Proud Poppy Blog
Meet our charity partner, Women Up North.
$5 from every piece sold in the Rise and Bloom - Proud Poppy x Daisy in Dots collection, supports a local First Nations charity Women Up North, an independent organisation that supports women and families in need in northern NSW. An important part of our Proud Poppy x Daisy in Dots collaboration was to make sure we found a way to give back. We’re donating $5 from every piece sold in the Rise and Bloom range to support some of the projects run by Women Up North. Based in Lismore, northern NSW, Women Up North house, feed and support close to 200 women and children in dangerous family situations on any given month. With every piece sold from the Rise and Bloom collection, $5 will be donated to the Women Up North organisation. Here’s what our collective donation will help the community with: $20 pays for a meal $160 pays for a night’s accommodation for a woman in need $250 pays for a night’s accommodation for a family in need Anything more than this funds other crucial payments like rent and car registration To learn more about the important work Women Up North do, head to their website below. Read more about Women Up North here. Proud Poppy acknowledges the Kombumerri people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, live, and create and pay our respects to Elders – past and present. We would also like to acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia and pay respects to their ongoing connection to Country, wherever they may be.
Let’s get to know Daisy in Dots.
Daisy is a proud Muruwari woman and Aboriginal artist, wife and mum of two, living on Yugambeh Country. Her work is full of heart, connection and spirit. How Daisy and Tara met. When Daisy and Tara first crossed paths, it sparked a conversation about art, fashion, and creating space for women to feel seen. That conversation became Rise and Bloom, our 7 piece limited edition collection we’re launching for NAIDOC Week, a time to honour the strength, legacy and voices of First Nations communities. Tara McKeon – founder of Proud Poppy and Daisy Hill, artist, Daisy in Dots. Meet Daisy in Dots, the artist behind our collection. Daisy's art is inspired by the land, sea and sky - a reflection of her deep connection to Country. Her intuitive painting process is a spiritual expression of identity and love, weaving together past and present through every mark she makes. Each piece holds deep emotion, storytelling and purpose. About Daisy's artwork. “Rise and Bloom is a powerful reminder for women to embrace their strength, uplift one another and stand together as a community. We can’t do this alone - when we come together, we support each other through challenges, celebrate our successes and create a space where we can all rise and flourish. This artwork is an affirmation of resilience, connection and the beauty of growth.” Daisy Hill. Describe Rise and Bloom in a few words. These words came to Daisy’s mind quickly. She describes the range as: “Empowering, joyful, uplifting and full of heart”. Daisy, with her artwork, Rise and Bloom. About representation and allyship. "Representation matters. It’s so important to see brands not only embracing Aboriginal culture but actively supporting and celebrating it. Proud Poppy’s commitment to inclusivity and allyship speaks volumes and I love that they’re using their platforms to create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous voices and stories to be seen and heard.” “This artwork honours the deep bond between women and nature; diverse women coming together, supporting each other, and rising as one. It pays tribute to Mother Nature as the ultimate nurturer and calls on us all to rise and bloom in our own way. It’s a story of strength, sisterhood and solidarity; painted by Daisy, designed by Proud Poppy, and made for everyone.” Daisy Hill. Shop our Proud Poppy x Daisy in Dots Rise and Bloom collection here. Proud Poppy acknowledges the Kombumerri people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, live, and create and pay our respects to Elders – past and present. We would also like to acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia and pay respects to their ongoing connection to Country, wherever they may be.
Get to know the Rise and Bloom range.
