Women Changing the World - Meet our founder Tara McKeon

As featured on Women Changing the World..

Meet Tara McKeon, from Proud Poppy Clothing

My name is Tara McKeon. I am the founder of Proud Poppy Clothing, a women's fashion brand that champions women of all shapes and sizes. A little over 4 years old, we are doing things in the industry the dinosaur brands haven't been able or interested in achieving in decades. Stocking from size 6-30 with further plans on expansion we are a community and connection first business, improving the lives of women on a global scale through a mutual love of fashion.

"Why not you? So often we would encourage our friends and peers to put their names forward or to put there hat in the ring for something like this, but step back when it comes to recognising that you too are worthy of a win. So ask yourself, why not you? And just go for it!" - Tara McKeon

When did you start your business?

August 2019

What was the inspiration behind your work/business?

I was honestly just so fed up with the lack of diversity and inclusion being shown across the fashion industry. Brands wanted the everyday woman to spend money with them but didn’t want them to be seen in their stores or their advertising. The options for women of both ends of the sizing scale to shop together and have the same experience was non existent. I wanted to change that.

What are you most excited about in your work/business?

Untapped opportunity to do better. There are so many things we want to achieve as a brand in the coming years, months and days. I am so excited to see where we have taken the brand and the difference it is making to the lives of our customers in 12 months time.

What has been the most challenging thing about starting your work/business?

Growth coupled with people management. We experienced huge and rapid growth which meant a continuously growing team that had to be able to evolve and pivot with the associated growth of the business. Some people step up to the challenge and take it in their stride where others fall short and don’t want to be on that train. It’s really challenging to set expectations and implement performance metrics when the company is in a rapid growth phase as they are constantly changing.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a work/business?

Be ready. The aim of the game for any business is to be successful. For some people the success may take years to come, or may not

Why did you enter the Women Changing the World Awards?

I loved the messaging behind the awards and wanted to be a part of them as I knew they would be something special. I love the Ausmumpreneur awards but saw this as a new challenge to push myself and my business to reach the next level.

What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?

Connecting with new, likeminded women that I otherwise probably wouldn't of had the opportunity to cross paths with.

What surprised you most about the awards?

It really is about community over competition. Every one involved just wants to see women succeed and to win. There is no jealousy or ego, we are all on the same journey to lift women up and to show the younger generations just how powerful women are when they stand together.

How did the awards help you in your work/business?

Again, making new connections with like minded women who I have now built relationships with outside of the awards.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about entering the awards?

Why not you? So often we would encourage our friends and peers to put their names forward or to put there hat in the ring for something like this, but step back when it comes to recognising that you too are worthy of a win. So ask yourself, why not you? And just go for it!

What has been the best thing about starting your own work/business?

Proving to myself that I can do hard things! The challenges that I have faced and overcome is something that I am really proud of. I have gained a new respect for myself and what I am capable of and that has been so self rewarding.

What’s happening next in your work/business?

We are introducing new categories to the business so Proud Poppy really can cater for every woman. What I am most excited for is our swim wear line releasing at the end of this year where I am so passionate about getting women out from under the umbrellas and instead onto the beach making memories.

What are your big plans for the future?

So many things! You will have to stay tuned to see where and what we do next!

To learn more about the Women Changing the World Awards visit them here: 
https://wcwawards.com/tara-mckeon2023/