An Inspired Chat with Tessa Cain of Atlanta, Ga

Tessa Cain shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Tessa, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Honestly, I believe integrity is the most important. Intelligence and energy are great, but without integrity they don’t mean much. A person can be smart and hardworking, but if they aren’t honest or trustworthy, all of that can become unreliable. Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching, and you can always build skills or motivation later — you can’t replace someone’s character.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tessa Cain, and I’m a model who’s always been driven and hardworking. Growing up, I had a clear vision of the life I wanted, and even though I faced a lot of obstacles along the way, those challenges shaped me into the woman I am today. My journey is what makes my brand unique — it’s built on perseverance, authenticity, and believing in myself even when things got tough. Right now, I’m focused on growing my modeling career, expanding my portfolio, and creating opportunities that reflect my style, confidence, and story.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work is my dad. He’s always shown me what real dedication looks like — showing up, staying focused, and doing things the right way. Watching him work taught me the value of discipline, consistency, and not giving up when things get difficult. A lot of my work ethic comes directly from him.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me things that success never could. It taught me patience, resilience, and how to keep going even when everything feels heavy. It showed me who I really am when life gets difficult, and it forced me to grow in ways comfort never would have. Success feels good, but suffering is what taught me strength, humility, and appreciation. It made me tougher, more grounded, and more grateful for every win that comes my way.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
I rely a lot on the ideas and wisdom of the people who’ve shaped me the most — especially my dad. He’s always shown me what real dedication looks like and taught me the value of discipline and consistency. I also lean on my friend Christion, because we share the same interests in fashion and push each other creatively. We bounce ideas off each other and help each other evolve. And my sister, Tamar, plays a big role too — she always sees the best in me, even when I don’t see it myself. Her belief in me keeps me grounded and motivated.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I can still give everything my best even if no one praises me for it. I’ve learned that real effort comes from within, not from applause. Growing up, I had to push myself through moments where nobody was watching or cheering me on, and that taught me how to stay disciplined and focused. Praise feels good, but it’s not what drives me — knowing that I’m building something for myself and staying true to my own standards is what really keeps me going.