Come behind the scenes with us as we walk you through how our one of a kind collaboration with First Nations artist Daisy in Dots came to life. When proud Muruwari woman and Aboriginal artist Daisy Hill and Tara first crossed paths, it sparked a conversation about art, fashion, and creating space for women to feel seen. That conversation became Rise and Bloom, a 7 piece collection we’re launching for NAIDOC Week 2025, a time to honour the strength, legacy and voices of First Nations communities. Daisy, Allira, Guyala and Tara model our latest Daisy in Dots x Proud Poppy collection. What the range means to Tara. “Daisy’s work is rich in meaning and spirit, and turning that into something women can wear and feel connected to has been an incredible experience for myself and the team at Proud Poppy. This range is about visibility, unity, and the power of women lifting each other up.” - Tara McKeon. About Daisy’s art. At the heart of the collection is Daisy’s original artwork: feminine, detailed and full of love. “This artwork embodies the spirit of unity, diversity, and the intrinsic bond between women and nature. It tells a story of women from various walks of life coming together, supporting one another and rising collectively in a world that often tries to hold them down. ‘Rise and Bloom’ honours Mother Nature, acknowledging her as the ultimate creator and nurturer.” The artwork’s title, ‘Rise and Bloom’ calls for action - reminding women of their potential to overcome and thrive. It’s an affirmation of hope, resilience and strength. A Proud Poppy x Daisy in Dots Collaboration. The Rise and Bloom collection is ally-friendly and has been designed for everyone to enjoy.” - Daisy Hill. Daisy in Dots with her artwork Rise and Bloom. Watch our interviews on YouTube. Watch our interviews with Daisy, Tara and our two models Guyala and Allira on YouTube. How the Rise & Bloom collection came to life Meet the Models Explore the Proud Poppy x Daisy in Dots Rise and Bloom collection here. Proud Poppy acknowledges the Kombumerri people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, live, and create and pay our respects to Elders - past and present. We would also like to acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia and pay respects to their ongoing connection to Country, wherever they may be.
Why Our Coloured Denim Jackets Are a Must This Winter in Sizes 6 to 30!
When it comes to layering in winter, it doesn’t get more iconic (or versatile!) than a denim jacket - especially when it’s in a bold pop of colour. At Proud Poppy, we’ve reimagined the classic with a playful twist: introducing our coloured denim jackets in washed Purple, Pink, Black and Blue - available in inclusive sizes 6 to 30. Whether you’re heading out for brunch, running errands, or need a throw-on-and-go layer that instantly elevates your outfit, these oversized boyfriend-style jackets are your new go-to. 💡 Why We Created These Jackets at Proud Poppy We get it — finding a plus size denim jacket that actually fits, feels great, and looks fabulous in every size? Almost impossible. That’s why Tara and the team knew we had to create our own. At Proud Poppy, we’re passionate about designing for real women of all shapes and sizes. Our community told us what they were looking for: ✔ Room to layer ✔ A relaxed oversized fit ✔ Something bolder than basic ✔ A size range that actually includes everyone So we delivered. 🎨 Colour Your Winter Our washed denim finish gives each jacket a worn-in, vintage-inspired look - soft, comfy, and effortlessly cool. Available in three dreamy shades: 💜 Purple - A soft grape that adds instant personality to your neutrals 💗 Pink - Because dopamine dressing shouldn’t stop at summer 🖤 Black - The ultimate wardrobe chameleon Mix and match with your favourite Proud Poppy pieces - throw one over a dress with boots or style it with wide-leg pants and sneakers for an easy everyday outfit. Our models wear the Hayden Boyfriend Denim Jacket in Washed Purple 🧥 Perfect for Layering The oversized boyfriend fit means there’s room for all your cosy layers underneath - think knits, tops, or long-sleeve basics. These jackets are designed to be easy to move in, comfy to wear all day, and cute enough to wear out at night. They're the ultimate trans-seasonal wardrobe staple - perfect for layering now, then styling solo come spring. 🌈 Made for Every Body Because style has no size. Every woman deserves a denim jacket she loves wearing. Whether you're after a size 6 or size 30, this collection was made with you in mind. We’ve included thoughtful design details like extra length in the body and sleeves, plus functional pockets, quality stitching, and that Proud Poppy magic that makes it feel extra special. 🔥 Ready to Add One to Your Wardrobe? Our coloured plus size denim jackets are already flying off the racks, and once they’re gone - that’s it for the season! 👉 Shop the collection now and find your perfect fit 👉 Download our app for exclusive early access and offers 👉 Tag us on Instagram @proudpoppyclothing so we can see how you style yours!
