You’ve probably heard of Tanya Hennessy by now, either through her social media presence, her role as a Priceline Pharmacy ambassador or from her appearance on the most recent season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Australia.
The comedian and TV personality is known for her all-too-real comedy skits and makeup tutorials, and has sky-rocketed to the top of our newsfeeds and solidified a place in our hearts.
Her very first video, a monologue about the differences between being 18 and being 30 went viral with over one million views in a day. And more recently, her makeup line — the Carb Collection — that launched her partnership with Priceline Pharmacy sold out online just two hours after being released.
We love everything about Tanya, from her relatable humour to her infectious personality. This year she’s joining Ita Buttrose, Chrissy Swan, Olivia Molly Rogers and more as part of Priceline Pharmacy’s Festival Of You to celebrate all the things that make every woman unique and individual.
We sat down with the comedy queen and ambassador of this inclusive initiative to talk all things career, confidence and beauty.
How would you describe the shift in your career momentum before and after the video that captured the nation’s heart?
Well, I basically went from a normal person who has one bra, to a normal person who gets amazing opportunities with one bra! I have been pinching myself ever since.
Before it was easier to walk around a Westfield. But now heaps of people know my name and want pics and it still blows my mind!
Literally EVERYTHING changed. Except I am still a mess of a human.
I never thought I would get the chance to be on TV, write a book… have a make-up line with Priceline Pharmacy. Its genuinely unbelievable.
I’m constantly shocked people know who I am and what I do.
Was the success everything you had hoped it would be?
It is everything and more. I thought I would change more, but I am still just me.
I thought I would dress better and smell better, but I have always been, and probably always will be, a mess.
But that’s me; that’s who I am and I’m okay with that. Cause I just want to be funny and be me.
How do you stay confident?
I’m not that confident — at all. I just fake it ’til I make it. I am still full of self-doubt, I have terrible imposter syndrome and I feel anxious all the time. I thought that would disappear with success too, but nope.
I wish I was more confident. When I do have a confidence crisis, I let myself feel the fear and then do it anyway. I just care more about making things and creating than I do about anything else. If I can tell stories and make people laugh, then that makes me happy.
What habits or rituals make you feel healthy and happy?
I have a tendency to overwork, so I like to get near water and nature and relax. And doing a mask is the best! I love the Nip + Fab sheet mask from Priceline Pharmacy — it’s so refreshing and SO GOOD!
Another self-care priority is to make sure I sleep properly so I use this sleep spray to help me to relax. Hello, beauty sleep!
What is your beauty regimen?
I take off my makeup (when I wear it) and, to be honest, I’m pretty crazy with my skincare. I think I apply literally 600 things. But I really don’t like to wear makeup, unless I have to, so I always want my skin to look good.
Do you have makeup essentials?
I always start with a face primer to get the glow happening (I love the LUMA Base Perfecting Priming Moisturiser). And also eye primer to make eyeshadow easier to apply — I need all the help I can get! Another must is mascara, because it makes you look like you tried. I also love my make-up palettes, The Carb Collection from Priceline Pharmacy — the best colours EVER!
Contour is essential for me, ’cause I’m chubby I need to give the illusion of one chin. And I can’t live without Face Halos to take it all off at the end of the day.
What keeps you inspired?
People killing it and living their dreams! Watching amazing original comedians makes me go “yes, yes, yes!”. This is what inspires me to make more and try harder. Also, I just like to create, and tell and hear stories. I can’t stop. I just have to.
I also surround myself with people that make me laugh — my boyfriend (he’s so freaking weird) and my friend Liv. Oh, and Christian Hull — he is honestly one of the funniest people I know!
What have you learned about juggling work with your personal life?
It’s hard. In fact, it’s almost impossible. I’m not good at it. I’m kinda addicted to working, so my 2020 goal is to spend more time with my family and friends.
You’ve spoken openly about your mental health. Why is that so important to you?
I want people to feel less alone in their struggles. Mental health doesn’t discriminate — it can affect anyone. I wish people had been more honest with their struggles when I was growing up, because I felt like I was the only one. I felt like I was failing and I don’t want people to think I’m great and fine all the time because I’m not. No one is. I want people to feel okay knowing everyone struggles.
The minute I heard Lena Dunham talk about her anxiety I felt so much better. I started to make content and feel like I could. I was like “if she can do it and succeed, so can I”. I just want to help people, like I was helped by her honesty.
I am really terrified of the suicide statistics — eight Australians a day take their life, and I want to do all I can to change that statistic.
If you, or someone you know, would like to have a free, confidential chat with someone they can trust, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website here.
Brought to you by Priceline Pharmacy. The Festival Of You is on now.
