We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tandis Esfandiari. Check out our conversation below.
Tandis, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts with something simple, I always go downstairs and make myself an Earl Grey tea. From there, it really depends on whether I’m heading to the office first or to a modeling job. Let’s say I’m starting my day with a runway show. I’ll either do my own hair and makeup or get ready with the hair and makeup team backstage, depending on the look for that show. Once I wrap, I’ll usually head straight to the office, where I work as a marketing analyst and coordinator. My day there typically involves joining meetings, reviewing campaign data, and answering emails. I like having that balance between creative and analytical work. After work, I always try to fit in a workout (usually at Training Mate) and then I’ll take my dog for a walk around the neighborhood. I like to end my day winding down with chamomile tea before heading to bed.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m originally from Potomac, Maryland, and I moved to Dallas to pursue my degree in marketing and advertising at Southern Methodist University, graduating with the Class of 2023.
During my time at SMU, I signed with The Campbell Agency, which opened the door to my modeling career. I’m now represented by Campbell in Dallas, One Management, and Boom Models in Milan — allowing me to work across both U.S. and international markets.
In addition to modeling and content creation, I also work as a marketing analyst and coordinator for a hospitality company, where I get to apply my passion for brand strategy and creativity from a business perspective. My audience also connects with me through my lifestyle and cooking content on social media, where I share creative moments and my signature tagline, ‘mix it up baby.’
I’m passionate about blending my worlds of fashion, marketing, and storytelling, and I love partnering with brands that champion authenticity, culture, and creativity.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I was a kid and really wanted this skateboard. My parents told me that if I wanted it, I’d have to earn it myself. So the next day, I got creative. I started selling little things I made on the playground, like drawings and mini sculptures, and even repurposed a few items from around the house that somehow went unnoticed by my mom. After a few weeks, I’d saved up about $120 and finally bought the skateboard on my own.
What made me feel powerful wasn’t just having the skateboard, it was knowing I had made it happen through my own effort and creativity. That experience taught me early on that independence, hard work, and resourcefulness could turn ideas into reality which, in many ways, shaped the entrepreneurial mindset I still carry today.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Something I’ve really changed my perspective on after experiencing failure is how I view rejection in the modeling industry. It’s so easy to get caught up in what jobs you book, how you look, or which castings you’re invited to, and when things don’t go your way it can feel really personal.
Over time I’ve learned that if you truly work hard and put your best foot forward, God will always reward you, just not always in the way or timing you expect. Some of the moments I’ve felt my lowest, after a few tears and a lot of reflection, have actually taught me the most. I realized that when something doesn’t work out, it’s not because I wasn’t enough, it’s because God wasn’t ready to bless me with that opportunity yet. Those moments remind me that I still have room to grow and that every ‘no’ is simply preparing me for a bigger ‘yes.’
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Someone I really admire for their character, not just their power, is Dolly Parton. Of course, she’s incredibly successful and influential, but what stands out to me most is her heart. She’s always used her platform to give back in such meaningful ways, from creating Dollywood to bring jobs and opportunities to her hometown, to founding the Imagination Library, which has donated millions of books to children around the world. She’s also quietly funded countless causes, like paying for college tuition for employees and helping with disaster relief efforts.
What I love most about her, though, is her authenticity. She’s never tried to be anything other than herself, and she’s built an entire legacy rooted in kindness, humility, and generosity. I think that’s such a powerful reminder that true impact comes from character, not status.”
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Absolutely! I feel so grateful because I truly get to do what I love every day. Being able to pursue both my marketing career and modeling at the same time feels like the ultimate dream come true. I know how rare and special it is to be signed with multiple agencies, and I never take that for granted.
At the same time, I love tapping into my marketing side, working on brand activations, events, and collaborations really allows me to express my creativity in a different way. Balancing both worlds keeps things exciting and fulfilling, and there are so many days where I genuinely wake up excited to get to work.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tandisesfandiari/?hl=en
- Linkedin: Tandis Esfandiari – Marketing Analyst LinkedIn · Tandis Esfandiari 750+ followers
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tandisss?lang=en
