Taryn Brumfitt: Creating a global movement from within South Australia

When Taryn Brumfitt posted her now infamous non-traditional reversed before and after instagram post, she could not have imagined where the ripples of that action would take her. 

A decade later, those ripples have grown into a global tidal wave of positivity, support and hope.

Her message of body positivity has now reached more than 200 million people, thanks to her blockbuster documentary Embrace, speaking opportunities, media interviews, and her highly engaging and often candid social media presence.

Her work has now expanded beyond merely conveying her message. Taryn has partnered with academics and other experts to establish the Embrace Collective to advocate for systemic change and establish evidence-based public health programs. 

The 2023 Australian of the Year also aspires to reach one million Aussie kids with her body positivity message through her latest project, Embrace Kids. 

This new documentary, along with the accompanying school and activation programs, encourage children aged nine to 14 to move, nourish, respect and appreciate what their bodies can do.

And she has achieved all of this from her home in South Australia.

“South Australia has given me the scope to dream big and create change that’s impacted millions of people around the world,” Taryn said. 

“I’d like to think that my team and I are deep into the mission of creating global change and the majority of the team are right here in SA. We have team members across most states in Australia, but Embrace HQ is located here. 

“I could do my work from anywhere in the world, but there is nowhere else I would want to run a movement from. South Australia has a unique ability to unite people and to create long-lasting, productive relationships.

“We have everything we could ever need right on our doorstep; we have clean air and the best beaches in the world, and we have space to grow.”

Taryn’s journey was driven by her own devastating experience of struggling with unhappiness about her own body after having her children and desperately pursuing the perfect physique that she had been told would give her the perfect life and happiness. 

The experience of breaking down this illusion of perfection and learning to love herself is the foundation of her determination to make a real and lasting difference.

“I am inspired by creating positive change in the world,” Taryn said. 

“When I am able to help people embrace their bodies and they discover that they are in the driver’s seat, that they can choose their own direction and they can be free of limitations, it turns their life around. 

“What drives me is seeing the millions of people who have chosen to accept their bodies, living their best lives”

For Taryn, South Australia is the perfect place for people with big ideas to pursue their ambitions. 

“We have one of the most cost-competitive markets to set up your own business, and it just happens to be home to one of the most livable cities in the world – that also helps! 

“There are industries here which house some of the most talented people in the world and there are so many exciting doors to be opened. 

“I’d love to see more epic change-makers make their mark on the world from SA!”

Taryn was born and raised in Adelaide, and where she has mindfully chosen to raise her own family. 

Taryn says that living in Adelaide has given her the space and time to chase her dreams, but stay connected with her family. 

“Life is more complex when you live in a big city – South Australia provides a simple but rich life and you can achieve the same big impact from here as you can from anywhere abroad. 

“Every time I go to larger cities, I loathe the amount of time I have to travel from one place to another, because travel time eats into my downtime. 

“Sure, I can work in the back of cars, and you will often find me with my laptop open and on calls when I’m travelling, but I really value ‘me’ time, time with friends and leisure time. 

“We get more play time in South Australia!”

2023 has been an especially significant year for Taryn and her Embrace team.

Receiving the title of Australian of the Year has delivered a hugely expanded platform, unexpected connections, and unimaginable new opportunities, including a recent invitation to a State Dinner at the White House. 

As she juggles her increasing profile and busy schedule, Taryn believes living in South Australia has kept her grounded.

“Our state provides a deep sense of grounding, of wrap-around support and a calm energy that is hard to put into words,” Taryn said. 

“It’s a place you can find the space to put your roots down; a place you can breathe, immerse yourself in nature, feel safe, feel seen, and because of all that – you feel energised and grounded.

“I feel very lucky and very proud to call myself a South Australian.”