Melissa Wood-Tepperberg 2023: Dominica
Melissa Wood-Tepperberg was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica for the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue along with fellow models Kamie Crawford, Nicole Williams English, Padma Lakshmi and Sixtine.
The Melissa Wood Health founder, who is making her first SI Swimsuit Issue appearance, launched her health and wellness empire in 2015 when she began to film at-home workouts. During the pandemic, the MWH brand really took off and became what it is today: a platform that aims to make mindful health and wellness accessible to all.
Wood-Tepperberg, who grew up in Syracuse, N.Y., is a certified health and wellness coach, an entrepreneur, a yoga and pilates instructor, and a mom of two. The Move With Heart podcast host has amassed more than one million IG followers and encourages fans to achieve the best physical and mental version of themselves. This is her first appearance in the SI Swimsuit Issue.
Known for its natural beauty, the island of Dominica is located in the eastern Caribbean between Guadeloupe and Martinique. From lush rainforests and impressive mountain peaks to rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls, Dominica boasts magnificent, natural views, making it an ideal vacation location for relaxation and adventure (and, not to mention, an SI Swimsuit photo shoot).
To learn more about Dominica, including where to stay, what to eat and can’t-miss beaches and activities, click here.
The styling for Wood-Tepperberg’s shoot was influenced by the breathtaking island itself. Dominica’s verdant nature appears to be virtually untouched, which inspired the “Mother Nature” theme. The SI Swimsuit team worked with designers to create custom swimsuits that brought out the island’s vibrant, rich surroundings on camera. Think emerald and mossy green color palettes with lots of organic texture. The collaboration resulted in swimsuits that were true works of art, crafted from natural materials like seashells and sea sponge.
Hair: DJ Quintero at The Wall Group for Living Proof
Makeup: Jodie Boland at The Wall Group using Loving Tan, SuperGoop! and French Farmacie
Photographer: Yu Tsai
