Wellness Influencer, Tess Annique launched her website to share her journey with sobriety. When it comes to LA living, no one does it better than model and influencer Tess Annique who has made herself an expert in all things fashion, fitness, and wellness. But the budding influencer is not stopping at just Instagram. Health guru Annique launched “Wellness with Tess,” showcasing the ways she chooses to prioritize her mind, body, and health above all else and looking fabulous while doing it.
FWM: You are a model, fitness expert, and influencer. Tell us about your background.
I grew up as a first-generation American in Southern California. My family is from Germany. I grew up in essentially a European home in the states. My mother was always very fashionable and I definitely got the fashion bug from her. I started in the industry when I was 15. I’ve always loved playing sports and being active. But fitness truly became apart of my recovery, which happened much, much later.
FWM: 4-years ago, you had an epiphany. What happened?
I made the decision to get sober. I knew the kind of person I wanted to become, and the only way to live to that potential was to quit drinking.
FWM: Who were you then and who are you now?
I used to be so uncomfortable in my own skin: young, naive, yet invincible. I was so unhappy with who I was. I tried so hard to make it look like I was happy: going out, having a good time. In reality, I was miserable. Now, I’ve done a lot of work and have had a lot of help from wonderful people. When I quit drinking, everything got much more clearer and simpler. My greatest fear of getting sober was that I wouldn’t have fun. I have more fun now than I’ve ever had before. Nothing in recovery has gotten worse, it’s only gotten better.
FWM: Tell us about “Wellness with Tess” and why this was important for you to launch.
It was important for me to start Wellness With Tess (WWT) as a means to share my knowledge with more women. When you’re in the recovery community, you hear this type of verbiage and vulnerability a lot. But I’ve realized there are women who aren’t hearing that message all the time, but it still really resonates with them. It was particularly important for me to share with younger women as a means of wishing I knew this info when I was younger.
FWM: What lessons have you learned along your journey?
That it’s okay to ask for help. It’s powerful to be vulnerable. To take care of your body. And nobody really cares if you went to the party.
FWM: How has plant-based nutrition changed your life?
I love plant-based nutrition because I feel my best when I eat that clean. When I eat processed or animal protein, it doesn’t resonate with me 100% of the time. I’m not 100% plant- based either. I’m working on listening to my body, and giving it what it needs. Definitely not depriving myself of any food group. Especially since I don’t drink alcohol, or do drugs. That’s very black and white thinking. If I want to have a burger, I’ll have a burger.
FWM: You offer one-on-one health coaching. Why are people coming to you today?
I work with a variety of women, but mainly younger girls age 16-20. Who are coming into their own and are trying to be the best version of themselves. It’s very rewarding to see them make small lifestyle changes that really makes a difference in their lives.
FWM: Take us through the process.
We work one-on-one most clients prefer over the phone or by Zoom. We talk about what their daily lives look like, the changes they’d like to see, and the steps they can take to make that happen.
FWM: Tell us about your Membership Program and what it entails?
Each member gets a one-on-one coaching session and full access to workouts, recipes, and more on Wellness With Tess.
FWM: What is your mission in 2021?
My personal Motto is always ‘better than yesterday,’ each day we try to get better than the day before.
@tessannique on Instagram
