Tessa Hayley Hellberg
Location
Johannesburg, South Africa
School
University Of The Witwatersrand
Expertise
Feminism And Post-feminism, Intersectionality, Fashion And Style
- While in university, Tessa fell in love with feminist literature and the concept of using intersectionality as a lens to view the world. She also developed a fascination with post-feminism, and post-post-feminism, and cites Rosamund Gill and Simidele Dosekun as two of the scholars who inspire her most.
- Tessa has a passion for pop culture, and in her time as an entertainment reporter, she has often found ways to place emphasis on important social issues through celebrity interviews; from shedding light on the LGBTQIA+ community in the yachting world with "Below Deck" star Kyle Viljoen, to understanding experiences in the foster care system with "Real Housewives Of Atlanta" star, Marlo Hampton.
- Tessa's love for reporting stems way back to her childhood. Back then, she would craft school assignments into pop culture-style reports, and dreamed of becoming an entertainment journalist - all no doubt spurred on by her love for celebrity magazines and the E! Network.
Experience
Towards the end of her undergraduate degree, Tessa joined an edutainment app as the resident pop culture writer. Since then, she's gone on to realize her childhood dream, joining TheThings as an interviewer, and writing for number of Static Media brands, including Nicki Swift and The List. She joined the Women.com team in April 2023 – the ideal platform for her to do regular deep dives into a variety of women's issues, from reproductive rights to hair care and STI diagnoses.
Education
Tessa has a bachelor's degree in politics and media studies, and honors and master's degrees in media studies, all from the University of the Witwatersrand. Her master's dissertation, centered on the representation of femininity in "The Real Housewives of Johannesburg," was one of the first to center on an African iteration of the franchise.
Women’s coverage reflects a combined effort between writers and editors with strong expertise in the lifestyle space, including news and politics. Our mission is to inform and provoke critical thought, engaging our readers with concise yet expressive content strengthened with the insights of key experts.
Focused on inclusivity and accuracy, we ensure our articles are rigorously evaluated and fact-checked to maintain those core values. Further information on our editorial process is available here.
Stories By Tessa Hayley Hellberg
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This year, draping is everywhere - from trousers to dresses to skirts and tops, this trend is perfect for those wanting to tap into their romantic side.
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This summer, tenniscore is trending on and off the court. Here's how to style versatile looks that you can wear from warm-weather errands to lunch meetings.
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This summer, flared pant silhouettes are everywhere from the gym to the board room. Here's how to take the bold '70s look and style it in some very 2023 ways.
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Dopamine dressing and its emphasis on individuality is having a moment. Here's why dopamine-infused fashion may be the refreshing pick-me-up you need.
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If bikinis aren't your thing, you can still bare some skin in a low-back one-piece this summer. Here's what to look for in terms of fit and size.
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Student loans are now unpaused due to the recent Supreme Court ruling; here's how to get your finances in order ahead of repayments.
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Fillers are temporary - that's part of the appeal - but with a few simple precautions, you can ensure you get the most out the cosmetic procedure.
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Back in the early 2000s, pinstripe was the print du jour, but now the trend has come back into style with a vengeance.
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For those looking to boost their fertility, we spoke exclusively to a dietitian about what to eat and what to avoid when you're trying to conceive.
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Cruise fashion, also known as resort collections, are in-between offerings outside of the two main fashion week seasons: Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter.
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Leisure sports are trending, and one of the best things about it is the fashion. Here's how to pick the perfect outfit for the golf course to the tennis courts.
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Baggy jeans are super on-trend and don't have to be tough to style. Here are the best types of shoes to pair with your loose denim for a wide range of looks.
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The classic floral accessory is taking the fashion world by storm. Here's how to seamlessly work it into your summer wardrobe.
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In the age of luxe minimalism, snakeskin is rearing its head for a comeback. And we're absolutely here for it.
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Shared interests are good for a relationship, but it doesn't mean you need to love all of your partner's hobbies. Here's how to navigate doing your own thing.
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Martha Stewart appearing on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit SI cover is a moment, whether or not the 81-year-old celebrity's picture is photoshopped.
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The job search platform can easily become a hotbed for unhealthy comparison. Here's how to cut through the noise so you can stay focused on your goals
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Shiv Roy is effortlessly fashionable on Succession, thanks to her 'old money' style; here's how you too can achieve this business casual look.
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According to one recent study, skipping weekday workouts in favor of weekend sweat sessions might not be a bad thing after all
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Blackout tattoos, once used for cover-ups, have become a popular skin art trend. However, there's some controversy to consider before going under the needle.
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Are you wondering why you're losing so much hair? Here's how to know if you're shedding too much and the steps to take if your hair loss is beyond normal.
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One of the most anxiety-inducing things about an STI diagnosis is the prospect of telling new partners about it. But it is a conversation that needs to be had.
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Los Angeles attorney Vineet Dubey tells Women.com the judge's arguments against Mifepristone's safety don't hold much water