About Us: Our Tall Poppy Origin Story

How travelling in my twenties made me immune to tall poppy syndrome in Australia…

Tall Poppy was conceived whilst solo travelling in Asia. After moving to a small town in the Philippines and feeling isolated, I had much time to self reflect. I realised that most of my life in Australia had been dictated by the people around me: a romantic partner, friends, family, work colleagues. I had people pleased my way through life, played it safe and dumbed myself down out of a subconscious fear of being judged. Something I now recognise as a by-product of Australia’s tall poppy syndrome. 

The isolation in the Philippines, combined with feeling unsafe, led me to dress down in baggy tees and shorts every day. I thought back on the years I took safety for granted. All the years I hadn’t worn what I wanted to back in Australia, afraid of what people would think, afraid of standing out, and now I was doing all I could to blend in as a means of survival. I asked myself, what clothes did I actually want to wear? If telling myself, “This is too much. When would I actually wear something like this?” wasn't a factor. I swore that when I was back home, I would never be afraid of standing out again. My days of blending in were over. I had known real fear and as a result, tall poppy syndrome no longer had a hold over me. 

Later when I was in Thailand and lived in a jewellery district, I stumbled upon the most beautiful silver shop and decided to take the plunge and start my own brand. I always wanted to work for myself and cultivate a creative outlet, but I never wanted to contribute to the culture of overconsumption.

And so here we are, the inception of Tall Poppy. There couldn’t be a better fit. Quality, staple jewellery pieces that you can wear every day. That I wear every day. That I want you to wear every day, seriously don’t buy our pieces unless you really love them and will wear the heck out of them. Be a Tall Poppy and continue to stand out. Say and do what you want and look extra cool wearing our pieces.