Taryn Brumfitt recently became an Australian of the Year, but how did she become a body activist, writer, and documentary producer?
Who is Taryn Brumfitt?
In 2013, Taryn posted a “back-to-front” before and after photo of her honest fitness and wellness journey on Facebook. The authenticity of the struggle hit a nerve and it went viral overnight.
“I thought it might help people but the response was mind-blowing,” she says. “It went viral and became this internet sensation and suddenly I found myself doing interviews with the world’s biggest media outlets and talking about how women see their bodies.”
Over the past ten years, she has created two documentaries about encouraging a positive relationship with our bodies, Embrace (2016) and Embrace Kids (2022). She’s written four bestselling books and created an organization.
In 2018, Embrace became one of the most successful documentaries in Australian history, generating more than $3.5 million in revenue globally.
“Why does every woman have to change her appearance in order to fit the ideal norm?” asks Taryn Brumfitt. “Failing to meet this norm puts unnecessary stress on all of us. Imagine if you could simply flick a switch that changed your mindset so you could start loving your body the way it is. With no guilt, stress or self-loathing, you could start leading a happy and healthy life on your own terms.”
Fun facts about Taryn Brumfitt
- Delivered a talk at Google HQ in Silicon Valley that was live-streamed to every Google office around the world
- GE’s highest-rated speaker
- 2019 Australian of the Year, SA finalist
- EY Entrepreneur of the Year, South Australia
- Finalist, Australian Financial Review – 100 Women of Influence 2018
- SA Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership from Women and Leadership Australia
- Named alongside Emma Watson and Beyoncé in Germany’s Brigitte magazine’s ‘Woman of the Year’
- Recognised by international advocacy groups including United Nations Women, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, and the Geena Davis Institute
- Appeared in over 1,000 media appearances
- Delivered more than 100 keynote speeches
What is the Body Image Movement?
Founded by Taryn Brumfitt in 2012, the Body Image Movement is on a mission to help people embrace their bodies. From award-winning documentaries and books to speaking events and educational resources, we take evidence-based insights and turn them into content that is inspirational, engaging and fun!
“Advertising has a lot to answer for,” says Taryn. “The average US 12-year-old is bombarded with over 77,000 ads that force her to feel inadequate about her body, and Australia is not that far behind. The toxic waste that is weighing down the self-worth of every single woman in Australia needs to be exorcised like a demon. I’ve lived through this and, after travelling through the world and speaking to countless experts, have developed the tools that can help women escape.”
Are there any Body Image Movement resources?
The Body Image Movement has an Embrace You Course, Education Study Guide Australia and an Ambassador program. There are regular body-positive initiatives and you can host a screening to help share the message.
Find out more at the Body Image Movement website: https://bodyimagemovement.com/
What books has Taryn Brumfitt written?
Taryn Brumfitt has written four bestsellers including Embrace and Embrace Yourself. She then wanted to help kids love and celebrate their bodies and wrote Embrace Your Body, and Embrace Kids.