Colourful Bedding Styling Tips You’ll Love
4 Ways to Style Your Colourful Kasey Rainbow Bedding Looking to brighten up your bedroom without replacing all your linen? Our bold and beautiful Kasey Rainbow bedding range - including the Quilt Cover Set in Matilda, the Sheet Set in Purple Cheetah, and more - is designed to mix and match effortlessly with pieces you already have at home. Whether you're easing into colour or fully embracing vibrant interiors, these four simple styling ideas will help you refresh your space using your favourite block-colour basics or neutral staples. Look 1: Purple Cheetah Meets Crisp White Start with a pop of colour that feels fun but not overpowering. The Purple Cheetah Sheet Set by Kasey Rainbow adds the perfect playful punch. a. Pair Purple Cheetah sheets with a white doona cover for a pop of colour that’s easy on the eyes. b. Add white euro pillows to balance the look and create fullness. c. Layer in a block-coloured cushion to complement the purple and add depth. d. Not into flat sheets? Fold the doona back to let that bold fitted sheet shine. This styling approach works beautifully if you love colour but still want to keep things light, clean and versatile. Look 2: Flip the Vibe with Matilda Double the style without doubling the linen. The Quilt Cover Set in Matilda by Kasey Rainbow is reversible, which means two unique looks in one. a. Flip your doona cover for an instant second look – two vibes, one set! b. Pick a colour from the print and layer a throw to tie it all together. c. White sheets help ground the bold print and keep things balanced. d. Mix printed pillows with block colours to create visual interest. e. Switch up your pillow stacking — alternating styles adds texture and fullness. This look gives you permission to play—perfect if you love creating seasonal or weekly refreshes without buying more. Look 3: Florals & Light Layers Let the vibrant Matilda print take the lead in this bold yet balanced look. It’s all about keeping things fresh and layered. a. Keep the Matilda print facing up for a bold, floral statement. b. Pair with crisp white sheets to freshen the look and add lightness. c. Mix one printed European pillow with one plain white for a layered, effortless vibe. d. Want both prints in play? Flip one pillowcase to show the reverse side and match it to your Euro. We especially love pairing this look with the Euro Pillowcase in Itsy Bitsy by Kasey Rainbow - it adds a cute contrast without clashing. Look 4: Light, Airy & Colourful Prefer a cooler, more minimal bedding option that still brings joy? The Quilted Coverlet Set in Matilda by Kasey Rainbow is your summer dream. a. The coverlet’s your go-to if you’re a hot sleeper – cool, light, and comfy. b. Want a little drama? Purple Cheetah sheets bring the colour punch. c. Keep your pillow stack fuss-free - one solid block colour is all you need. d. The quilted texture adds depth and detail, no extra frills required. This look proves that colourful bed linen doesn’t have to mean over-the-top. A colourful quilt cover set or sheet set can still feel refined and relaxed. Final Tip Whether you're styling a colourful doona, sheet set or euro pillows by Kasey Rainbow, remember: it’s all about balance. Let the hero pieces shine, mix in some neutrals, and don’t be afraid to flip, layer and experiment. Ready to brighten your bedroom? Shop the full Kasey Rainbow bedding collection here.
