Proud Poppy Clothing: A size-inclusive, empowering fashion brand that celebrates diversity, promotes body positivity, and offers affordable, stylish clothing in sizes 6-28. Founded by Tara McKeon, Proud Poppy is a movement that encourages women to embrace their uniqueness and express themselves unapologetically through fashion. With a focus on inclusivity, confidence, and authenticity, Proud Poppy is redefining the fashion industry, one empowering design at a time.
When did you start your business?
August 2019
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
Proud Poppy Clothing was born out of a deeply personal struggle, a battle with self-image, and a burning passion to make a positive change in the world.
An emergency nurse by trade, I was coming to the end of my maternity leave following the birth of my son Brodie. Pregnancy and motherhood saw me gain over 60 kilograms and I found myself at around 140 kilograms, struggling to fit into size 22 clothing. This weight gain left me feeling lost, isolated, and miserable. The cycle of not being able to find beautiful, affordable clothing that accommodated my changing body, and the frustration of being forced to wear whatever fit from the limited stores available, pushed me further into a shell of self-doubt and sadness. I couldn’t shop in “regular” stores, I avoided people from my past, and I missed out on special occasions because I felt like I had nothing nice to wear that would fit.
But here’s the crucial realisation that fuelled the birth of Proud Poppy Clothing: this struggle wasn’t unique to me. As I spoke with some of my friends, including those who were petite, it became clear that women of all sizes were facing similar challenges. My size 6 friends were also struggling, sometimes forced to shop in the children’s section. This revelation struck me like lightning. I realised that a store like Proud Poppy Clothing was not just a dream but a necessity. An affordable and stylish fashion store that was truly for ALL women, a store that was welcoming, inclusive, and, most importantly, a place where women of all sizes could shop together.
I’ve been a size 8, and I’ve squeezed into a size 22. I’ve experienced firsthand the rollercoaster of fluctuating weight. And my message to all women is simple: Embrace it! Be unapologetically yourself, no matter your size or shape.
My inspiration for Proud Poppy came from a place of personal struggle, but it has evolved into a mission to change the fashion industry, one that prioritises diversity, representation, and body positivity. We’ve expanded our size range, opened retail stores, and garnered a fast-growing social following and a dedicated customer base.
I firmly believe that if a small business like Proud Poppy can achieve all this in just a few years, the fashion world as a whole can follow suit. We can show the big retailers that size inclusivity, affordability, and a commitment to women’s empowerment are not just possible but essential.
So, as we continue our journey at Proud Poppy Clothing, remember the inspiration that drives us. We’re not just selling clothing; we’re changing lives. We’re empowering women to be unapologetically themselves, to embrace their true selves, and to rewrite the rules of the fashion industry.
What are you most excited about in your business?
What excites me the most about Proud Poppy Clothing is the positive impact it has on women’s lives. Every day, we receive messages from women who have transformed their self-esteem, their sense of style, and even their entire outlook on life because of our brand. These messages are like fuel to my passion.
When I read about women who previously felt limited to wearing black, but now confidently embrace vibrant colours every day, or when I hear from husbands thanking us for giving them their wives back, it fills my heart with joy. Proud Poppy is more than just a clothing brand; it’s a catalyst for empowerment and self-love.
The messages we receive are a testament to the positive change we’re bringing to women’s lives. We’ve helped women regain their confidence, find their unique style, and overcome the societal pressures that have held them back for so long. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that we’re making a difference, not just in how women dress, but in how they feel about themselves.
As we continue to grow and expand our reach, I’m excited about the potential to impact even more women, both nationally and globally. The thought of Proud Poppy becoming a household name, not just as a fashion retailer, but as a community that celebrates individuality and self-expression, is what keeps me motivated and excited every day. We’re on a mission to inspire women to embrace their true selves unapologetically, and I can’t wait to see the positive ripple effect it creates in the world.
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
Starting Proud Poppy Clothing has been an amazing journey, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. The most demanding aspect has been managing rapid growth and the associated financial pressures.
In just a few years, Proud Poppy has seen significant expansion in revenue and team size. While this is a positive sign, it brought financial complexities. Balancing the need to invest in inventory, expand the team, and cover operational expenses while maintaining cash flow was a constant challenge.
