Hi, I'm Britney Saunders and welcome to Big Business, the place where business is far from boring. And today I'm recording on gaddigul Land. Now I somehow manage to build an empire from the garage underneath my house, and I'm here to share it all with you, from the wins, the losses, the huge mistakes and the funny moments in between. So, whether you're in business, not in the game at all, you're looking for some inspiration, or you simply just want to hear the tea, this is the podcast for you. Coming up on today's episode, I'm going to be chatting with one of my great friends, Tara mckeehon. She is the founder of Proud Poppy Clothing, which is an inclusive fashion label that stocks sizes six through to thirty two. She's giving me a run for my money with that size range, let me tell you. Proud Poppy Clothing launched in twenty nineteen from a tub of clothes in Tara's hallway and has since grown into a multiple award winning brand with a global e commerce presence and brick and mortar stores in Queensland and Victoria. Before venturing into the fashion industry, Tara worked as an emergency nurse with a postgraduate degree in critical care. Her career has been diverse, including roles such as a Smirrnoff promo girl, selling Raffle tickets at the mcg and handing out yogurt samples at Woolly's. She's a proud mum of two busy kids. She truly has done it all. Tara is passionate about community and is dedicated to empowering women around the world to live their best lives unapologetically as themselves. Tara, Welcome to big Business.

Hi, I'm Britney Saunders and welcome to Big Business, the place where business is far from boring. And today I'm recording on gaddigul Land. Now I somehow manage to build an empire from the garage underneath my house, and I'm here to share it all with you, from the wins, the losses, the huge mistakes and the funny moments in between. So, whether you're in business, not in the game at all, you're looking for some inspiration, or you simply just want to hear the tea, this is the podcast for you. Coming up on today's episode, I'm going to be chatting with one of my great friends, Tara mckeehon. She is the founder of Proud Poppy Clothing, which is an inclusive fashion label that stocks sizes six through to thirty two. She's giving me a run for my money with that size range, let me tell you. Proud Poppy Clothing launched in twenty nineteen from a tub of clothes in Tara's hallway and has since grown into a multiple award winning brand with a global e commerce presence and brick and mortar stores in Queensland and Victoria. Before venturing into the fashion industry, Tara worked as an emergency nurse with a postgraduate degree in critical care. Her career has been diverse, including roles such as a Smirrnoff promo girl, selling Raffle tickets at the mcg and handing out yogurt samples at Woolly's. She's a proud mum of two busy kids. She truly has done it all. Tara is passionate about community and is dedicated to empowering women around the world to live their best lives unapologetically as themselves. Tara, Welcome to big Business.

Thank you so good to be here.

Thank you so good to be here.

Excited, so excited, You've flown all the way from the Gold Coast.

Excited, so excited, You've flown all the way from the Gold Coast.

Oh my gosh, I know, just for me, just for you.

Oh my gosh, I know, just for me, just for you.

I should have brought you a gift.

I should have brought you a gift.

You bought me coffee?

You bought me coffee?

I did, I did. Now before we get anyone on, I always liked to send our guests a bit of a questionnaire. Now, because we're friends, I didn't send you my full questionnaire. But when guests come on my podcast, I want to talk with them about just real shit. I don't want this to be a podcast. It's like, oh, business is just so great and amazing, and everything's butterflies and rainbows. So I remember texting you. I can't remember exactly what I said, but I said something along the lines of, do you have any like massive fuck ups that you've made in your business journey so far? And your response was just priceless.

I did, I did. Now before we get anyone on, I always liked to send our guests a bit of a questionnaire. Now, because we're friends, I didn't send you my full questionnaire. But when guests come on my podcast, I want to talk with them about just real shit. I don't want this to be a podcast. It's like, oh, business is just so great and amazing, and everything's butterflies and rainbows. So I remember texting you. I can't remember exactly what I said, but I said something along the lines of, do you have any like massive fuck ups that you've made in your business journey so far? And your response was just priceless.

I think I said something like, how many do you want?

I think I said something like, how many do you want?

No, you said how much time?

No, you said how much time?

How much time do we have?

How much time do we have?

Oh man? Which is so true because I think thanks to social media, you know, business can look like fun, amazing, but it's just not the reality. And what's crazy is, even though all of us are on our own business journey, we do go through a lot of similar things, especially for you and I where where in fashion I feel like even more so the things that we know.

Oh man? Which is so true because I think thanks to social media, you know, business can look like fun, amazing, but it's just not the reality. And what's crazy is, even though all of us are on our own business journey, we do go through a lot of similar things, especially for you and I where where in fashion I feel like even more so the things that we know.

And talk about it.

And talk about it.

Yeah, So that's what we're going to do today. We're going to talk about all the fucked up things that you have done.

Yeah, So that's what we're going to do today. We're going to talk about all the fucked up things that you have done.

He's so good at this.

He's so good at this.

Okay, So when I did ask you for a list of things right that we could chat about, one of the big ones that stood out to me was taking out loans within your business, and in particular, I think you mentioned a Shopify.

Okay, So when I did ask you for a list of things right that we could chat about, one of the big ones that stood out to me was taking out loans within your business, and in particular, I think you mentioned a Shopify.

Yeah, Shopify capital is a big one I think at the minute, especially for e comm brand.

Yeah, Shopify capital is a big one I think at the minute, especially for e comm brand.

For anyone that's listening and maybe doesn't know what Shopify capital is or how it works, do you want to give them a little rundown.

For anyone that's listening and maybe doesn't know what Shopify capital is or how it works, do you want to give them a little rundown.

Yeah, So Shopify Capital is something that's offered. I don't think it's offered to everyone. I think you have to qualify in the way that they I think that they get you to qualify as a See, if you're an e commerce brand and all your sales go through Shopify, they can see the rhythm of your sales, they can see the trends, they know how many sales you're put through. So then they offer you capital. So it's a click of the button. It can be up to you know, one point eight two million dollars, and you don't have to jump through any hoops like a bank would make you do. They base it strictly off the amount of sales that you have coming through, and you know, you just click click click, click click, and then it's in your bank.

Yeah, So Shopify Capital is something that's offered. I don't think it's offered to everyone. I think you have to qualify in the way that they I think that they get you to qualify as a See, if you're an e commerce brand and all your sales go through Shopify, they can see the rhythm of your sales, they can see the trends, they know how many sales you're put through. So then they offer you capital. So it's a click of the button. It can be up to you know, one point eight two million dollars, and you don't have to jump through any hoops like a bank would make you do. They base it strictly off the amount of sales that you have coming through, and you know, you just click click click, click click, and then it's in your bank.

And it's that easy.

And it's that easy.

It's so fucked.

It's so fucked.

And the funny thing is I haven't heard about or seen Shopify capital. And for those of you that don't know what Shopify is, it's the platform that we use for our websites, which is an amazing platform, and most people are using it now to.

