Meet Tessera Giles | Petite Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tessera Giles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tessera, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Modeling is much more inconsistent than people realize! From not knowing when you’re going to be booked for your next job, not being paid for some jobs until months later, to applying to multiple agencies- there are just no guarantees. There is also no one road to success when it comes to modeling, which is great because it means anyone really can model if they put in hard work, but it also requires perseverance since you may need a few years of portfolio building before you start to book big shoots.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey has not been easy in the slightest, but it has been fun! I am 5’4 or average height for a woman, but considered ‘petite’ in the modeling world as most agencies and brands still have a height requirement of at least 5’7. As a petite model, that usually means that in order to be booked, I have to show my portfolio and that my skills can compensate for the height difference. For example, Texas introduced me to the world of Bridal modeling and styled shoots. I now model mainly for styled shoots because I love it! But some bridal boutiques will only work with models at least 5’7 because of the length they design the gowns at, and even though I would happily wear a 4 inch heel to fit the requirement, they will brush you off. Hard work and passion always pay off though, because I have continued to find new styled shoots, cherish the connections that I make with the vendors, and even have some international shoots that I will be traveling for in later months.

I have modeled for about two years now, and I can say that your best asset is your personality when it comes to trying to be a model. It’s why photographers will work with only the same three models, and why brands will consistently use the same model in all their launches. There are models all over the world, so it’s important to show brands why they should work with YOU. My best advice for newer models would also be to continue to grow your portfolio. Applying to agencies and initially being told no? Work on your portfolio. Not being booked for shoots? Work on your portfolio. Updating your portfolio is the easiest way to get more people to notice your work, and more importantly, it can show your range and flexibility with different poses and pulling off different styles.

My last piece of advice would be to push through! Whether you are feeling discouraged because you haven’t been booked in a month, or you haven’t been booked for a huge client yet, if you love modeling- CONTINUE TO DO IT. Only you can hold yourself back. People will always take notice of someone who consistently puts themselves out there.

Some still try to gatekeep beauty standards, but different types of bodies are starting to be represented. As a sort of mid-size model at size 6/8, I have previously been told I’m “too big” to be a fashion model but not “big enough” to be a plus-size model. There are models with cellulite, hip dips, tooth gaps, braces, hooked noses, and all different face shapes. Don’t listen to anyone who tries to tell you that there is only type of trait that can be seen as attractive. Not only that, modeling loves unique features, because it makes you stand out! We all deserve to see ourselves represented in media, and to feel empowered in our bodies!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Downtown Houston is definitely my favorite spot, as I love the skyline! And the aquarium at night with the ferris wheel lit up is beautiful. The rooftop of POST is also a must-see if you want a perfect view of the city. If you want to have a fun and instagrammable drink, Candy Shack has great daiquiris that you can also get to-go. For those that want a fun date night idea, Love Lock Bridge is such a sentimental place, and I bet you can’t find the lock I added!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to thank Coco Rocha first and foremost, as her modeling camp was instrumental in upgrading my posing. Movement is so important as a model, and her camp is such a fun and immersive experience. And she teaches you tips you won’t hear anywhere else! It would also be silly to not acknowledge that my entire modeling career is thanks to the many photographers, makeup artists, stylists, etc that bring every shoot to life. In Houston alone, I’ve had the pleasure to meet incredibly talented photographers like Katie (@aurabykatie) and Helen (@helenaphotographs) that also became friends to me.

Website: www.tesseragiles.com

Instagram: @tessera.giles

Image Credits
1: @erica_b_photography
2: @zulydelarose
3: @aurabykatie
4: @helenaphotographs
5: @aurabykatie