I'm sure many of us have always wondered who is the person who designed the clothes we are wearing, or who is the person who makes our candles we order off Etsy. Actually, the other day I was at the pool getting changed in the bathroom (I do a little swim instructing on the side - to pay the bills) and a girl, about 20, asked me if I posted on the Vivo Swim Instagram.... this is a business I co founded, and I was blown out of my mind... how did she work it out? I never mentioned who I am? Do I speak like a girl too much on the account? And she said to me I always wondered who it was; I stalked the page for hours to work out who it was. I found this fascinating, like why didn't I just put my name in the bio or why do I never really talk about myself. Is there a stigma or are we to shy to put our name to our brand? This is a common trend, I think 90% of the things we buy or stalk on Instagram we have no idea where it comes from, or really... who is behind it.
So recently, I got some Monochrome long leggings from a business I followed on Instagram (I don't even leave the house to shop now). Anyway they were from @pinkpunk.active , and boy do I love them! These leggings were hand made, with love, time and effort. The design was flawless; it had not one stitch out of place. They were beyond comfy, and they really stood out from the crowd. Pink Punk Active leggings are unique, fashionable and affordable. But all I really knew was that they were from a person called Tarah and I wanted to know who Tarah was. I am a pretty curious person generally; it must be the journalistic instinct inside of me.
So I did some research… well I just emailed Tarah. Tarah is from the sunny Gold Coast, Queensland and she has an awesome husband and two adorable kids under the age 5 (and she still had the time to make my leggings!!!) Tarah said,
“She loves summer, sun and tropical vibes, and so do my family.”
I felt as though her patterns used for her active wear truly reflected what she loves.
“We are happiest when we are running a muck outdoors- the beach is our happy place.”
Tarah started her business because she felt as though she wanted active wear that had a bit more personality and an amazing fit, to suit her active lifestyle.
“Luckily I can Sew, so about 6 months ago I started making activewear that suited my own taste and lifestyle,” she said.
“ People saw it, asked to buy it, I made more and more, and now it’s a growing little label.”
You start to wonder how does Tarah do this with only 24 hours each day? How does she juggle a young family and sewing all of her activewear? When asked about what a day in the life of Tarah is like, I was hit with the reality of it all – 2 am bedtimes are the norm in Tarah’s house, but that doesn’t stop her.
“There's definitely times when I feel overwhelmed by kids, housework and a never ending list of orders pinned to the wall, but I really love doing it, I am passionate about the clothing, because I know how much I enjoy wearing it, and the positive feedback I get from excited customers makes it so worthwhile.”
When I asked Tarah if she had ever thought of giving up, I got a very humorous response – I am starting to see that Tarah is a very bubbly person (Like her label!!!).
Tarah told me that when she gives up it goes along the lines of this…
“Sometimes when I am really snowed under, I'll say to my husband: that's it! this is crazy! I can't do this anymore! What was I thinking? One person can't manage all of this, rant, rant, rant. And then half an hour later I'll be like: hey babe I was thinking of making this awesome new design, and then I'll talk his ear off with the features and benefits of my exciting new creation. I obviously love the work more than letting it truly overwhelm me ha ha.”
We have all been there, I have hissy-fits most days!
Okay so I am starting to really get to know Tarah now, and I think deep down I should have already known her – Her designs literally scream out her personality. Tarah loves anything intensely colourful, and has always been drawn to things that are a bit left field or quirky.
“To be able to create clothing that people feel excited to wear and show off, such as the 'rainbow mermaid' scales or the tattoo inspired 'inked' print is what inspires me,” she said.
Lastly I asked Tarah what does she want everyone to know about herself.
“I always feel compelled to convey that I am extremely grateful to the women who buy my designs and for their trust and loyalty to my small business- especially when there are plenty of hugely popular activewear labels out there.
It still surprises me how much excitement people have for my designs, and I am very humbled that my customers are helping me to grow my Australian made brand with their word of mouth and support.”
So that is Tarah the face behind the Pink Punk Active brand, and its funny how her personality really does reflect in her work. I would recommend this label to all my friends, not only are you supporting a small business, the patterns are truly unique and you are really getting something made with love. I have worn my leggings now a few times, and I have been asked twice where they are from, because they are loud and funky. Thank you Tarah for allowing me into your life a letting me get to know the face behind your brand.