Why We’ve Partnered with Treet: Giving Proud Poppy Pieces a Second Life
Discover how Proud Poppy’s resale site powered by Treet helps you shop and sell secondhand styles sustainably. Inclusive, circular fashion from sizes 6–30. Proud Poppy x Treet: Sustainable Style That Comes Full Circle At Proud Poppy, we’re all about fashion that makes you feel fabulous - at every size, stage, and season of life. But we also believe in creating a brand that does good, not just looks good. That’s why we’ve partnered with Treet, a resale platform that helps give your pre-loved Proud Poppy pieces a new home. Because what’s better than finding a new fave dress? Helping someone else fall in love with the one you already wore and adored. 💕 So, What Is Treet / Proud Poppy Pre-Loved? Treet is our official resale marketplace - a place where our Proud Poppy community can buy and sell gently-worn, pre loved Proud Poppy pieces. It's like a fashion second-chance love story. Whether your wardrobe needs a spring clean or you missed a drop and want to find that one sold-out piece, Proud Poppy Pre Loved is where it happens. Why We Created Proud Poppy Pre Loved We launched our resale platform to: ✅ Extend the life of your favourite pieces ✅ Reduce waste and landfill impact ✅ Support more size-inclusive, affordable shopping ✅ Create a circular fashion loop that gives back to the community Sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be boring or beige - it can be bright, bold, floral, and fabulous (sound familiar? 😉). The Benefits for YOU 💰 Sell Your Worn Pieces, Earn Cash List your pre-loved Proud Poppy items in just a few clicks. Once they sell, you get paid-it’s that easy. 🔍 Shop Rare & Sold-Out Styles Proud Poppy Pre Loved is often the only place to find limited-edition drops, exclusive prints, or sold out styles from the archives. Think of it as your secret fashion treasure chest. 🌏 Feel Good While Looking Fab Every item bought secondhand means one less piece going to landfill. Together, we're making fashion more sustainable and inclusive. 👭 Support Other Poppies Every purchase helps another woman clean out her closet, make a bit of extra money or credit for a new piece she has been eying off, and share the Proud Poppy love. How It Works List Your Item: Upload a few pics, choose your price, and boom - you’re in business. Buy with Confidence: Every item is verified as Proud Poppy and sold by real members of our community. Ship, Sell, Smile: Once sold, ship your item and get paid. You just made fashion magic. Ready to shop or sell? 👉 Explore the Proud Poppy Pre Loved Resale Shop on Treet Because when we shop together, sell together, and support each other - everyone wins.
Why You’ll Always Find All Sizes on Our Racks – Not Just Online
At Proud Poppy Clothing, we’re proud to stock sizes 6 to 30 in store - because everyone deserves the same amazing shopping experience, no matter their size. Why We Don’t Believe in “Online Only” Sizing - And Never Will When I first launched Proud Poppy, I didn’t just dream of creating a clothing label - I dreamed of creating a space that brought people together. A space where every woman, no matter her size, could walk into a store, feel amazing, and leave with something that made her heart happy. And not just online. In person. In real life. On the shop floor. With a friend. With confidence. Because what good is inclusive sizing if it’s hidden in the back or only available from behind a screen? Size 6 or Size 26 - You Deserve the Same Experience Proud Poppy isn’t just about fashion. It’s about community. It’s about that magical moment when two besties - one who wears a size 6 and one who wears a size 26 - walk into one of our stores and try on the same dress, smile at the same mirror, and feel the same joy. And guess what? That’s not a fluke. That’s intentional. It’s why we do everything we can to make sure that when we have a garment on display in store, we have all available sizes- right there on the rack, ready to try on. What We’ll Never Do (Like, Ever) Here’s my ick: retailers who offer extended sizing online, but don’t stock it in store. Why? Because to me, that says, “We’ll take your money quietly, but we don’t want you in our physical store.” Ugh. Gross. To ask someone to come into a store and then intentionally only have their size hidden out in a back room - or worse, tell them they can only shop online - that is just not it. Everyone deserves to be seen. To be styled. To be celebrated. Not separated. But Here’s the Honest Truth… Each Proud Poppy piece can come in up to 13 sizes. And while we’d love to carry every single style from our online store in all 13 sizes at every location, the reality is… logistics are a beast. The overheads of running stores with enough floor space to be able to do that and still be able to give that magical instore experience to every person that walks through the doors - we just simply couldn’t afford it. So instead, we focus on curating a range of styles in every size - from flowy maxis to figure-hugging staples - so no matter your shape or size, you can find something to fall in love with, in store. And if you fall for a style or print that’s not physically in stock at that moment? Our amazing retail team is ready to help you order it online - right then and there. Because inclusivity doesn’t end with a size tag. It lives in how you’re treated. We’re Not Just a Store. We’re a Movement. From the beginning, Proud Poppy was meant to be more than a fashion brand. It’s a place where women come together, where size doesn’t divide but empowers, and where trying things on is fun, not frustrating. So when you walk into a Proud Poppy store, know this: We see you. We celebrate you. And we will always make sure you’re included on the rack - not just the website. Because fashion should fit your body and your experience. Fashion shouldn’t be feared. It should be fun. Ready to shop our inclusive size range in-store or online? ✨ Find your nearest Proud Poppy store or browse online now - sizes 6 to 30 always welcome.