And the funny thing is I haven't heard about or seen Shopify capital. And for those of you that don't know what Shopify is, it's the platform that we use for our websites, which is an amazing platform, and most people are using it now to.

Like, I love Shopify.

Like, I love Shopify.

They're dangerous when it comes to this kind of stuff. Yeah, And I think for me, it was only last year or maybe even this year, that I started getting on my Shopify and in my inbox it's quite literally invitations to get Shopify. I want a million bucks, yes, and so I'll get an email and it's like, hey, you can be part of shopify capital, get up to one point four million dollars.

They're dangerous when it comes to this kind of stuff. Yeah, And I think for me, it was only last year or maybe even this year, that I started getting on my Shopify and in my inbox it's quite literally invitations to get Shopify. I want a million bucks, yes, and so I'll get an email and it's like, hey, you can be part of shopify capital, get up to one point four million dollars.

Click here.

Click here.

And then when I open my Shopify dashboard, like every day I jump in, it's right there, like a huge fat banner with like cash pictures all over it, and they make it look very enticing. Yeah, and I can imagine, especially if you're a business where maybe you're going through a little bit of a financial struggle or you'd like some more money to invest into your business to grow it, which.

And then when I open my Shopify dashboard, like every day I jump in, it's right there, like a huge fat banner with like cash pictures all over it, and they make it look very enticing. Yeah, and I can imagine, especially if you're a business where maybe you're going through a little bit of a financial struggle or you'd like some more money to invest into your business to grow it, which.

We all would, Yeah, we all would.

We all would, Yeah, we all would.

We'd like some free money, why not. Yeah, they make it very accessible, and in my opinion, it's very dangerous. Like, yeah, I know when I log into my Shopify, I clicked a little X in the top and then I think you can click like I don't want to see this for another thirty days. So that's what I mean. I've been doing go away, but in your instance, yeah you freaking.

We'd like some free money, why not. Yeah, they make it very accessible, and in my opinion, it's very dangerous. Like, yeah, I know when I log into my Shopify, I clicked a little X in the top and then I think you can click like I don't want to see this for another thirty days. So that's what I mean. I've been doing go away, but in your instance, yeah you freaking.

Click, you did it a click?

Click, you did it a click?

When was this?

When was this?

So we had a situation at the end of last year where we ended up having shortage in stock, so our stock didn't come through and you would know being in fashion that you know, having that massive end of years kind of sets you up for the beginning of the next year. Absolutely it helps your cash flow. So we had a real dint in that and a drop in that, so I went into panic mode. We reached out to banks, but proud Poppies and your brand to what you have and we've only been around just coming up to five years now, so banks really want to see, you know, the history. They want four to five years worth of history, which we just didn't have. So not everyone, like I think Commonwealth came to us and said, you know, your sales are amazing, the growth should be wreck like, you should be so proud of what you've done, but come back and see us since September.

So we had a situation at the end of last year where we ended up having shortage in stock, so our stock didn't come through and you would know being in fashion that you know, having that massive end of years kind of sets you up for the beginning of the next year. Absolutely it helps your cash flow. So we had a real dint in that and a drop in that, so I went into panic mode. We reached out to banks, but proud Poppies and your brand to what you have and we've only been around just coming up to five years now, so banks really want to see, you know, the history. They want four to five years worth of history, which we just didn't have. So not everyone, like I think Commonwealth came to us and said, you know, your sales are amazing, the growth should be wreck like, you should be so proud of what you've done, but come back and see us since September.

Especially because when your business is new, even though you've been around for nearly five years, especially those first couple of years. Like I always say, it's like the trial period your business, Like you can't really use that as stats, no, because that's when you're just figuring it all out.

Especially because when your business is new, even though you've been around for nearly five years, especially those first couple of years. Like I always say, it's like the trial period your business, Like you can't really use that as stats, no, because that's when you're just figuring it all out.

Don't forget we had Covid as well in between, so there's really like two years of complete write off. But I think there's been a lot of brands that started that were COVID babies that have had this massive growth and don't really know how to tackle that moving forward. So, yeah, we had this situation where we had not enough stock coming through to be able to meet the sales that we needed to achieve. So I needed to find capital from somewhere else. Ye, we reached out to the banks. The bank said no, and there it was on the Shopify dashboard do you want a million bucks?

Don't forget we had Covid as well in between, so there's really like two years of complete write off. But I think there's been a lot of brands that started that were COVID babies that have had this massive growth and don't really know how to tackle that moving forward. So, yeah, we had this situation where we had not enough stock coming through to be able to meet the sales that we needed to achieve. So I needed to find capital from somewhere else. Ye, we reached out to the banks. The bank said no, and there it was on the Shopify dashboard do you want a million bucks?

And you were like, okay, fucking.

And you were like, okay, fucking.

Yes, I want a million bucks.

Yes, I want a million bucks.

How easy was it like when you did click through that? Like? What did you have to feel out any information?

How easy was it like when you did click through that? Like? What did you have to feel out any information?

I'm sure you did, But at the time, I think, like, looking back, there's definitely things that I would do differently because at the time, you know, you're trying to what you think is protect your business. You're trying to keep all your stuff in jobs and look after people. But you're really not protecting your business and you're not thinking about your business. You're thinking about everything else but your business. So you know, there were forms very minor like sign here, read this, scroll to the bottom.

I'm sure you did, But at the time, I think, like, looking back, there's definitely things that I would do differently because at the time, you know, you're trying to what you think is protect your business. You're trying to keep all your stuff in jobs and look after people. But you're really not protecting your business and you're not thinking about your business. You're thinking about everything else but your business. So you know, there were forms very minor like sign here, read this, scroll to the bottom.

Dick the box, an online form which again makes it so easy to just sign up to something rather than going through a bank. Can happen to do all the one hundred paperwork. Yeah wow. And so from what I've read, because I've looked at the shopify Capital, stop looking. I'm not I'm not looking to bloody sign up, but I'm curiously right from what I've read just on the banners and in those emails and stuff. So just say, like you you borrow, like, it's obviously not free money, you're gonna have.

Dick the box, an online form which again makes it so easy to just sign up to something rather than going through a bank. Can happen to do all the one hundred paperwork. Yeah wow. And so from what I've read, because I've looked at the shopify Capital, stop looking. I'm not I'm not looking to bloody sign up, but I'm curiously right from what I've read just on the banners and in those emails and stuff. So just say, like you you borrow, like, it's obviously not free money, you're gonna have.

To pay it back one hundred percent. Yeah, like, and it's crazy.

To pay it back one hundred percent. Yeah, like, and it's crazy.

And the way that shopify Capital works is because you're getting this money through this system that you're using, they then deduct what you owe them through your daily sales.

And the way that shopify Capital works is because you're getting this money through this system that you're using, they then deduct what you owe them through your daily sales.

Every day.

Every day.

