Media - In the Press
Proud Poppy reveals process behind First Nations collaboration
One year ago, First Nations artist Caitlyn Davies was commissioned to hand-paint a canvas for new fashion collection. It would be the second collaboration between Davies and Proud Poppy founder Tara McKeon. With Davies’ permission, McKeon turned the artwork into a digital file and had it swatch-tested, ready to produce in six womenswear styles. McKeon says the most crucial part of the production process was keeping the artwork’s story intact. "With this particular painting, Davies tells the story of her father's upbringing. There's a purple line that runs through and that shows the flow of the Darling River. It shows the story of the land. “In terms of choosing the designs, you need to make sure that the fabric is not going to be too cut up so that the story doesn't get interrupted.” This is just one of the considerations McKeon placed on the project, a 12-month process to ensure the integrity of the joint creative partnership. McKeon also wanted to name the individual pieces using traditional First Nations languages. “I'd say the hardest piece was the Barkindji language,” she explains. “It's so rare - it's very hard to find someone who can then translate the names into what that means into common day English so that you can tell that story. “If I was doing something like an Italian collection, or a Chinese collection, it would be very simple. But it was very challenging to translate the Barkindji language, which is sad.” McKeon says the process took over a year to complete, which she admits is a long time. “But it's just really important to get it right,” she says. “A lot of brands just want to work with our First Nations artists, tick the box and move on, whereas it's got a deeper meaning for me. “I really wanted to make sure that I did the collection justice.” Another inclusion in the design process was an acknowledgement of country on the hangtags. McKeon says these tiny little details matter; details that otherwise wouldn’t normally be an issue. She says that a major part of the collaboration was opening up to the learning process. “People are worried about doing the wrong thing, saying the wrong thing,” McKeon says. “People are so worried about offending people. I definitely made mistakes along the way with this collaboration. “But if you're coming from the right place and your heart is there - that you're willing to learn and you're willing to ask questions, and you're trying to do better from a genuine place and not just in terms of missing out on sales - that needs to be encouraged.” In one particular aspect, a lot of her non-Indigenous consumers were asking if it was okay for them to wear the collection, despite being white. McKeon says the answer is yes. “The artists have designed these pieces to be ally-friendly,” she explains. “So by wearing them, they are starting the conversation; it's something that is okay. “There are certain pieces of clothing that are designed for mob only, that only First Nations people can wear or are designed for them to wear. But this is definitely a collection that's designed to start the conversation and to get people asking questions about our culture in Australia.” The first collection that McKeon did with Davies was over two years ago. McKeon says Proud Poppy donated 10% of the proceeds to Books and Boots. This year, 10% of the proceeds will go to the Star Foundation. McKeon says the initial collaboration was buoyed by personal childhood memories of her father who had passed away a few years ago. “When I was growing up, he was really invested in the culture of the people of the Tiwi Islands, which is an island north of Darwin,” McKeon says. “We used to have the Tiwi people come down and stay with us, and we would get them into schools, and into the AFL, and just really talk to us about the culture and about the land. “Now that he has passed away, it's really important for me on my own journey to try and keep his memory alive. And bring that through my brand and just get the conversation started. “Once I was in a position to start looking at collaborations, I really wanted to work with an Aboriginal artist, and I found Caitlyn. There's so many out there, but her style just really resonated with me.” Link to article> https://www.ragtrader.com.au/people/proud-poppy-reveals-process-behind-first-nations-collaboration
2020 AusMumpreneur Award winner – Tara McKeon, Proud Poppy Clothing
Tara McKeon, founder of Proud Poppy Clothing, is a multi-award winning entrepreneur for the following categories in our 2020 AusMumpreneur VIC-TAS Awards Gold winner – Emerging AusMumpreneur of The Year Gold winner – Retail Business Gold winner – Customer Service Gold winner – People’s Choice E-Commerce Store Tara is a 34 year old Melbourne based mama to one, 3 year old son Brodie. She is an emergency nurse by trade but is now the director of one of the fastest growing fashion businesses in Australia. Proud Poppy Clothing are passionate about providing affordable, on trend, inclusive fashion options to women from size 6 to 24. When did you start your business? I launched the business in August 2019. What was the inspiration behind starting this business? Sitting back and feeling frustrated and well let’s be honest a little heart broken by not being welcomed in the world of fashion anymore. Due to motherhood, weight gain, life – my body had changed and although I still loved fashion, it didn’t love me anymore. I thought it was so awful that