Why I Created the Proud Poppy Scrubs Range
Why I Created the Proud Poppy Scrubs Range: Comfort, Colour & Confidence for Every Body As a former emergency nurse turned fashion founder, creating a range of comfortable, colourful, and size-inclusive nursing scrubs was never a matter of if , it was always a matter of when. After years working long shifts in stiff, sweaty uniforms that never quite fit right (or had enough pockets!), I knew firsthand that healthcare heroes and all other scrub wearing legends deserved better. Better fabrics. Better fits. Better colours. And most importantly - scrubs that feel as good as they look. So, we created them. 👩⚕️ Function Meets Feel-Good Fashion The Proud Poppy Scrubs Range was designed with one goal in mind: to help you feel confident, supported, and totally unbothered by bad uniforms - no matter what you do or how long your shift is. Here’s what makes our scrubs stand out in a sea of navy and black: ✅ Comfort-first stretch fabric that moves with your body ✅ Quick-dry technology so you’re not stuck in sweaty scrubs all shift ✅ Multiple pockets (because hands-free is non-negotiable) ✅ Vibrant colours to brighten up even the toughest workday ✅ Sizes 6 to 30 because every body deserves great workwear 🎯 Built by a Nurse. Backed by Our Community. This isn’t just another uniform. These scrubs were born from years of real experience, tested by our incredible Proud Poppy community, and tailored to suit the actual needs of nurses, midwives, carers, health care workers and more across Australia and the world! They’re not boxy. They’re not boring. And they’re definitely not one-size-fits-most. >Our founder Tara, in her nursing days 💬 “Why Do You Need Fashionable Scrubs?” Because confidence is a form of self-care. And just like your patients deserve compassion, you deserve a uniform that works as hard as you do - and makes you feel like you. 🚨 Want to Try Them For Yourself? We’ve just dropped our latest scrubs collection online - available now in sizes 6–30 and ready to ship Australia-wide and internationally. 👉 Shop the Proud Poppy Scrubs Range Now
International Women's Day 2025
Happy International Women’s Day! To celebrate Accelerating Action, meet the incredible women behind Proud Poppy—a woman-founded, majority women-run team! Let us introduce you: Sarah Who are you, and what is your role at Proud Poppy? My name is Sarah and I am the Creative Lead at Proud Poppy How long have you been part of the Proud Poppy team, and what role did you start in? I will have worked at Proud Poppy for 4 years next month and this is a great question. I’ve done some digging and I actually can’t find my official role title from when I first started but it was along the lines of Social Media / Graphics. How has your role evolved since you started, and what opportunities have you had to grow? How long have we got? A near 4 years feels like 10 (haha), I’ve learnt nearly every aspect of the business; from social media, photoshoots, website updates, product uploads, packaging design, retail, warehousing, events, new store openings - you name it, I’ve probably done it at some stage but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My role has always been quite fluid which has lead to me to so many pinch me moments, doing what I love best - which is being creative and as I often say ‘making sh*t look pretty’. Who are your 3 inspirational women who you would invite to sit at your table and ask anything to? Sabrina Carpenter - the brand that she has created for herself gives Boss Woman energy Margot Robbie - she uses her platform to push for more female-led stories in Hollywood. Beyonce - a businesswoman, and advocate for female empowerment Megan Who are you, and what is your role at Proud Poppy? Hi, I'm Megan, and I am the Retail Operations Coordinator at Proud Poppy. How long have you been part of the Proud Poppy team, and what role did you start in? So I've been with Proud Poppy for approximately the last 2 years. I started out in the Burleigh store as a Christmas casual. I then became the 2IC alongside Anna in the Burleigh store, and following that, for about 6 months after I was the Robina store manager and now I am the retail operations coordinator. How has your role evolved since you started, and what opportunities have you had to grow? My role has changed significantly. I may not have all the skills and have it all together, but I have a can-do attitude and I feel like I hit the ground running and just get shit done, really. I have learned a lot about managing people and leadership, which I'm still learning every day. I feel like I learn more and more in my role and in the company, and I'm really just living my best Proud Poppy life. Who are your 3 