Every day they're pulling money out, yeah, every day. So then the other thing is as well, like obviously just say, if you borrow one point five million from them, you're not going to pay back one point five million, do you know, like what kind of interest they were charging you?

Every day they're pulling money out, yeah, every day. So then the other thing is as well, like obviously just say, if you borrow one point five million from them, you're not going to pay back one point five million, do you know, like what kind of interest they were charging you?

So they do something where they give you an amount at the start, which is your interest overall?

So they do something where they give you an amount at the start, which is your interest overall?

And do they just dump the money into your bank account?

And do they just dump the money into your bank account?

Done just like your daily Shopify payout in your bank account.

Done just like your daily Shopify payout in your bank account.

So they just put that, like, can you say how much you've got off them?

So they just put that, like, can you say how much you've got off them?

One point five million dollars?

One point five million dollars?

Wow? Yeah, so you just have one point five straight into your bank account. Yep, that's insane.

Wow? Yeah, so you just have one point five straight into your bank account. Yep, that's insane.

Wow.

Wow.

Did you feel like rich for a second for about a minute to spend it? Yeah? So you got the money? Yeah, and then what was the plan? Like? What were you got?

Did you feel like rich for a second for about a minute to spend it? Yeah? So you got the money? Yeah, and then what was the plan? Like? What were you got?

Plan was just to help bridge with some stock, so stock that we'd planned in with supplies that we had really good terms with that that stock hadn't come through, so I needed to find something else. But I needed to pay for all of our stock upfront, so there was no you know how you can get thirty days, ninety days, whatever your payment terms are. It was pay up front. So I needed to come up with enough money to be able to get us through the season upfront, which we didn't have. But I needed to find it somewhere otherwise I would have had to really scale the business back what should have been a really pivotal moment in our business, and it should have been the biggest season we had. So it was really shit. It was really stressful. I didn't want to let anyone go. I didn't want to make any of my staff redundant. I didn't want to do anything. But you know, I have a really great brand. I still have a great brand, but at that time, it was something that I'd never encountered before, like this, what do you mean there's no stock. I remember sitting in the meeting with somebody and finally realizing this person that was meant to help me bring the stock in that it wasn't even on the like in production. So when someone says stock is coming to me, it's on the fucking boat coming. So at least getting made.

Plan was just to help bridge with some stock, so stock that we'd planned in with supplies that we had really good terms with that that stock hadn't come through, so I needed to find something else. But I needed to pay for all of our stock upfront, so there was no you know how you can get thirty days, ninety days, whatever your payment terms are. It was pay up front. So I needed to come up with enough money to be able to get us through the season upfront, which we didn't have. But I needed to find it somewhere otherwise I would have had to really scale the business back what should have been a really pivotal moment in our business, and it should have been the biggest season we had. So it was really shit. It was really stressful. I didn't want to let anyone go. I didn't want to make any of my staff redundant. I didn't want to do anything. But you know, I have a really great brand. I still have a great brand, but at that time, it was something that I'd never encountered before, like this, what do you mean there's no stock. I remember sitting in the meeting with somebody and finally realizing this person that was meant to help me bring the stock in that it wasn't even on the like in production. So when someone says stock is coming to me, it's on the fucking boat coming. So at least getting made.

But it wasn't even getting made at all.

But it wasn't even getting made at all.

No, and we were in September, so yeah, shit. Yeah.

No, and we were in September, so yeah, shit. Yeah.

And so when you got the loan and they put all the money into your bank account, is it then like immediately that you will start paying them back? Like from the moment shop, I think.

And so when you got the loan and they put all the money into your bank account, is it then like immediately that you will start paying them back? Like from the moment shop, I think.

You get like a grace period, but it's not very long, Like it's a couple of.

You get like a grace period, but it's not very long, Like it's a couple of.

Days maybe, and every day is it? How do they calculate what they're taking back?

Days maybe, and every day is it? How do they calculate what they're taking back?

So you agree on a percentage at the start, there's little to no negotiation. So like, our percentage was seventeen percent, So seventeen percent of your daily sales.

So you agree on a percentage at the start, there's little to no negotiation. So like, our percentage was seventeen percent, So seventeen percent of your daily sales.

Which is huge through business, Like seventeen percent of your daily sales just out the door.

Which is huge through business, Like seventeen percent of your daily sales just out the door.

Gone wow, yeah, so seventeen percent every day taken out. Yeah, so as a killer, But you don't really think about that at the time. You're like, Okay, how am I going to get this stock? Let's deal with this problem. But all it does is fix one problem and then until you've paid, until that loan's gone, you are not making You're just selling to sell. Yeah wow, with no profit. That's crazy wild. And there's so many businesses out there, like great brands, really big brands that I know that have either got this in about to go under. Like it's just it's so prevalent out there in the industry, but no one talks about it. No, I'm really lucky that I'm in quite a few little circles where you know, we can collaborate and share information, Like I feel like you and I are very similar like that where it's not so much.

Gone wow, yeah, so seventeen percent every day taken out. Yeah, so as a killer, But you don't really think about that at the time. You're like, Okay, how am I going to get this stock? Let's deal with this problem. But all it does is fix one problem and then until you've paid, until that loan's gone, you are not making You're just selling to sell. Yeah wow, with no profit. That's crazy wild. And there's so many businesses out there, like great brands, really big brands that I know that have either got this in about to go under. Like it's just it's so prevalent out there in the industry, but no one talks about it. No, I'm really lucky that I'm in quite a few little circles where you know, we can collaborate and share information, Like I feel like you and I are very similar like that where it's not so much.

I love when I get my nightly text from you and you're like blowing up about something and I'm just like, tell me all about it.

I love when I get my nightly text from you and you're like blowing up about something and I'm just like, tell me all about it.

Well, you know, it's really nice to have people that you can collaborate with and share and be at like. It can be really lonely running a business. But I guess through speaking to these brands, I've seen people like founders just break down because they've got these amazing brands and they've taken this out to really take their business to the next level, and all it has done is destroy them.

Well, you know, it's really nice to have people that you can collaborate with and share and be at like. It can be really lonely running a business. But I guess through speaking to these brands, I've seen people like founders just break down because they've got these amazing brands and they've taken this out to really take their business to the next level, and all it has done is destroy them.

And I think that's one of the scariest things about being in business is you can have this really successful business. You know, you've got lots of customers, you've got lots of orders or clients, whatever the business may be, but you're always just one wrong decision away from fucking up the whole thing.

And I think that's one of the scariest things about being in business is you can have this really successful business. You know, you've got lots of customers, you've got lots of orders or clients, whatever the business may be, but you're always just one wrong decision away from fucking up the whole thing.

Thanks for reminding me.

Thanks for reminding me.

But that's one of the scary things for me. I'm not saying for you.

But that's one of the scary things for me. I'm not saying for you.