just because a woman’s body shape changes she has to basically change her whole identity if the clothes she loves to wear don’t come in her size anymore. It seems really trivial, but it can actually be quite traumatic. You lose who you are, well I did. I didn’t want one more woman to have to go through what I went through, so I decided to really create a store that was for all women – no matter the size of your waist or your wallet! I had a secure career as a post grad trained emergency nurse but as my maternity leave came to an end and my wardrobe was worse than ever it really was a now or never moment. I’ve never looked back. What are you most excited about in your business? The community of women that we have created and the reality that we really are more than just a fast fashion store. I am excited to see women reclaiming their mojo through fashion and just getting out there and living again! The messages we receive on how we have helped women regain their confidence, where a dress for the first time in years, even just enjoy shopping again absolutely make all of the long days so worth it. What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business? The balance of mum life and business! Learning on the fly! Big dreams, small budgets! Not being confident enough to speak up! A pandemic! So many things! I have made so many “mistakes” along the way but looking back would I change anything? Well yes some things maybe but really all of those “mistakes” have ultimately transformed into lessons and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. . What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business? Understand the difference between a hobby and a business. Are you looking at a side hustle? Or do you want to go big? I was so confused when I started. I had a vision – I imagined a side hustle but also planned to be a big mover and shaker in the industry. They are two completely different things. So when things really took off, I wasn’t ready for the sacrifices that came along with that suddenly. If you want to be successful, plan to be. Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards? By putting myself and my story out there for others to see I really hope I have made others feel safe to step into their own light and just go for it.. What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards? The connections that I have made with other like minded women have been amazing. Even though the awards were virtual we still managed to connect and have come together to help cheer each other on since. What surprised you most about the awards? That I won all four of the categories I was a finalist for!! How did the awards help you in your business? We were featured on the Herald Sun website which was amazing publicity. Being able to display the badges we had won on our website is also amazing for all of the first time visitors that reach the page. But again I have to say the connections I have made with other mums in business have been the game changer for me. All people I probably never would have met if it wasn’t for the awards. What advice would you give to others mums thinking about entering the awards? Just do it! Even if just for the experience. We always put everyone else before ourselves – do this for you! What has been the best thing about starting your own business? The connections that I’ve made with our customers. Some of them are now really great friends. It’s been incredibly inspiring to watch them come out of their shells and total blossom as they have followed the business. As we have grown so have they. It’s a beautiful thing to witness and I am just so thankful they have allowed me to be a part of their journey. What’s happening next in your business? So many things! We are opening a styling suite and event space in June which is incredibly exciting. We are also planning our first body positivity event. Stay tuned!Link to article> https://ausmumpreneur.com/2020-ausmumpreneur-award-winner-tara-mckeon-proud-poppy-clothing/
2022 AusMumpreneur Awards Winner – Tara McKeon, Proud Poppy Clothing
I’m Tara, and I am a travel obsessed, animal adopting, wine and cheese loving mumma to energetic 4 year old Brodie, and sweet 8 month old Charlie and wife to Paul. I have had every job under the sun, from handing out yoghurt samples at the supermarket, selling raffle tickets at the footy, to hospitality gigs in Hamilton Island. I also have a postgraduate diploma in critical care nursing and was an emergency night shift nurse before deciding to put full faith in myself and make the leap to launch my own brand with Proud Poppy Clothing. Proud Poppy Clothing, a size inclusive brand that is all about being unapologetically yourself. When did you start your business? Proud Poppy Clothing began in August 2019 What was the inspiration behind starting this business? As an emergency nurse by trade, I was coming to the end of my maternity leave following the birth of my son Brodie. Pregnancy and life in general had seen me gain over 60kgs weighing around the 140kg mark, squeezing into size 22s and just feeling lost and sad. The cycle of not being able to find beautiful, affordable clothing as my body changed, and being forced to wear whatever fit from stores pushed me more and more into my shell. Not being able to shop in “regular” stores. Avoiding people from my past like the plague. Missing special occasions simply because there was nothing nice to wear that fit. I was miserable. Speaking to some of my petite friends it struck