inspirational women who you would invite to sit at your table and ask anything to? My three inspirational women who I would love to share a table with are: Princess Diana, for all the amazing charity work that she did in her life. Mother Teresa, she has a heart of gold and helping the needy / poor. Olivia Newton-John because of all the great fundraising she did for cancer. G Who are you, and what is your role at Proud Poppy? I’m Georgia but more commonly known at PP as ‘G’! I am the Customer Experience Manager here at Proud Poppy. How long have you been part of the Proud Poppy team, and what role did you start in? I’m coming up to my 3rd year at Proud Poppy and my first role in the brand was customer care assistant. How has your role evolved since you started, and what opportunities have you had to grow? My claim to fame is that I was the first full time customer care employee, previously it was a role shared amongst the team for a few hours a day. I’ve been extremely lucky to have been super involved within our community focused events such as the gold coast getaways, pop up shops, runway shows and store openings. This is what made me fall in love with my role, as we are so much more than a fashion brand. Fast forward to today, I am now managing a team and I loved being a leader and being a part of something bigger than just customer service. Who are your 3 inspirational women who you would invite to sit at your table and ask anything to? The first woman who I’d love to have a chat with would be Ashley Graham. I first saw her on the show America’s top model and she was/is a huge advocate for body positivity.Secondly, I’d love to have Riley Hemson at my table. She was one of the first women that I followed on social media who had a similar body type to me and she made me finally feel seen and represented in the fashion space. Lastly, my beautiful mum who raised me on her own and has been my biggest cheerleader in life. I am who I am because of her. Georgia Who are you, and what is your role at Proud Poppy? Georgia, Production manger How long have you been part of the Proud Poppy team, and what role did you start in? I started out with PP as Product Developer / Garment tech in Dec 2023 How has your role evolved since you started, and what opportunities have you had to grow? As a product developer / Garment tech I focused more on bringing the product to life, I had a big focus on fit, grading and aligning our supplier to ensure consistency across our product. As the opportunities arose I took on more responsibilities of production timelines, product costs and supplier relationships. Who are your 3 inspirational women who you would invite to sit at your table and ask anything to? Audrey Hepburn Jo Malone Grace Beverly Proud Poppy is dedicated to creating opportunities for women to grow, lead, and make their mark, not just in their careers but in every aspect of life.
From Dream to Reality: Proud Poppy Opens in Doncaster Westfield
Better late than never! I haven't had a spare minute since we started the "operation Proud Poppy Doncaster" last week. Now that I'm finally home, on the couch, with a glass of red and watching Survivor I can finally take a minute to take it all in. And wowee what an incredible few days it has been! The long days, 5 million phone calls, clothes hanging, sore feet were all so worth it. Opening day is a bit of a blur. 9-9 we were open & I don't think we had a single minute where one of your smiling faces wasn't in store. So bloody good! I know I've said this before but whenever we open something new you have no idea the relief & to be honest, pure comfort for my anxious internal self, to see so many of you dressed in your best Proud Poppy smiling, waving & waiting outside to be one of the first ones in. It's honestly so nice and reassuring - so for all those early birds, thank you. Doncaster used to be my local shopping centre when I wanted to go for "a good shop". Affectionately known as "The Don" or "Donny" to me, Chaddy was always a bit too bougie & a bit too far, so Donny was my go to.... Until I was a size 18. I loved shopping there, but suddenly my shopping trips turned from cute outfits to bags and shoes and makeup - because they were the only things that now fit. While the fashion industry has come a long way in the last few years, by no means is it truly inclusive. There are so many gorgeous options out there but I find myself googling their size range before I risk stepping in. I am so proud that we are providing the people of Doncaster and surrounds a beautiful store, with gorgeous fashion options that cater to so many different shapes and sizes. Size 18 me 5 years ago would have been rapt. If only she knew where all those disappointing shopping trips and tears in the changerooms would lead her to just a few years later. It led me right here. Here's a few happy snaps from the weekend. But did you even set up a store if you didn't end the day sitting in a box, hiding in the back room?? If you are in the area - pop in and say hi Tara xx