Tarah’s Pick from the Pink Punk Active label: Well, of course I live in the leggings as they have the most amazingly comfortable waistband, but I also love the crop tops. The crops are so versatile, and can be worn for yoga, sport, as a bralette or even a swim top.
Website: www.pinkpunk.com.au
So recently, I got some Monochrome long leggings from a business I followed on Instagram (I don't even leave the house to shop now). Anyway they were from @pinkpunk.active , and boy do I love them! These leggings were hand made, with love, time and effort. The design was flawless; it had not one stitch out of place. They were beyond comfy, and they really stood out from the crowd. Pink Punk Active leggings are unique, fashionable and affordable. But all I really knew was that they were from a person called Tarah and I wanted to know who Tarah was. I am a pretty curious person generally; it must be the journalistic instinct inside of me.
So I did some research… well I just emailed Tarah. Tarah is from the sunny Gold Coast, Queensland and she has an awesome husband and two adorable kids under the age 5 (and she still had the time to make my leggings!!!) Tarah said,
“She loves summer, sun and tropical vibes, and so do my family.”
I felt as though her patterns used for her active wear truly reflected what she loves.
“We are happiest when we are running a muck outdoors- the beach is our happy place.”
Tarah started her business because she felt as though she wanted active wear that had a bit more personality and an amazing fit, to suit her active lifestyle.
“Luckily I can Sew, so about 6 months ago I started making activewear that suited my own taste and lifestyle,” she said.
“ People saw it, asked to buy it, I made more and more, and now it’s a growing little label.”
You start to wonder how does Tarah do this with only 24 hours each day? How does she juggle a young family and sewing all of her activewear? When asked about what a day in the life of Tarah is like, I was hit with the reality of it all – 2 am bedtimes are the norm in Tarah’s house, but that doesn’t stop her.
“There's definitely times when I feel overwhelmed by kids, housework and a never ending list of orders pinned to the wall, but I really love doing it, I am passionate about the clothing, because I know how much I enjoy wearing it, and the positive feedback I get from excited customers makes it so worthwhile.”
When I asked Tarah if she had ever thought of giving up, I got a very humorous response – I am starting to see that Tarah is a very bubbly person (Like her label!!!).
Tarah told me that when she gives up it goes along the lines of this…
“Sometimes when I am really snowed under, I'll say to my husband: that's it! this is crazy! I can't do this anymore! What was I thinking? One person can't manage all of this, rant, rant, rant. And then half an hour later I'll be like: hey babe I was thinking of making this awesome new design, and then I'll talk his ear off with the features and benefits of my exciting new creation. I obviously love the work more than letting it truly overwhelm me ha ha.”
We have all been there, I have hissy-fits most days!
Okay so I am starting to really get to know Tarah now, and I think deep down I should have already known her – Her designs literally scream out her personality. Tarah loves anything intensely colourful, and has always been drawn to things that are a bit left field or quirky.
“To be able to create clothing that people feel excited to wear and show off, such as the 'rainbow mermaid' scales or the tattoo inspired 'inked' print is what inspires me,” she said.
Lastly I asked Tarah what does she want everyone to know about herself.
“I always feel compelled to convey that I am extremely grateful to the women who buy my designs and for their trust and loyalty to my small business- especially when there are plenty of hugely popular activewear labels out there.
It still surprises me how much excitement people have for my designs, and I am very humbled that my customers are helping me to grow my Australian made brand with their word of mouth and support.”
So that is Tarah the face behind the Pink Punk Active brand, and its funny how her personality really does reflect in her work. I would recommend this label to all my friends, not only are you supporting a small business, the patterns are truly unique and you are really getting something made with love. I have worn my leggings now a few times, and I have been asked twice where they are from, because they are loud and funky. Thank you Tarah for allowing me into your life a letting me get to know the face behind your brand.
Tarah’s Pick from the Pink Punk Active label: Well, of course I live in the leggings as they have the most amazingly comfortable waistband, but I also love the crop tops. The crops are so versatile, and can be worn for yoga, sport, as a bralette or even a swim top.
Website: www.pinkpunk.com.au