Yeah, I get it, I get dig at you ahead of us are.

Yeah, I get it, I get dig at you ahead of us are.

Going so great and you've got thousands of customers, You as the owner or any of us owners, can just make one choice that we might think got so much responsibility. Yeah, you can make one decision that can essentially change everything.

Going so great and you've got thousands of customers, You as the owner or any of us owners, can just make one choice that we might think got so much responsibility. Yeah, you can make one decision that can essentially change everything.

Yep.

Yep.

Wow, which clickity click click.

Wow, which clickity click click.

That's what I did.

That's what I did.

What has been your biggest lesson out of taking out that loan with Shopify?

What has been your biggest lesson out of taking out that loan with Shopify?

I think at the time, what I was trying to do was protect my team, protect the jobs, protect the business, continue to scale. If I had my time again and I was put in that same position, I would just have to make those really difficult decisions, have those hard conversations, and scale back. It was a lesson that I learned from trusting someone that I probably shouldn't have trusted. But there gets to a point where you have to trust someone. You can't do it on your own forever.

I think at the time, what I was trying to do was protect my team, protect the jobs, protect the business, continue to scale. If I had my time again and I was put in that same position, I would just have to make those really difficult decisions, have those hard conversations, and scale back. It was a lesson that I learned from trusting someone that I probably shouldn't have trusted. But there gets to a point where you have to trust someone. You can't do it on your own forever.

No, And that's what another scary thing about business is putting that trust into people, but are going to help you run your business?

No, And that's what another scary thing about business is putting that trust into people, but are going to help you run your business?

Well, I'm never fucking trusting anyone to get.

Well, I'm never fucking trusting anyone to get.

Hard conversations easy live. Yeah. So if you could do it all again, you would have scaled back the business instead.

Hard conversations easy live. Yeah. So if you could do it all again, you would have scaled back the business instead.

Well, a lot of the people that I was trying to look after and not with me anymore, because they can go get another job, they can move on, their life changes. This is it for me is I'm all in. This is my passion, this is my business, this is my baby, you know, so I need to protect the business absolutely right yea.

Well, a lot of the people that I was trying to look after and not with me anymore, because they can go get another job, they can move on, their life changes. This is it for me is I'm all in. This is my passion, this is my business, this is my baby, you know, so I need to protect the business absolutely right yea.

And for those listening that maybe haven't heard of you, do you want to give us like a brief little overhaul of like Proud Poppy and why you started it and so it all came to be.

And for those listening that maybe haven't heard of you, do you want to give us like a brief little overhaul of like Proud Poppy and why you started it and so it all came to be.

Proud Poppy was a brand that I started in twenty nineteen, so not that long ago really at all. I am an emergencyness so I've cared for lots of people that have come through the doors, all different shape, sizes, backgrounds, abilities, And one thing that you know, really stood out for me was there's so many different people out there that are going through so many different things that cause their bodies to change. Whether it's you know, you're having a baby or whether you're training for the marathon. You know, it goes both ways. And everyone just wants to feel good, even on your darkest days. But there's so many people out there that aren't represented. Or you know, there's brands that stock sizes but only online and not in store, so they want them to shop online secretly, but don't be seen in our store, you know, And it just really just irked me. So I used to be one hundred and forty kilos. I think I was up to about a size twenty four, and I ended up going on maternity leave. I lost some weight after my baby, and I just I didn't really want to go back to nursing, but I wanted to do something that would help women in another way. And I used to sit at this little cafe in my hometown and I used to watch people go into this little store. Women they'd go in, they'd go out. I was a size twenty four. I couldn't shop there, and I'd watch all women come in and go out with a bag, all different sizes, but just no plus sized gals. And I would say to my husband, God, I wish I could shop in that store, and he would say one day, one day. And then one day I got down I think to a size eighteen, and I would managed to go into the store and I found one dress fit. And it was like a huge moment because I'd sat across the road at the bar and the restaurant, eating three entrees and just watching all these women shop. And I ended up going in and I found one dress. It was horrible. It was loose, but I bought it because it fit, and I remember thinking, how good's this? I can finally shop here. And then I went home and I was like, I've watched people come in and out. How come me as like a size eighteen, eight twenty could find one dress?

Proud Poppy was a brand that I started in twenty nineteen, so not that long ago really at all. I am an emergencyness so I've cared for lots of people that have come through the doors, all different shape, sizes, backgrounds, abilities, And one thing that you know, really stood out for me was there's so many different people out there that are going through so many different things that cause their bodies to change. Whether it's you know, you're having a baby or whether you're training for the marathon. You know, it goes both ways. And everyone just wants to feel good, even on your darkest days. But there's so many people out there that aren't represented. Or you know, there's brands that stock sizes but only online and not in store, so they want them to shop online secretly, but don't be seen in our store, you know, And it just really just irked me. So I used to be one hundred and forty kilos. I think I was up to about a size twenty four, and I ended up going on maternity leave. I lost some weight after my baby, and I just I didn't really want to go back to nursing, but I wanted to do something that would help women in another way. And I used to sit at this little cafe in my hometown and I used to watch people go into this little store. Women they'd go in, they'd go out. I was a size twenty four. I couldn't shop there, and I'd watch all women come in and go out with a bag, all different sizes, but just no plus sized gals. And I would say to my husband, God, I wish I could shop in that store, and he would say one day, one day. And then one day I got down I think to a size eighteen, and I would managed to go into the store and I found one dress fit. And it was like a huge moment because I'd sat across the road at the bar and the restaurant, eating three entrees and just watching all these women shop. And I ended up going in and I found one dress. It was horrible. It was loose, but I bought it because it fit, and I remember thinking, how good's this? I can finally shop here. And then I went home and I was like, I've watched people come in and out. How come me as like a size eighteen, eight twenty could find one dress?

Like?

Like?

Why was there only one option for me? And so I got really mad and I said to my husband, I think, you know, I think I can do a better job of this because there's so many women, Like I'd lost a lot of weight, I wasn't even at my largest, but there still wasn't any options for me. So I wanted to create a space where whether you were a size six or a size twenty six, you could come in store and have a beautiful shopping experience. You could shop online, just to have a beautiful space for everybody to feel welcomed and represented. Very similar to your story, Like not the story, but very similar values.

Why was there only one option for me? And so I got really mad and I said to my husband, I think, you know, I think I can do a better job of this because there's so many women, Like I'd lost a lot of weight, I wasn't even at my largest, but there still wasn't any options for me. So I wanted to create a space where whether you were a size six or a size twenty six, you could come in store and have a beautiful shopping experience. You could shop online, just to have a beautiful space for everybody to feel welcomed and represented. Very similar to your story, Like not the story, but very similar values.

I think, Yeah, you were competitor. I'm kidding, I'm kidding. I love that pitch of proud Poppy. You didn't start at once just then.