a chord that my size 6 friends were surprisingly in the same position – except being forced to shop in the children’s section. It became so clear that a store like Proud Poppy Clothing is exactly what the women of the world needed. An affordable and stylish fashion store that was for ALL women. A store that was welcoming, inclusive and most importantly somewhere that we could all shop together. I’ve been a size 8 and I’ve squeezed into a size 22, fluctuating weight is normal – and my message to all women is to embrace it! The value of a store like Proud Poppy in the lives of all women is immeasurable, and I think just what we as a generation needed. We receive so many messages from women all over Australia, and even some international women, who are just so grateful that they know a place like Proud Poppy exists – a place they know that they can always find something to suit them and their needs. It’s those messages that make all the stress that comes with running a business that makes it all worth it and we wouldn’t change a thing!What are you most excited about in your business? It’s hard to list just one thing I’m most excited about but I’d have to say stocking up to a size 28 is right up there as it’s something that I have had my heart set on since Proud Poppy was born! Size inclusivity is at the heart of Proud Poppy, but realistically it should be at the heart of every brand. This shouldn’t be something that we had to fight to achieve, but I am ecstatic that we have achieved it. I fought tooth and nail to make it happen, and am beyond excited to see it expand across our range moving forward. This achievement is significant as I hope it marks the start of all brands, not just us, moving to achieve this too! What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business? I would say the challenges of learning to adapt over the pandemic that most businesses and individuals faced, especially being a Melbourne based business with a bricks and mortar store. We signed the lease for our first store in the midst of Melbourne COVID lockdowns, so we couldn’t even open it – but I believed in it and I believed in creating a space that stocks our full range of sizes, so that woman knew they could walk in and find something that is just right for them. As soon as that lockdown lifted we were open and running. At the beginning of the year we also expanded interstate and opened a studio space, office and soon to be store in Burleigh Heads Queensland. The beginning of the year was a busy time for us as a family as we also welcomed our new daughter, Charlie, in January. So this year I’ve been balancing general mum life with my 4 year old son and a baby, travelling back and forth between Melbourne and Queensland, breastfeeding, whilst also continuing to successfully run my business – which I guarantee is no easy feat with a baby who wants to be fed every 2 hours! What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business? Just jump in fearlessly and give it 100%. Life’s too short to be constantly worried about “should I?”, change that question to a statement and start exclaiming “I should!”. Sure, there will be risks you need to take, fears will be faced and challenges will test you, but if you back yourself and your abilities to the fullest extent you will achieve great things! When things get tough, don’t quit, push through! Not only will you be proud of what you achieve, the pride you feel in yourself for giving it your all is the most important part. Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards? I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the AusMumpreneur community in previous years. However, the previous awards we had entered had been held online due to Covid so when we were nominated this year I knew I had to enter to get a chance to experience that AusMumpreneur community face to face and in real life! What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards? Having the time to sit down and reflect on everything we’ve achieved as a team, as a business and on a personal level is not something I often get the time to do. It was both refreshing and also motivating to really take the time to do that for the submission. What surprised you most about the awards? I saw a few more familiar faces at the awards than I expected to and everyone is so friendly! I often feel a bit uncomfortable and awkward when meeting new people and before a big social event like this I always feel a bit anxious. But as soon as I arrived at the AusMumpreneur Awards, I felt really calm and had such a great time! It’s an incredibly inspirational community to be a part of and the energy in the room on awards night was electrifying! How did the awards help you in your business? To be nominated is great but to win an AusMumpreneur Award is very special. It’s really incredible to be recognised for the hard work and dedication of the whole team. Having won a few AusMumpreneur awards have opened up opportunities for us that may not have happened otherwise. It also helps to add credibility to our brand that helps to set us apart in the industry. What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards? Absolutely do it! The whole process is such a great experience. Writing the submission gave us time to reflect on everything we’ve achieved so far and a chance to look ahead towards what’s next for the business. Letting our community know you’ve been nominated and taking them on the awards journey with you is such an exciting thing to do and