We were lucky to catch up with Tessa Resko-Kingsley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tessa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later?

I think my creative endeavors found me at just the right time. I was going through a dramatic shift in my personal life and learning to cope with a new normal following shut down. Modeling fell into my lap as I was discovered on Instagram.

Modeling was something that I could do at a safe distance and gave me an opportunity to network and step out of my comfort zone in a time I desperately needed growth.

Sometimes I wish I had gotten into the business sooner, but the last 4 years have been so eye opening to my ability to advocate for myself, connect, and bring an idea to fruition. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a model, I think the most important thing I bring to the table is my ability to execute. I don’t like to put myself in a tiny box or say I can’t do something without at least giving it a shot. I don’t have a particular look or style I like to stick to. As a creative woman, I contain multitudes. Some days I’m cute and flirty, sometimes I’m fantastical, sometimes I’m a badass. I get to fall in love with and showcase all versions of myself.

As a photographer, I don’t believe in gatekeeping. Locations, tips and tricks, and connections are to be cherished but not held closely to the chest. When we all work together, we all thrive.

I also undercharge for photos and sessions considering the Nashville Market. I have been shooting consistently for about a year, and as a side job, I am comfortable charging what I charge because I believe everyone should have beautiful family portraits or captivating boudoir photos or solid headshots. The ideal client is someone who can truly appreciate and love the photos I can deliver to them without fear of pricing. Precious childhood memories, reclamation of womanhood, and job opportunities don’t deserve to have an outrageous price tag. Everyone is entitled to lovely photos.

As a hair and makeup artist, I love being able to style my client in totality, seeing my vision come to life from starting in the makeup chair to delivering the final photo gallery. It’s an opportunity to look at my work and say, “I did that. All of it.” And it’s so rewarding when people love the way they look so much that I catch them looking in the mirror and taking selfies because they feel so good about themselves. It warms my heart.

I have recently started doing gel nails as well as a side gig. It gives me a new creative outlet and time to connect with friends while making them feel pretty. I love a good challenge, and when someone asks me, “can you do this?” I always tell them I’ll do my best! Who knows unless you try?

In all of this, I am so thankful for my friends and family believing in me and trusting my abilities while I chase all of my creative endeavors.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I think creatives often pitfall into trying to monetize their crafts, and, very often, it becomes a chore and is no longer enjoyable. I understand it often comes from necessity, but we need to protect the things we love and make us happy or else it won’t be sustainable.

Although I am so grateful for my clients who have turned into good friends and friends who have become clients, I do what I do because I love it. I love the impact it has on someone’s self confidence. I love delivering a product someone can gush over and send to all their family members to cherish for years to come. If I can make a positive impact on someone’s life, I’m doing my job. My time, energy, skillset, and supplies are valuable, but it’s important to me to keep my services accessible to those who may not otherwise be able to afford them.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I did not realize how much of a people-pleaser I was until I started modeling. I saw every idea, every DM, every social media interaction as an opportunity. When someone would ask me if I was available, I would say yes, regardless of if I was or not because I was so excited for my next shoot. It wasn’t but a few months into my journey that I started experiencing burn out. I was desperately trying to prove to myself that I was worthy, that I made no time to rest. Every weekend was jam-packed full of shoots, on top of my full time job and social life, and I was using every spare penny I had to buy outfits, props, and set pieces.

As I was building a following and becoming more successful and recognizable, I was being approached by photographers who gave me the heebie jeebies, and I would still try to work them into my schedule because I wanted to keep a polished, professional reputation.

Once I started planning my wedding, I was finally at a place where I needed to step back and focus on my future, and I realized my lack of balance. I also quickly realized I had been ignoring my gut instincts about some photographers in the community, some who have even preyed on friends, and decided to put my foot down.

I don’t have to say yes to every opportunity. I don’t have to spend all my extra money to execute a project. I don’t have to put myself in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation just because I’m being paid or because I feel obligated.

The biggest lesson I have learned is setting boundaries for myself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @honeyteamodel / @honeytea_photography
• Facebook: @HoneyTea Model / @HoneyTea Photography / @HoneyTea Nails

Image Credits

Black Owl Photos
Keaton Boyd Photography
James Isaac Jones Photography
Coral + Pine Photography