I think, Yeah, you were competitor. I'm kidding, I'm kidding. I love that pitch of proud Poppy. You didn't start at once just then.

I've said it a couple of times, but I think it's I think it's like, it's definitely a passion of mine. I didn't start Proud Poppy to be a massive business, and I think that's where a bit of my downfall is too, because I don't know how to manage a business. I'm learning on the run. I'm an ex nurse. I started from a tub of clothes in my hallway and now it's just gone astronomical over a few years. So I'm going to fuck up along the way. I'm going to make mistakes because you only know what you know.

I've said it a couple of times, but I think it's I think it's like, it's definitely a passion of mine. I didn't start Proud Poppy to be a massive business, and I think that's where a bit of my downfall is too, because I don't know how to manage a business. I'm learning on the run. I'm an ex nurse. I started from a tub of clothes in my hallway and now it's just gone astronomical over a few years. So I'm going to fuck up along the way. I'm going to make mistakes because you only know what you know.

Yeah, we're going to fuck up forever. I think forever. Like and I always say on my podcast here, like I think the bigger we get, like, the more fuck ups we're going to make. We're dealing with things every day that is just new and we're like we're experiencing this for the first time ourselves as well. Everything's new to me so too, But I think that's the beauty of it.

Yeah, we're going to fuck up forever. I think forever. Like and I always say on my podcast here, like I think the bigger we get, like, the more fuck ups we're going to make. We're dealing with things every day that is just new and we're like we're experiencing this for the first time ourselves as well. Everything's new to me so too, But I think that's the beauty of it.

Yeah, and I like say, they're not mistakes, they're lessons, right, because you'll never do the same thing again.

Yeah, and I like say, they're not mistakes, they're lessons, right, because you'll never do the same thing again.

You're saying all the stuff that I say on this podcast.

You're saying all the stuff that I say on this podcast.

Yeah, this is I take notes.

Yeah, this is I take notes.

Oh, I love it well. I love the story of Proud Poppy, And I think even though you and I are. Essentially we're not competitive, don't I think so?

Oh, I love it well. I love the story of Proud Poppy, And I think even though you and I are. Essentially we're not competitive, don't I think so?

I don't see, But I also think I've always said that the more women or people that we can get out there who are confident, and we say, we don't sell dresses, we sell confidence, we sell a feeling. So the more people that we can get out there living their best lives and just not giving a shit about what other people think, that's going to be better for everyone because they're going to want to come and shop, They're going to want to be a part of our community. So you know, the more you inspire people and the more confidence you give people, the better it is for me in the lovely right.

I don't see, But I also think I've always said that the more women or people that we can get out there who are confident, and we say, we don't sell dresses, we sell confidence, we sell a feeling. So the more people that we can get out there living their best lives and just not giving a shit about what other people think, that's going to be better for everyone because they're going to want to come and shop, They're going to want to be a part of our community. So you know, the more you inspire people and the more confidence you give people, the better it is for me in the lovely right.

And I would see any fashion brand as a competitor of ours because I just think like more power to women, the better. And that's why I have loved connecting with you. We do love a wine, but also we do love a wine. And Tara, you do a lot of pop up shops. Yeah, maybe we can keep that for another episode, like all about pop up shop yecause I know nothing about pop up shops and our community is always asking.

And I would see any fashion brand as a competitor of ours because I just think like more power to women, the better. And that's why I have loved connecting with you. We do love a wine, but also we do love a wine. And Tara, you do a lot of pop up shops. Yeah, maybe we can keep that for another episode, like all about pop up shop yecause I know nothing about pop up shops and our community is always asking.

I definitely think you should do a pop up shot.

I definitely think you should do a pop up shot.

Really, Yeah, it seems like a whole lot of fucking words. It really is like you have a truck, right, Yeah, you have a whole like semi trailer truck. Well, no, a mini one, like I can drive it.

Really, Yeah, it seems like a whole lot of fucking words. It really is like you have a truck, right, Yeah, you have a whole like semi trailer truck. Well, no, a mini one, like I can drive it.

Okay, I'm not a truck driver.

Okay, I'm not a truck driver.

Yeah, but it's a truck.

Yeah, but it's a truck.

Yeah.

Yeah.

You truck your sheep to different states?

You truck your sheep to different states?

Yeah? Fuck, we're going to Cans this weekend.

Yeah? Fuck, we're going to Cans this weekend.

Can yeah be driving there? No? Oh, you're getting someone else to drive the truck.

Can yeah be driving there? No? Oh, you're getting someone else to drive the truck.

We're gonna ship the stuff to kid.

We're gonna ship the stuff to kid.

Oh yes, yeah, that'd be a big drive. Yeah, it's really hot up there.

Oh yes, yeah, that'd be a big drive. Yeah, it's really hot up there.

I've heard it's gonna be lovely.

I've heard it's gonna be lovely.

Yeah, I bet compared to Foggy Sinky today. But I have loved being able to connect with you. And I remember you posted because I follow your account and the Proud Poppy account and you posted like a little graphic and you were like Proud Poppy is coming to Newcastle and then I DMed it to you straight away and I was like, oh my god, this is so cool.

Yeah, I bet compared to Foggy Sinky today. But I have loved being able to connect with you. And I remember you posted because I follow your account and the Proud Poppy account and you posted like a little graphic and you were like Proud Poppy is coming to Newcastle and then I DMed it to you straight away and I was like, oh my god, this is so cool.

And it was really near your shop.

And it was really near your shop.

It was like and I didn't know it and I was like, oh, this is mad. And I message was like, oh my god, this is epic, and You're like, I'm so fucking sorry. Like, I had no idea, and I'm like, Tara, why are you sorry? I said, this is great, and I saw that as an opportunity for both of us to come together and collaborate. So then I came up with this idea for us to do a skit as an Instagram reel And when was this? When was it that you came down?

It was like and I didn't know it and I was like, oh, this is mad. And I message was like, oh my god, this is epic, and You're like, I'm so fucking sorry. Like, I had no idea, and I'm like, Tara, why are you sorry? I said, this is great, and I saw that as an opportunity for both of us to come together and collaborate. So then I came up with this idea for us to do a skit as an Instagram reel And when was this? When was it that you came down?

God, I don't know. I've still got the scars on my knee from when I fell over and the street going to outdo.

God, I don't know. I've still got the scars on my knee from when I fell over and the street going to outdo.

So we got together and we made this reel, which you can still find on both of our ines.

So we got together and we made this reel, which you can still find on both of our ines.

Definitely watch it. We're pretty funny.

Definitely watch it. We're pretty funny.

It is good, and so the whole skit is it's me in my shop and then my phone dings and then I'm like, oh, proud Poppies coming to Newcastle. And then I look a bit closer and then I realized that the address is across the street, and I'm like those bitches, and then I storm across the road like it's a whole video thing, and I walk into Tara's pop up shop and she's there like awkwardly baby, and it's this like awkward moment. But then we come together and we stand each other around we're skipping down the street and then I'm in her store and you come to mine, and then it was just this like video about women supporting women in those things that people just wouldn't.

