From ER to finalist – Tara McKeon ’04

Tara McKeon (nee Hodges) ’04 has had a terrific 12 months. Formerly an Emergency Department – Critical Care Nurse, Tara changed out of her ‘scrubs’ to take the plunge in her own clothing business – ‘Proud Poppy Clothing’.

With the end of her maternity leave looming, her son Brodie two years old and knowing the potential dangers associated with nursing in a hospital emergency department, Tara was looking for a sea change. From her research she knew there was a need in the market for a clothing store that catered for women particularly in sizes 14-22 – the average size of Australian women.

Her personal experience proved that many women in that size range wanted to ‘feel confident and still look on trend’. Within a short time, Tara was recognised in the well known publication ‘Mamamia’ and her Proud Poppy Clothing online presence and socials skyrocketed. She moved into a factory in Campbellfield and has just signed a lease for a shop front in Doreen which she hopes will be opened once lockdown restrictions ease. In the meantime and with Proud Poppy Clothing turning 1 this Sunday, her online sales continue to grow. She also recruits ‘local mums, women of all shapes and sizes and diverse backgrounds to represent her brand’ something of which she is the most proud of.

Tara has just been named as a finalist in four categories for the AusMumpreneur Awards. Two of these awards are People’s Choice. Let’s get behind Tara and Vote for her (Section 5 & 7) Clink on the link below it takes 30 seconds! #EgoYah