Adapting our processes to the changing demands of growth was also tough. What worked one month might need adjustments the next, creating a dynamic environment.
However, open communication and transparency have been key. Involving the team in decisions and keeping them informed fostered a sense of ownership and excitement. Building a strong team during rapid growth was another challenge, requiring careful hiring, onboarding, and training.
Despite these challenges, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with Proud Poppy Clothing. It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team and reaffirms the power of determination, transparency, and community in overcoming business hurdles.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
Believe in yourself and your vision. Don’t be afraid to take risks, and be prepared for challenges along the way. Surround yourself with a supportive network, seek out a coach or mentor, and never stop learning. Stay true to your values, stay resilient, and keep pushing forward. Your passion and determination can make your business dreams a reality!
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
Entering the AusMumpreneur Awards was a significant step for me and Proud Poppy Clothing. Firstly, it’s an opportunity to showcase the hard work, dedication, and passion that has gone into building Proud Poppy into the brand it is today. Secondly, it allowed me to connect with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and mums who understand the unique challenges and joys of balancing motherhood with running a business. Lastly, I saw it as a platform to raise awareness about our mission of size inclusivity, body positivity, and empowering women to embrace their true selves through fashion.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
The most enjoyable part of being part of the AusMumpreneur Awards was the sense of community and support. Meeting and connecting with other mums who were on similar journeys was incredibly inspiring. It’s a unique experience to be in a room filled with women who understand the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship.
What surprised you most about the awards?
The most surprising aspect of the awards was the depth of talent and innovation within the mumpreneur community. I was continually amazed by the creativity, resilience, and diverse range of businesses that mums across Australia were successfully managing while also raising families. It was inspiring to witness the incredible contributions of these women to various industries. I was also pleasantly surprised by the genuine support and encouragement that everyone offered one another during the competition, it’s an incredibly safe and supportive space!.
How did the awards help you in your business?
Participating in the AusMumpreneur Awards provided amazing exposure for Proud Poppy Clothing. It allowed our brand to reach a broader audience and gain recognition within the community. The awards also provided valuable networking opportunities and connections with other entrepreneurs and potential collaborators. The recognition and validation from winning or even just participating in these awards boosts the morale of your team and customers, fostering a sense of pride and trust in your brand.
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
I would encourage any mum who is running her own business, no matter how big or small, to seriously consider entering the AusMumpreneur Awards. It’s not just about winning; it’s about celebrating your journey, sharing your story, and connecting with a supportive community. Don’t underestimate the power of your experiences and the unique perspective you bring to the business world as a mother. Be proud of your achievements, and use these awards as a platform to showcase your passion and dedication. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey, and the AusMumpreneur Awards are here to celebrate and support you.
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
The best thing about starting Proud Poppy Clothing, has been the incredible impact it’s had on the lives of women. It’s been immensely rewarding to see how our brand has become a source of empowerment and confidence for women of all sizes and backgrounds. Knowing that we’ve helped women feel beautiful, confident, and unapologetically themselves is truly fulfilling.
What’s happening next in your business?
Exciting times lie ahead for Proud Poppy Clothing! We’ve recently celebrated the grand opening of our fourth store in Toowoomba, and the response from the community has been incredible.
In just a few weeks, we’ll be opening our doors to the beautiful town of Maroochydore with store number five. We can’t wait to connect with the community there and bring Proud Poppy’s message of self-expression and self-love to even more women.
One of the things that sets Proud Poppy Clothing apart is our dedication to size inclusivity. We believe that every woman, regardless of her size, deserves to have access to stylish and well-fitting clothing. That’s why we’re proud to stock our full size range at all of our stores. Unlike some other brands that may limit their extended sizes to online-only or a select few locations, we want to ensure that every woman who walks into a Proud Poppy store can find the perfect fit and feel confident in her own skin.
What are your big plans for the future?
I am incredibly passionate about making a positive impact on women’s lives, not just in Australia, but on a global scale. We’ve come a long way in our journey to empower women of all sizes, shapes, and backgrounds, but there’s so much more to be done.
