Portrait of Ali Tate and her son © Ali Tate 

From modeling in London to now hosting multiple podcasts and working as a health coach in Texas, Ali Tate has truly left her mark on the world of fashion, body-positive activism, spiritual wellness, and content creation. Artsper had the pleasure of chatting to Ali about her career so far, her favorite artistic and interior design styles, motherhood, and UFOs! 

1. Hello Ali! You're a model, podcast host, influencer, health coach and much more… Can we call you a renaissance woman? We'd love to hear about your career journey.

I love that I am a renaissance woman! I started as a plus size model in London around 11 years ago and that's where much of my journey began. I have worked for some of the best brands in the business, like Victoria's Secret, Max Mara, Mango, Madewell and more. I loved my experience as a model- I got to travel around the world and meet interesting people. But my heart always was called into the spiritual realms. When I was 25 I did a month-long yoga certification in Bali and my world opened up. I fell in love with breathwork and movement. Since then, I have become a certified health coach, transformational guide, podcaster of The Love You Give, and Rapid Rewire Facilitator. My heart lies in being of service to others as they navigate challenges and hardships.

2. As a model, you're surely familiar with the camera. Is photography your favorite artistic medium?

Due to my experience in the fashion industry from my early 20s, I cultivated a love for photography. I see the world behind the lens with much appreciation. Photography is such a beautiful way to bring modernism into my ranch-style home in Texas. I love the juxtaposition of old and new. But I also have a deep love of painting and illustration. My husband, Sam, was an illustrator for some time and we saw the most amazing exhibits around the world. I developed a love for absurdism and naive style art. David Shrigley is one of my favorite artists owing to the fact that he makes everything funny. I look at his art and can't help but laugh, which is exactly the kind of energy I want to have in my home.

From left to right: Images of Ali's home © Ali Tate

3. The worlds of art and fashion go hand-in-hand. Do you have any favorite artists at the moment?

I am an art lover at heart. I was never able to afford my own pieces that weren't carbon copies found at a World Market or Society6, so when I began to be able to afford pieces that were truly unique, I took my time choosing only my most loved pieces to decorate my home. David Bailey photography and David Shrigley illustrations will always have a place in my house.

4. You attended university and lived long-term in the UK, before relocating to Austin, Texas. Those are different landscapes… How has each inspired you?

When I lived in London, I was in a different part of my life that was active, youthful and rebellious. I smoked American Spirit cigarettes and drank at pubs many nights throughout the week. I picked up English colloquialisms and had a dear love of the wit and humor of English culture, despite the gray weather.  As I moved out of my gritty, pub-loving age and into the more grounded version of myself, greener pastures inspired me. I felt the need to get out of a big city and move to a place with great weather and the Americana culture which I love. I moved myself and my British husband to Austin where the rest of my family joined me. They started a farm called Dirt Candy. This landscape inspires me in the deepest ways. I feel grounded and warm here in Austin, unlike the moody and rebellious energy I felt in London. I go to honky tonks and go on hikes and swim in springs and that activity has led to deep fulfilment rather than the ambitiousness that I felt in a bigger city like London.

5. Being a podcast host, you undoubtedly have the opportunity to interact with many interesting people. Can you tell us about one specifically impactful conversation?

My favorite conversation as a podcast host was one of my lesser listened to episodes. It was with the ex head of MI5 UFO research department, Nick Pope. We talked about his experience with UFO cases in England in which he ultimately confided there were many compelling cases of Extraterrestrial activity. I left that conversation even more of an Alien nerd than I had been.

From left to right: Images of Ali's home © Ali Tate

6. You recently became a mother. How has that changed your view on art and beauty?

Becoming a mother has been the great blessing of my life. For the first 25 years of my life, I was resistant to having a child. I was terrified of birth and scared of the loss of freedom I might experience after having a baby. But when I first saw Otis in the hospital room, my heart melted. It felt like there were living Angels in the room and all of life seemed to draw in upon itself. THIS was why I came to Earth. Otis just turned 1 and although I have always got the ick when hearing the expression, “I fall more in love everyday"- well, it's true! I do. His smiles and hugs are better than anything I have ever experienced. I also find myself attracted to a different kind of art since Otis came Earth-side. I love scenes of women and children, of nature and soothing beauty. I like the feel like my home is a feminine retreat space and love to curate pieces that create that energy for my babies.

7. Finally, your creative career spans over many fields, often encompassed by your popular social media accounts. What piece of advice would you give to an aspiring content creator?

For any aspiring content creator, I would suggest starting with a niche. Start with creating things around a topic that you could talk endlessly about. Something that you would talk to people for free about. People love to hear creative takes, no matter how much you think there won't be an audience for your specific niche- there will! The second thing I would suggest is to have integrity with your content and be yourself. Speak honestly and openly. That is what wins hearts.