Being a business owner can sometimes be a lonely place but meeting other business owners is such an uplifting experience. I hope to meet you there at the next one! What has been the best thing about starting your own business? I started Proud Poppy clothing with a whole lot of nursing knowledge and not a lot of business knowledge so one of the best things about starting my own business has been how much I have learnt along the way! Aside from that, I am an avid believer in working as hard as I can now, so that I can enjoy and provide the best life later. But that’s not to say I don’t enjoy life now too. Proud Poppy is my baby, but it’s not my favourite baby…my kids are what is most important to me and everything I do, I do it for them. I am lucky enough to have the most supportive husband Paul, who this year came across from his job to help and work on Proud Poppy with me. Without him, work/life balance would be non-existent! However, having him on board means that we can bring the kids to work when we need to, we can leave on time, I can breathe a little easier knowing that I have his full support but in saying that he really has given me all the love and support from the start, as soon as I said “I think I should open a clothing store” for the first time. What’s happening next in your business? We have so many exciting things coming up; we’re about to open a brand new boutique store in Burleigh Heads, which will be our first interstate store. It’s been a really big project flying my family and team back and forth to shop for and set up the space, organise stock to be sent, hiring and soon-to-be training staff, the logistics of having a store in Queensland when we are predominantly based in Melbourne. We also have our first retreat coming up too. We’re taking 15 women to the Gold Coast for a 3 night getaway with really amazing experiences planned… and that’s just October! What are your big plans for the future? Looking to the future, I want to help as many women as possible – and that is on a global scale! While we do have some international orders that come through, we are wanting to expand to have an international website too. We are working with our marketing company, reaching out to international influencers, working with our web developer to get our loyalty program and website updated constantly and more. We are ready for Proud Poppy Clothing to be a household name and not just as a fashion retailer but as a community! We are also looking forward to expanding into our upcoming formal range. This will provide all women with a beautiful range of formal wear – and I am just so excited! I know from experience, just how daunting and difficult it is to find formal wear when you don’t fit into the “mould” that traditional retailers expect you to, so having this range is so important to me. I would also love to bring manufacturing back to Australia to some degree and have an element of our range designed and made in Australia. I know this can be difficult, but we have achieved so much in so little time, there’s no telling what we can achieve moving forward! Link to article> https://ausmumpreneur.com/2022-ausmumpreneur-awards-winner-tara-mckeon-proud-poppy-clothing/
Aussie nurse hailed for ‘saving lives’ with sellout clothes brand Proud Poppy for ‘women of every size’ launches new collection
Following the birth of her son, former emergency nurse Tara knew it was a now or never moment for her business idea. An Aussie emergency nurse whose size-inclusive range has been credited with “saving women’s lives” has launched a new one-of-a-kind collection designed with the renowned First Nations artist Caitlyn Davies. Fashion lover Tara McKeon launched Proud Poppy after she was unable to find anything feminine and pretty that would fit and flatter her size 26 frame. Rather than swathe herself in ugly black leggings or a tent of fabric following the birth of her son Brodie, Tara - who was on maternity leave at the time - knew it was a now or never moment for launching her own business. “I wanted to create a store full of clothes that women of every size could wear,” Tara tells 7Life. “It was selfish in a way as I wanted to find clothes I could wear but, my maternity leave with my son was ending and I knew I had to give it a crack or go back to working nights. I decided, I can do this.” Proud Poppy has gone on to become a best-selling business across the country, with women saying it has been a “life saver” for those who want to look good, whatever their shape or size. The new range - the Dustin Koa Collection - has been created with stylish, conscious women in mind. The beautiful print on the dresses, blouses and trousers was designed by First Nations artist Caitlyn Davies The six pieces in the range tell the story of an area that is special to Caitlyn’s father’s upbringing, and the artwork traces the path from Broken Hill to Menindee Lakes, via Wilcannia, White Cliffs and Packsaddle. The print showcases the beauty of the region, while the purple line on each of the clothing items symbolises the flow of the Darling River. Prices range from $94.95 to $129.95, while 10 per cent of all proceeds will be donated to the Stars Foundation supporting Indigenous girls and young women to attend and remain engaged at school, complete year 12 and move into work or further study. Since launching Proud Poppy in August 2019, Tara has gone from success to success. While she admits it was slow to start, when Tara started stocking sizes upwards of 18, it wasn’t long before