Meet Tenley Patterson of Tenley Joelle in The Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tenley Patterson.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story started when my retired-actor-now-entertainment-lawyer father and my leading-actress- musical-theatre-loving-but-also-a-stylist mother had me and my twin brother. With the influence of my parents, the entertainment industry and performing quickly became a foundation for our family. From a young age, we auditioned, performed in community theater and in every school talent show, show choir, and musical/play. Growing up in Burbank provided that every school performance was a production. With that comes the understanding that everyone performs their best no matter what age. The environment fostered the understanding of preparation, rehearsal and the best performance we could give. We continued throughout High School and College but I was subconsciously holding myself back. I was letting severe insecurities about my body and size, fostered over years of bullying and jokes, get in the way of giving 100%. This was a concept foreign to me and led me to the feeling of disappointment, knowing I could do better and that I wasn’t meeting expectations I put in place for myself or expectations others had for me.

However, through my theater experience, I was introduced to a creative process I found as a consistent source of joy and passion, and also something I could control was in my clothes and fashion. I turned to fashion, which I get from my mom, and eventually that led to my passion for modeling and photography as well. I found that was an avenue I could execute 110% and give my all. I found a creative process that my voice can be heard through and I can touch the lives of other girls who may have experienced similar things or just need a positive voice in the midst of the negativity society and its “beauty norms” throw at women. The most recent stop on this journey is the creation of my TikTok page and my 55,000 followers that I hope continues to grow into a community that dares to be different and loves how unique and beautiful everyone is, no matter what their size or outward appearance.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road, but if it had been I would not be here today. I, unfortunately like so many girls, dealt with bullying in regards to my weight and size. I have a strong exterior but over the years, inside, I had harbored deep-rooted insecurities. I held myself back on the assumption that people would think I was too big and not want to be my friend, not want to cast me in a play, or not think I was worth it just as a human. I have grown from these experiences. Without them, I would not be the strong, confident girl I am now. I would not have the mindset and drive I possess and will bring with me in any future endeavors. So yes, there were struggles, and yes it took many years to battle, and no the fight is not 100% over, I don’t think it ever will be, but I am made better and stronger for it. And if even one girl sees my story, my TikTok or my insta and is positively impacted by it, then that is what makes all those obstacles worth it and that is what matters most to me.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Currently, I am a fashion/body positive micro-influencer on TikTok. Initially, I intended to use my TikTok to build a fashion portfolio in order to have credibility when I applied to fashion internships, but it has truly turned into something I never imagined. I have just started a personal styling series where girls reach out to me and based on each individual, I create outfits for each girl and we make a post about it. The first video I made in the series got over 1 million views and the audience was so supportive towards the girl I styled. It made my day to see everyone encouraging her and making her feel special, which she deserves. I think thats what sets me apart. The fact that I directly create a positive space for these girls. Through the process, they can see firsthand that they are loved and supported by the community we’ve built and they are not alone. Many people struggling with body image/dysmorphia, EDs, and insecurities need to know they are heard and given a space to feel safety, validity, and relatability. This was my way of making my mark on the body positive movement led by women that I have looked up to for so long.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My journey has just started but as of yet I am most proud of my two videos that have reached 1 million views and hitting 55k followers. I am also proud of the 100+ girls who have reached out to me, telling me their stories and allowing me to help them find their confidence and beauty the best way I know how, through clothes and style. So I guess thats a couple of moments but it’s all so fresh and exciting I couldn’t pick.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenley__joelle/
• Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJ5k3hV3/

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