You aren't just wearing prints, you're wearing actual art created by Tessa. Painting ⇢ Photograph ⇢ Silk screen print that looks so gorgeous, you'll believe it's actual paint.

"I grew up covered in paint, pottery, and permanenet marker, dreaming of Van Gogh's Starry Night Skies..."

Several years ago, when my hair fell out with my alopecia, I wanted to feel good in my outfits and focus on something other than having every single hair on my body fall out. At the time, I was going to barre, and was teaching tennis while spending nights and weekends painting in Asheville's River Arts District. I had the idea to put one of my paintings on leggings, and went for it! The very first pair was Rainbow He'e, and I wore them to barre and got so many compliments and questions where they could get a pair.

I initially made the leggings to help feel more confident with myself and my body. It makes my heart so happy that the wearable art also helps others feel special, unique, confident, and beautiful.

My vision for Chtapodi (the greek word for octopus, where I saw one gliding along the ocean floor and who became the face/ legs of the brand) Collective would be to partner with numerous different artists. As Chtapodi grows, I can't wait to support and share numerous artist's work on the activeware.

I hope my wearable art makes you smile or takes you on an adventure. I feel very honored you are here.