An Iconic Summer - A Full Circle Moment
Tonight's full circle Iconic Summer drop is a crazy full circle pinch me moment, well for me anyway. Let me share a story with you. Ya Ready? Tara wears our Stevie Dress in Candy Stripe Pink/Red Back in the early days, like I'm talking my 4th photos shoot, I had almost run out of all the money I had to put towards getting the business off the ground. I had spent thousand, on products, over the top & catered photo shoots (I had no idea what I was doing), shitty websites that didn't work, multiple models who were paid hundreds of dollars an hour. And guess what? It hadn't worked. Everything I'd worked towards and believed in seemed to be totally delulu because, the business (Proud Poppy) hadn't taken off. I'd lost it all. I had $400 left of mine and Paul's money which was enough for a photographer but that was it. No models, no hair and I did my make up with the dupe foundation I'd bought from Bali that was no where near a colour match. I was so self conscious, nervous and uncomfortable in my own skin. But I had to give things one last crack. And it worked. I look at these photos and I don't see the today me. But I remember who she was. How she felt. She is the reason I started Proud Poppy. Because I knew she couldn't possibly be alone in the worth with how she felt. I was right. Tara wears our Greta Party Dress in Gingham Black Lockdown came around and hit me with another hurdle. We couldn't shoot at all. So we bundled up a bunch of stock and sent it to gorgeous women I'd never met to shoot it at a location I had always dreamed of one day using The Pink Hotel Coolangatta. The photos were pure magic, but bittersweet because it was a dream of mine that I wasn't really a part of. Last week, we shot at The Pink Hotel and I was the model! What in the world?! A far cry from that timid gal that couldn't make eye contact, I was stripping off into outfits and having the time of my life. Literally living a dream! Our Iconic Summer Collection is more that just clothes, it reflects my personal journey over the past few years that so many of you have been a part of. Tara xx Tara wears our Allegra Maxi Dress in Gingham Mix
NEVER Miss Another Summer
Why I Created This Collection. “I didn’t create a swim collection to sell swimwear. I created it to sell the confidence to wear it. Without that, we end up missing out on creating fun summer memories at the beach with our families and friends and that’s just not good enough.I want women to flick a switch in their minds and get to a place where they don’t give a sh*t what people think and instead they get out there with their families and friends, and live their best lives and just enjoy themselves. I want women who are self-conscious in swimwear to say goodbye to missing out on those family photos at the beach. To stop being the one behind the camera, filling up family photo albums with pictures they aren’t in. This summer, we’re stepping in front of the camera, embracing every moment, and making unforgettable memories in our swimwear.” - Tara, Proud Poppy Founder Our Swimwear Walk Down Cavill Ave. Before our collection dropped, we put the word out to our Proud Poppy community for volunteers who wanted to come strut their stuff with us down busy Cavill Ave on the Gold Coast, in our swimmers. The response was amazing. The idea behind our walk was to put that ‘flick the switch’ idea into action. Together, we put on our Proud Poppy Swim, grabbed a floatie, pressed play on our pink stereo, and sang our way down Cavill Avenue to the beach front. No F**ks Given. Walking into the water, then walking back to our umbrellas: the part so many of us dread when we’re at the beach. Not anymore. Once we reached the beach after our walk down Cavill Avenue, we turned the discomfort we often feel when at the beach on its HEAD. Together we lined up, held hands with the person next to us, and we walked into the ocean together. We wanted to rewire our brains to focus on having fun and living our lives, not worrying about how we look when we’re doing it. For once, this part isn’t about the journey, it’s about the destination. Just get in the ocean! No f**ks given. Feel the water, laugh the laughs, be part of the memories. Just have FUN! Shoutout to our amazing community who made the day so special for us. Thank you for taking time out of your lives to walk with us WHAT A DAY and WHAT A COLLECTION! Tara & the Proud Poppy team xx