My path to writing has been unconventional. At 14, I developed an eating disorder that stifled both my body and mind. High school was a blur of uncertainty over whether I’d graduate. I navigated four universities and moved across countries three times, finally earning a degree in Comparative Literature from King’s College London at 27. Through it all, writing became a private practice shaped by my personal history. Now back in Los Angeles, with a Grande Diplôme from Le Cordon Bleu, my writing focuses on my experience with an eating disorders and body image issues as it is represented across all parts of ourselves.

Everyone knows that eating disorders are harmful, yet little compares with Kate Moss’s famous statement, “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” My substack is my attempt to celebrate our flawed selves through insightful content offering deep insight into distorted concepts of beauty.

A promotional graphic with a woman wearing glasses and a quote about looking like a writer, featuring a website link and the phrase 'it's not a secret by tess ellyn.'
Cover image with a blurred photograph of a person and text discussing recovery, lies, and adolesence in Los Angeles.
Black and white photo of a person and a sign that says 'Memories of Chocolate Cake' on a wall.
Motivational quote about the significance of names, with a black and white portrait of a woman lying down, looking at the camera.
A black-and-white photo of a man with a close-cropped hairstyle and a serious expression, with a text overlay that reads 'Men, Too: The Quiet Machinery of Self-Perception. Everyone has a mirror. tessellyn.substack.com. it’s not a secret by tess ellyn
A sunset over the water with a reflection of the sun on the surface, and a quote on a brown background about ketamine.
Inspirational quote about self-esteem and looking in the mirror, accompanied by a black and white photo of a woman gazing into a mirror.
A close-up profile photo of a woman's face with makeup, brown hair, and a contemplative expression. The upper part of the image contains text about dating and personal experiences.
Black and white image featuring a plate of blackberries and a plate of food, with a text overlay expressing a personal reflection on digestion and help from a dietitian.
A collage with the text "What we talk about when we don’t eat at a table" at the top, and four black and white photos of tables and table settings below.