Meet the exotic Native American, professional dancer, actress and self-proclaimed tomboy who loves getting dirty…
Welcome, Tesla. How does it feel to be featured in MAXIM Australia?
It honestly feels like my little girl’s dream has come true. I always admired how beautiful the women were and hoped one day that would be me. I never really saw any Native American women in MAXIM, so I wanted to represent our beauty inside and out and be a voice for my people.
Well you look gorgeous. What is your best asset, phsically or otherwise?
My Hazel eyes and my strength.
Give us a little more background about yourself and your life story so far.
I am a small town girl from Ada, Oklahoma U.S.A. and I am Native American – my tribes are Seminole & Creek. Classically trained in dance from the age of seven, my home life in Oklahoma was kinda tough – I was kind of a rebel and definitely misunderstood. Dance became my outlet and I felt destined to do bigger things in life, so I left to pursue a professional dance career. I moved to Texas and started dancing professionally, found my passion for choreography and loved teaching the students. It was a calling to inspire the youngsters. I received a full ride dance scholarship to L.A., so I jumped on it and immediately got signed by an agency. Now I’ve found my passion for acting and it really became another artistic outlet and therapy to heal my past. So, naturally I was really good at it – LOL!
On Instagram you describe yourself as an actress/model/dancer. Tell us more about your work.
Besides working with MAXIM, I’ve been in some films, international commercials, model catalogue prints and music videos. I’m still waiting on my big break in the acting industry but I firmly believe it will come soon. I’ve worked for many professional dance companies, been a teacher/choreographer for studios and art schools and recently performed for Insomniac. I’m performing with Cherry Boom Boom this month and I also perform at local venues in L.A..
As a dancer, do you put others to shame when you hit the dance floor?
Ha! It depends on the style, but I’m definitely an all-round dancer – jazz, go-go, hip-hop, contemporary, freestyle…
What’s your signature move?
I love poppin’ and lockin’ in sneaks, but give me a pair of heels and I can burlesque all day, baby!
Tells us about your cool name. Were you named after anyone?
My mother was a ’80s hair band rocker and there’s this band named Tesla – she thought it was such a pretty name and that’s how I got my name. And Wolfe comes from my Native American heritage.
How did you feel when Elon Musk launched the Tesla brand and name to the world?
That they should send me a Tesla because it literally has my name on it!
What are the best comments you’ve been given by people?
Oh, I’ve had guys say to me, “I would love to test drive a Tesla” or “So, what model are you?” and “Watch out for that one, she’s fast & electric”, which is true!
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
I’m actually a tomboy. I like cars, fixing things, riding four-wheelers, getting dirty and all things nature. I grew up in the country so it makes sense.
What’s one thing men should always remember about women?
The woman’s anatomy is insanely incredible and should be put on a pedestal at all times.
If you had to take MAXIM on a date, what would it entail?
The Bahamas Baby! Then on our way back we’re hitting up Playa Del Carmen. We’ll shoot, create art, relax by the beach, drink pina coladas and forget about all our worries.
Sounds good! Have you ever travelled to Australia?
No, but I would love to visit! I’m pretty spiritual so I’d like to see the Red Centre and learn about Anangu people’s culture and traditions.
Finish this sentence: If I ruled the world for a day, I’d…
Send healing, prayers and love out to everyone in the world. We are one and should unite together in peace.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us?
Yes! I just signed with Otto Modelling Agency and I’m ready to take my career to the next level. I’ve also started working on the producer side of films and I’m about to finish real estate school, so I’ll be selling houses! I will continue my calling as a leader and mentor in the Native American community by providing artistic outlet opportunities to youth and adults alike – it’s what my company Electric Turquoise will consist of and I’m ready to change the game for us. ■
Status Update
NAME: Tesla Wolfe
BORN: January 22
HOMETOWN: Ada, Oklahoma U.S.A.
CURRENTLY LIVES: Los Angeles, California U.S.A.
FIVE WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Creative. Inspirational. Resilient. Driven. Independent.”
LIFE MOTTO: “Dream it. Believe it. Achieve it. BE IT!”
INSTAGRAM: @teslawolfe
TWITTER: @tesla_wolfe
SNAPCHAT: @tesla_lala
TIK TOK: @tesla.wolfe
Photographed by RYAN DWYER
Interview by SANTI PINTADO
Hair & make-up by TAYLOR JAZZ
Produced by MAIN STREET PRODUCTIONS
For the full article grab the May 2022 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
