey, we all have to start somewhere! Someone encouraged me to post the photos there, and I thought, ‘What do I have to lose by doing this?’”

2003-2015: Make-up artist, various fashion shows

“I was a freelance make-up artist from 2003 to 2015. It was the natural thing to do because make-up has always been a passion of mine, and it showed me how fast-paced the modelling world can be. It was a rush, and I realised how much I wanted to be on the other side. It pushed me to go after my dreams.”