word spread and her social media following grew to 133,000 customers. Proud Poppy started principally as an online offering, but bricks and mortar shops soon followed. There are now three in total - two in Victoria and one in Queensland. “Last year we grew 100 per cent year-on-year,” Tara says, adding she was “shocked” by how fast it was happening. She says she now receives an order every 2.5 minutes. “Some of our ranges can sell out within two minutes,” she says. “My husband has quit his job in manufacturing to come on board with the business and we are ploughing everything we earn back into it to grow it even further. “We’ve worked really hard but I never thought Proud Poppy would get to this scale.” Those who have bought from Proud Poppy have waxed lyrical about the clothes and how they make all women feel special and stylish. “Buy one or buy all the dresses,” one reviewer writes. “That perfect dress you’ll find yourself reaching for all occasions. Great for bigger busted girls.” Another adds: “This dress is truly beautiful, and it feels great on too. I got a compliment from my seven-year-old: ‘Mum, you look beautiful, like a princess’. Thank you for making me feel nice about myself.” While a third says: “The perfect show-stopper dress! Makes you feel a million bucks like you just stepped off a fashion runway! Great arm coverage and nice length. Lightweight and comfortable to wear”.Tara has never returned to being an emergency nurse and says she is proud of the feedback she gets from women around the country. “What we do is beyond a dress,” Tara says. “Women comes to us and say this all the time. It blows me away.” Link to article> https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/sponsored/aussie-nurse-hailed-for-saving-lives-with-sellout-clothes-brand-proud-poppy-for-women-of-every-size-launches-new-collection-c-10826450
Aussie nurse who created sell-out clothing line Proud Poppy for ‘women of every size’ hailed for ‘saving lives‘
Tara took a gamble on a career change four years ago and it’s one that’s paid off in more ways than one. As a size 26 Tara McKeon was frustrated. She’d always loved fashion; she was used to friends coming to her to ask advice or borrow her dresses but now she couldn’t get into any of those dresses herself. “I was an emergency nurse working night shifts and I lived off takeaways and party pies for a while,” Tara tells 7Life. “Then I had kids and although I loved fashion, it didn’t love me anymore.” But instead of hiding in ugly leggings or covering herself in a tent of black fabric, which seemed to be the only clothes available in her size, Tara decided to do something about it. “I wanted to create a store full of clothes that women of every size could wear,” Tara says. “It was selfish in a way as I wanted to find clothes I could wear but, my maternity leave with my son was ending and I knew I had to give it a crack or go back to working nights. I decided, I can do this.” In August 2019 Proud Poppy was born. The brand name is a take on the Australian Tall Poppy syndrome, which refers to the successful being criticised. “I didn’t initially get a lot of positivity and with my brand, I wanted to say that people should be proud of those giving it a crack,” Tara says. Starting by chatting with wholesalers and gathering enough clothes to fill a tub in her hallway, Tara launched her online offering. “Dresses were my passion,” she says. “If you put on a beautiful dress you feel good. I didn’t go to my sister’s 21st because I couldn’t find a dress to fit me and I wanted to help other people. The minute you get into the larger sizes the fabric traditionally gets thicker, the prints get uglier and the shades are darker but it doesn’t have to be this way.” Working with wholesalers, Tara started convincing them to extend their sizing. “A lot of stock stopped at a size 18 or even a 16. I started pushing and now many go to a 28. I’m trying for a size 32,” Tara says. As the sizing went up, so did Tara’s customer base. Her social media following grew to the 120,000 customers it is today and she was quickly started adding actual shops to her online offering; three in total, two in Victoria and one in Queensland. She’s even started designing her own ranges. “Last year we grew 100 per cent year-on-year,” Tara says, adding she was “shocked” by how fast it was happening. Incredibly, she now receives an order every 2.5 minutes. “We have 45 staff across two states,” Tara says. “Some of our ranges can sell out within two minutes. My husband has quit his job in manufacturing to come on board with the business and we are ploughing everything we earn back into it to grow it even further. We’ve worked really hard but I never thought Proud Poppy would get to this scale.” As well as the financial success, Tara is also discovering a side to the business which is even more rewarding. “I walked into one of my stores recently and a woman burst into tears. She said, ‘I know you’re not an emergency nurse any more but you saved my life,’” Tara says. The woman had not been able to find clothes to fit her and had lost all confidence in her body and herself until finding Proud Poppy. “What we do is beyond a dress,” Tara says. “Women comes to us and say this all the time. It blows me away.”Link to full article > https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/sponsored/aussie-nurse-who-created-sell-out-clothing-line-for-women-of-every-size-hailed-for-saving-lives-c-10590913
Proud Poppy Clothing Wins 2023 Bx Business xCellence Award!