It is good, and so the whole skit is it's me in my shop and then my phone dings and then I'm like, oh, proud Poppies coming to Newcastle. And then I look a bit closer and then I realized that the address is across the street, and I'm like those bitches, and then I storm across the road like it's a whole video thing, and I walk into Tara's pop up shop and she's there like awkwardly baby, and it's this like awkward moment. But then we come together and we stand each other around we're skipping down the street and then I'm in her store and you come to mine, and then it was just this like video about women supporting women in those things that people just wouldn't.

Expect us to be friends.

Expect us to be friends.

See, well, I'm all for that. Like even if you're two business owners in the same sort of industry, yeah, come together. Yeah, Like with more people, there's more power one hundred percent. And I would love more businesses that are even similar businesses to come together and support one another. Like how you say you're in all these exclusive groups, Like I feel like I'm missing out.

See, well, I'm all for that. Like even if you're two business owners in the same sort of industry, yeah, come together. Yeah, Like with more people, there's more power one hundred percent. And I would love more businesses that are even similar businesses to come together and support one another. Like how you say you're in all these exclusive groups, Like I feel like I'm missing out.

I know you've got all these sound like a wank, no, Like in e commerce, there's so many communities that you know, you just have to get your own newcastle, so you're very limited with that. In my own bubble, you're in your own bubble. You are your own exclusive groups. So you know, and I think that I saw a quote that said, you know, collaboration happens at the top, which is something when you're confident in your brand. But also I guess when you're doing things, Yes, we're running a business, but when you're really passionate about it, then you're more open to collaboration. Rather than competition.

I know you've got all these sound like a wank, no, Like in e commerce, there's so many communities that you know, you just have to get your own newcastle, so you're very limited with that. In my own bubble, you're in your own bubble. You are your own exclusive groups. So you know, and I think that I saw a quote that said, you know, collaboration happens at the top, which is something when you're confident in your brand. But also I guess when you're doing things, Yes, we're running a business, but when you're really passionate about it, then you're more open to collaboration. Rather than competition.

Yes, and I love being connected with you and a few other women that are in similar businesses to us, and we share our ideas with each other. Yeah. The other day I was at work with one of my staff and I texted something to Marissa, who's from the Laala By Club, which is another women's fashion brand, and Kim, who I was sitting with at the time, She's like, I love that you two are messaging each other things like to help one another with your businesses. And I'm like, yeah, but I'm like, I'm all for that. I think we should see more of that in our industry and in all industries. What's the point of just like being out there doing your own thing when you could be.

Yes, and I love being connected with you and a few other women that are in similar businesses to us, and we share our ideas with each other. Yeah. The other day I was at work with one of my staff and I texted something to Marissa, who's from the Laala By Club, which is another women's fashion brand, and Kim, who I was sitting with at the time, She's like, I love that you two are messaging each other things like to help one another with your businesses. And I'm like, yeah, but I'm like, I'm all for that. I think we should see more of that in our industry and in all industries. What's the point of just like being out there doing your own thing when you could be.

Connected lonely it's really lonely.

Connected lonely it's really lonely.

It's great to catch up over a wine and talk shit. Definitely, before we came into the studio, we sat outside with our ice. We didn't sit outside, we sat inside because it's freezing without slack. Because when I love that, I'm an iced drink person all year round, even just fresh.

It's great to catch up over a wine and talk shit. Definitely, before we came into the studio, we sat outside with our ice. We didn't sit outside, we sat inside because it's freezing without slack. Because when I love that, I'm an iced drink person all year round, even just fresh.

Have you had a Marcher, Yes, and the much I don't even know how to say that I love.

Have you had a Marcher, Yes, and the much I don't even know how to say that I love.

But I've only had a much at my cafe, and I know it's good. I've never tried one outside.

But I've only had a much at my cafe, and I know it's good. I've never tried one outside.

I only ever had one, and I'm like, yeah, I drink much like.

I only ever had one, and I'm like, yeah, I drink much like.

It's a very big trend at the moment, isn't it. But when we were outside, we were chatting, and you were talking about how you feel like you don't have enough time to do anything, live, to live and to do all the things that you want to do, and you've got all this shit going on, but you just want to focus on growing the business. And I think I can definitely relate to that as well as probably all about business owner and entrepreneur listeners, is that you just always have that feeling of not being able to do anything.

It's a very big trend at the moment, isn't it. But when we were outside, we were chatting, and you were talking about how you feel like you don't have enough time to do anything, live, to live and to do all the things that you want to do, and you've got all this shit going on, but you just want to focus on growing the business. And I think I can definitely relate to that as well as probably all about business owner and entrepreneur listeners, is that you just always have that feeling of not being able to do anything.

To do list is never done. What's the point of even having to do just to roll it over to the next day.

To do list is never done. What's the point of even having to do just to roll it over to the next day.

I'm just going to move those to the next day and the next day and the next day. But one thing that I guess fascinates me and something that I have an experience that I'd love to hear your experience on, is how do you juggle doing everything that you do running your business, having all these stuff, all these pop up shops going all around the country, and you also are a mum of two.

I'm just going to move those to the next day and the next day and the next day. But one thing that I guess fascinates me and something that I have an experience that I'd love to hear your experience on, is how do you juggle doing everything that you do running your business, having all these stuff, all these pop up shops going all around the country, and you also are a mum of two.

Yes, I have the children. Yes, I have the children.

Yes, I have the children. Yes, I have the children.

Did you have your kids once Proud Poppy had started or before?

Did you have your kids once Proud Poppy had started or before?

So I had Brody. So my son is six, he was little, yeah, and then Charlie was during during.

So I had Brody. So my son is six, he was little, yeah, and then Charlie was during during.

Yeah, how did you find that?

Yeah, how did you find that?

At the start with Brody, well, it kind of was. We were in COVID and lockdown, so it was very very different. But with Charlie. I so Charlie's two and a bit. I was booked in for an induction. So when they make the baby come for those listening and Britney teach me everywhere, and I was booked in for an induction. So the day and that was say, the Wednesday, the day before I was back to back with meetings. I'm like, I'm gonna get my shit done.

At the start with Brody, well, it kind of was. We were in COVID and lockdown, so it was very very different. But with Charlie. I so Charlie's two and a bit. I was booked in for an induction. So when they make the baby come for those listening and Britney teach me everywhere, and I was booked in for an induction. So the day and that was say, the Wednesday, the day before I was back to back with meetings. I'm like, I'm gonna get my shit done.

And I went right up and took the day before.

And I went right up and took the day before.

Yeah. And then the baby came a day early, didn't she? Yeah, so rude, so serush with my plans. Luckily she came really fast. So then I was literally on zoom calls in the birthing suite and the midwives would come in and I was like, I'm just in a meeting and I think I just thought I was like kidding, but I was like, I'm actually on a call, like the baby was out, but there was still he's.

Yeah. And then the baby came a day early, didn't she? Yeah, so rude, so serush with my plans. Luckily she came really fast. So then I was literally on zoom calls in the birthing suite and the midwives would come in and I was like, I'm just in a meeting and I think I just thought I was like kidding, but I was like, I'm actually on a call, like the baby was out, but there was still he's.

Just chilling next to you and you're on a call straight away.

Just chilling next to you and you're on a call straight away.

Yeah, because I was booked Dar, I had a lot going on.

Yeah, because I was booked Dar, I had a lot going on.

You are hustling.

You are hustling.

It was wild. So anyway, I wanted to get through because I really wanted to try and have two weeks off with my new one just too Yeah, but I didn't. I ended up. I think I ended up going into the office on the day on the way home stop, which yeah, it was. It was a lot. So I've always been really busy. It's definitely harder with Charlie than what it was with Brodie, just because of the growth and the expansion the business had seen. And I really wanted to be like more present because I definitely have regrets from when Brody was little, like really little, about not being as present because that was when you know, I was doing all the product uploads I was driving into the city because I didn't want to pay twenty five dollars for my box of freight to be delivered to me, so I drive in to get it to set it.

It was wild. So anyway, I wanted to get through because I really wanted to try and have two weeks off with my new one just too Yeah, but I didn't. I ended up. I think I ended up going into the office on the day on the way home stop, which yeah, it was. It was a lot. So I've always been really busy. It's definitely harder with Charlie than what it was with Brodie, just because of the growth and the expansion the business had seen. And I really wanted to be like more present because I definitely have regrets from when Brody was little, like really little, about not being as present because that was when you know, I was doing all the product uploads I was driving into the city because I didn't want to pay twenty five dollars for my box of freight to be delivered to me, so I drive in to get it to set it.

Funny, like you know, when you're starting out of business like that example that you just gave the things that you eventually learned that it's better to just pay for.

Funny, like you know, when you're starting out of business like that example that you just gave the things that you eventually learned that it's better to just pay for.

Yeah, so your time.

Yeah, so your time.

Can Yeah you can spend your time on other things.

Can Yeah you can spend your time on other things.

Yeah, if you can. But I think at the time, like I didn't have that money, so everything went back in. But definitely now, like I always look at outsourcing what I'm not good at, especially all what's going to take me heaps of time because it's not a good use of my time. You really have to manage your time.

Yeah, if you can. But I think at the time, like I didn't have that money, so everything went back in. But definitely now, like I always look at outsourcing what I'm not good at, especially all what's going to take me heaps of time because it's not a good use of my time. You really have to manage your time.

Yeah, and how do you manage that? Not Wow, I'm wanting some advice here.

Yeah, and how do you manage that? Not Wow, I'm wanting some advice here.

Not, well, I have a to do list and another to do.

Not, well, I have a to do list and another to do.

List, and then you have the to do list for your kids.

List, and then you have the to do list for your kids.

For the to do list, yes, yeah, because.

For the to do list, yes, yeah, because.

I feel like I know obviously know nothing about being a mum, but like I can only imagine that being a mum is a full time job and a half and more.

I feel like I know obviously know nothing about being a mum, but like I can only imagine that being a mum is a full time job and a half and more.

Yeah, I'm really lucky, Like we've got my mum helps with the kids, So I don't have anything against nanny's But I think that it was my regrets of not being as present with Brody, like not his hands on, Like it's still when I say that he was in the office, sleeping, importer cribs and stuff with me. But it's just that mum gelt mums or no, it's mum Guelt. And I think, you know, even when I was emergency nursing, if I got a night shift on Christmas, I wouldn't be at Christmas. I would be miss birthdays. But it's because I feel like I'm choosing this life. When nursing was like, this is your roster, this is what you have to do, so no one ever questioned it. Where now I'm like, well, I'm actually choosing this, which is just not right. But it's just a mental thing. Yeah. So my mum actually helps as nanny, but the kids just think it's grandma.

Yeah, I'm really lucky, Like we've got my mum helps with the kids, So I don't have anything against nanny's But I think that it was my regrets of not being as present with Brody, like not his hands on, Like it's still when I say that he was in the office, sleeping, importer cribs and stuff with me. But it's just that mum gelt mums or no, it's mum Guelt. And I think, you know, even when I was emergency nursing, if I got a night shift on Christmas, I wouldn't be at Christmas. I would be miss birthdays. But it's because I feel like I'm choosing this life. When nursing was like, this is your roster, this is what you have to do, so no one ever questioned it. Where now I'm like, well, I'm actually choosing this, which is just not right. But it's just a mental thing. Yeah. So my mum actually helps as nanny, but the kids just think it's grandma.

It's actually a nanny.

It's actually a nanny.

Yeah, so Monday to Friday she helps in the morning till we get home from work, like my son's at school and Charlie goes to daycare a few days. But she just helps keep things, you know, my shit together a little bit.

Yeah, so Monday to Friday she helps in the morning till we get home from work, like my son's at school and Charlie goes to daycare a few days. But she just helps keep things, you know, my shit together a little bit.

Do you feel like you could do it all if you didn't have the help of your mum.

Do you feel like you could do it all if you didn't have the help of your mum.

I could, but Charlie would be in full time care as well, and I like, I love her daycare and I've got nothing against that, like Brody was in full time care, but I just didn't want to do that this time around. I definitely still think it's hard, just like if they're unwell, sometimes I can't stay home with them and all I want to do is cuddle up with them on the couch, or you know, if I've got a call, or if I have to go to cans or you know, pop up shop because I don't have the staff and we've committed to it. You know, that's really hard.

I could, but Charlie would be in full time care as well, and I like, I love her daycare and I've got nothing against that, like Brody was in full time care, but I just didn't want to do that this time around. I definitely still think it's hard, just like if they're unwell, sometimes I can't stay home with them and all I want to do is cuddle up with them on the couch, or you know, if I've got a call, or if I have to go to cans or you know, pop up shop because I don't have the staff and we've committed to it. You know, that's really hard.

Because you go to all of your pop up shops right like you're there.

Because you go to all of your pop up shops right like you're there.

Yeah, I have most of them, most of them. Yeah, I probably will have to step back from doing that a little bit. But I still I love getting out there and meeting the community, so I don't want to lose that aspect. But because I do so much in the business, if I go to a pop up shop Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, I lose four days because I work on the weekends. I feel you, you know, So I'm still catching up from a month ago when we're in Adelaide.

Yeah, I have most of them, most of them. Yeah, I probably will have to step back from doing that a little bit. But I still I love getting out there and meeting the community, so I don't want to lose that aspect. But because I do so much in the business, if I go to a pop up shop Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, I lose four days because I work on the weekends. I feel you, you know, So I'm still catching up from a month ago when we're in Adelaide.