A Beacon of Inclusivity, Empowerment, and Self-Love Delve into the journey of this xceptional business and individuals who have not only achieved xcellence but have also set inspiring xamples for others to follow. About Proud Poppy Clothing In a world where the fashion industry often seems xclusive, size-obsessed, and disconnected from the real lives of everyday women, Proud Poppy Clothing stands out as a shining xample of what can be achieved when a company prioritizes inclusivity, affordability, and body positivity. It’s no wonder that they recently clinched the coveted Business xCellence Award. Let’s dive into why this company earned this prestigious recognition and why it deserves every bit of it. Proud Poppy Clothing is more than just a fashion brand; it’s a movement dedicated to empowering women of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and abilities. Their commitment to promoting body positivity and showcasing diversity sets them apart in an industry that often adheres to unrealistic beauty standards. When you visit their website or step into their stores, you won’t just see models who look like they belong on magazine covers; you’ll see women who look like you, your friends, your family. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment that’s deeply appreciated by their community. Transparency is a cornerstone of Proud Poppy’s success. They openly share their stories and struggles, creating a personal connection with their audience. In an age of faceless corporations, Proud Poppy has managed to become more than just a brand; they’re a friend who understands you. This personal connection xtends to their xceptional customer service, where they go the xtra mile to meet their customers’ needs. It’s this dedication to building relationships that has earned them the loyalty and trust of their customers. Proud Poppy’s commitment to size inclusivity isn’t just skin deep. Unlike some other brands that relegate xtended sizes to online-only or tucked-away corners, they offer their full size range in all their stores. This ensures that every woman, regardless of her size, can have an inclusive and empowering shopping xperience. It’s a small but significant step toward breaking down the barriers that have long xisted in the fashion world. The company’s rapid growth is a testament to their strategic vision and dedication. They’ve xpanded their size range, hired an in-house design and production team, and made fashion accessible to an even wider audience. Their focus on planning, transparency, and involving their team in decision-making processes has allowed them to overcome the challenges of rapid xpansion, all while staying true to their values. Proud Poppy’s commitment to giving back to the community is another reason why they earned the Business xCellence Award. Through partnerships with charities like Share the Dignity and support for Indigenous initiatives, they actively make a positive impact on communities in need. They understand that success should be shared and used as a force for good. Behind Proud Poppy’s achievements is a strong leadership team and passionate employees who are empowered to contribute their best. The company invests in their team’s personal and professional development, ensuring that they’re aligned with the company’s values. This commitment to their people is a key driver of their success. But Proud Poppy isn’t resting on its laurels. They have ambitious plans to xpand globally, connecting with women worldwide who resonate with their values. They’re leveraging technology, embracing sustainability, and nurturing a thriving community to pave the way for Proud Poppy to become a household name synonymous with inclusivity, empowerment, and self-love. In conclusion, Proud Poppy Clothing’s Business xCellence Award is a well-deserved recognition of their unwavering dedication to inclusivity, affordability, and promoting body positivity in the fashion industry. Their transparency, personal connection with their community, commitment to size inclusivity, rapid yet strategic growth, CSR initiatives, and investment in their team all contribute to their status as a trailblazing company that sets the standard for what fashion brands should aspire to be. Proud Poppy Clothing isn’t just winning awards; they’re winning hearts and minds.