I'm still recovering from Boxing Day last year. Let me tell you, I'm still trying to get over that. I think that's one of the hard things when you are a business owner, as well as learning that you do need to step away from certain things. And not that I have mum guilt or anything like that, but I think I get like business owner guilt.

I'm still recovering from Boxing Day last year. Let me tell you, I'm still trying to get over that. I think that's one of the hard things when you are a business owner, as well as learning that you do need to step away from certain things. And not that I have mum guilt or anything like that, but I think I get like business owner guilt.

Yeah, it's all relative.

Yeah, it's all relative.

You know. When we open new stores, I'm always there for the opening, but I'm there for a couple of days or maybe a few days. And every store that we've opened, I've been there less and less and less, Like I be there for the time that I know I need to be and then I know I need to go. Whereas when we opened our second store in Sydney, I work there for like fourteen days straight because I was like I need to be here, like I can't just go home.

You know. When we open new stores, I'm always there for the opening, but I'm there for a couple of days or maybe a few days. And every store that we've opened, I've been there less and less and less, Like I be there for the time that I know I need to be and then I know I need to go. Whereas when we opened our second store in Sydney, I work there for like fourteen days straight because I was like I need to be here, like I can't just go home.

Yeah, but you want to be there too.

Yeah, but you want to be there too.

Yes, that's a really hard thing. It's like you want to be on the ground doing all the nitty gritty things. Yeah, but then you've also got like to run the company.

Yes, that's a really hard thing. It's like you want to be on the ground doing all the nitty gritty things. Yeah, but then you've also got like to run the company.

Yeah, I know, the boring stuff, the boring stuff that no one else can do real. So as fun as it is to spend as much time in the stores and pop ups, you've got to do the real shit.

Yeah, I know, the boring stuff, the boring stuff that no one else can do real. So as fun as it is to spend as much time in the stores and pop ups, you've got to do the real shit.

Otherwise you're going home and getting on your otherwise again shopery loans and you haven't meetings in the birthing suite. What would be your advice? What would be your advice to anyone out there that, let's say, is a mom and they're starting up a business or they're in business for a couple of years and they're trying to juggle it all and scale a business, but you know, be there as a mom, and what would be your overall advice to them.

Otherwise you're going home and getting on your otherwise again shopery loans and you haven't meetings in the birthing suite. What would be your advice? What would be your advice to anyone out there that, let's say, is a mom and they're starting up a business or they're in business for a couple of years and they're trying to juggle it all and scale a business, but you know, be there as a mom, and what would be your overall advice to them.

The best piece of advice I've ever been given was from one of my old next door neighbors who had five kids.

The best piece of advice I've ever been given was from one of my old next door neighbors who had five kids.

Wow.

Wow.

I was just like, how the hell do you do it? Like, I'm about to have another one. I can't even can't even manage one. Now I'm gonna have another one. And the best thing she ever said to me, And at the time, I was like, that's so weird, but it resonates was lower your standards so and you what. Yeah, I was like, Okay, weird, but whatever, But I love her. I love her. If she ever listens to this, I love her. But she knows exactly what I mean. But you know, you as a mom, especially if you're a first time mum, like I'm definitely more relaxed as a second second time round. But you just have this. You put such a high amount of pressure on everything being perfect and having all your ducks in a row, and you know, doing everything to one hundred percent, and all you're gonna do is stretch yourself. So you really just need to prioritize what's actually important. Time Block your time, even if that means, like I know this sounds terrible, but time block the time that you're going to spend with your kids so that you're present. There's no point having time with them and being on your phone or being on emails because it's not actually quality time. So block out that time so when you get home five o'clock whatever time it is, phones away until they're in bed and then you can really be present. Because if you're going to try and do work and you're trying to be present and be with them and do all this stuff, you're not going to be a good mum and you're not going to get you done with your work if it's going to not be right anywhere, So you might as well block your time. So lower your standards. Don't try and do everything at once, don't try and keep all the balls in the air because something's going to fall, and chances are it'll probably be you, which is something that you want to try to prevent because you need to be a happy mum.

I was just like, how the hell do you do it? Like, I'm about to have another one. I can't even can't even manage one. Now I'm gonna have another one. And the best thing she ever said to me, And at the time, I was like, that's so weird, but it resonates was lower your standards so and you what. Yeah, I was like, Okay, weird, but whatever, But I love her. I love her. If she ever listens to this, I love her. But she knows exactly what I mean. But you know, you as a mom, especially if you're a first time mum, like I'm definitely more relaxed as a second second time round. But you just have this. You put such a high amount of pressure on everything being perfect and having all your ducks in a row, and you know, doing everything to one hundred percent, and all you're gonna do is stretch yourself. So you really just need to prioritize what's actually important. Time Block your time, even if that means, like I know this sounds terrible, but time block the time that you're going to spend with your kids so that you're present. There's no point having time with them and being on your phone or being on emails because it's not actually quality time. So block out that time so when you get home five o'clock whatever time it is, phones away until they're in bed and then you can really be present. Because if you're going to try and do work and you're trying to be present and be with them and do all this stuff, you're not going to be a good mum and you're not going to get you done with your work if it's going to not be right anywhere, So you might as well block your time. So lower your standards. Don't try and do everything at once, don't try and keep all the balls in the air because something's going to fall, and chances are it'll probably be you, which is something that you want to try to prevent because you need to be a happy mum.

You've got to put yourself first.

You've got to put yourself first.

You do have to put yourself first, and it's not selfish, because if you don't look after yourself, then you can't run the business and you can't keep the children alive.

You do have to put yourself first, and it's not selfish, because if you don't look after yourself, then you can't run the business and you can't keep the children alive.

I love that advice.

I love that advice.

See, it's actually good advice.

See, it's actually good advice.

First you thought that's well your standards. Everyone lower your standards.

First you thought that's well your standards. Everyone lower your standards.

Stop trying to be We can't have everything to everyone all the time, and just do the bloody best you can. I love that. Thanks.

Stop trying to be We can't have everything to everyone all the time, and just do the bloody best you can. I love that. Thanks.

This has been so good to have you on.

This has been so good to have you on.

Thanks for having me. It's been so fun.

Thanks for having me. It's been so fun.

You've been absolutely natural. Oh I feel thanks.

You've been absolutely natural. Oh I feel thanks.

This has been your episode the Blonde Bobs.

This has been your episode the Blonde Bobs.

It is everyone needs to love with their standards and get a bob. Power bobs, Power Bobs. My overall takeaway from my episode with you today has been don't get a loan. What would be your advice around that if you could give anyone some last We always end big business with a tip of the week, but maybe we can make it about taking out loans, right, What would be your advice when it does come to businesses and being tempted to take out a loan.