Hi, I’m Taryn Brumfitt. A South Australia-based filmmaker, author, speaker, and impact entrepreneur on a mission to help redefine the way we think about ourselves.
My journey started with a powerful personal transformation that led me to create the Body Image Movement, a global initiative focused on empowering people to embrace their bodies just as they are. Through my documentaries, books, and speaking engagements, I've ignited conversations worldwide about the importance of cultivating a more positive body image, and challenging the societal norms that perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards.
Today, that same passion fuels me to keep pushing the boundaries in body image and beyond, by supporting others to create the change they want to see in their own lives, and out in the world.
Judge Less and Love More.
One of my favourite phrases to live by is “don’t compare your behind-the-scenes to someone’s else’s highlight reel”. Here’s a short history of the highest highs and lowest lows of the last ten years.
Spent most of the year miserably hungry in
preparation for bodybuilding contest before
coming to the realisation that the “perfect bikini
body” was not going to bring me eternal happiness
That 'before-and-after' photo goes viral
Featured on Good Morning America, NBC’s Today Show, and Russia’s national broadcaster sends a TV news crew to my house
EMBRACE documentary Kickstarter campaign raises $331,046 from 8,909 backers
Pondered viability of future career prospects after posing for EMBRACE film poster and realising millions of people around the world had now seen me naked
EMBRACE trailer racks up 45 million+ views on
Kickstarter
EMBRACE premieres at Sydney Film Festival, before screening at New Zealand International Film Festival ahead of its cinema release
EMBRACE becomes one of the top-five highest grossing documentaries in Australian box office history
Re-evaluated leading a global movement of change while raising a young family
National Business Chicks speaking tour
Race to Embrace USA press tour, EMBRACE reaches #1 on iTunes documentary charts in USA, UK and Canada
EMBRACE premieres in German cinemas to 52,000 admissions, outperforming GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY that day
Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership from Women and Leadership Australia, SA
Australian of the Year, SA - Finalist
EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award, SA
Released EMBRACE song, knocking BABY SHARK off the number 1 spot on iTunes Children’s Music charts
EMBRACE KIDS documentary premieres at Melbourne International Film Festival before its cinema release
Released EMBRACE KIDS book, co-authored with Dr Zali Yager, to help parents build their kids’ body image
Named South Australian of the Year
Married the love of my life
Named 2023 Australian of the Year
Invited by President of the United States to attend prestigious White House state dinner
Launched 4 x national programs for the prevention of body image distress in young people
And I’m only just getting started…
Taryn has inspired millions of people around the world. A very popular choice, she has made an excellent Australian of the Year.
Prime Minister of Australia
I have long admired Taryn's total acceptance of her body. We can all learn from her!
Actress
This is good for the world.
Actor
Taryn is warm, joyous and dedicated. The motivation she offers will set you on the right path.
Actress
Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. Sometimes we have it all together, sometimes we don’t. Bringing our authentic selves to the table allows others to do the same, meaning we can all spend less time trying to be perfect and more time living.
We’ve got 28,000 days on Earth if we’re lucky, so get off the sidelines and get into your life. The journey should be just as exciting as the destination, so buckle up and let’s make the most of this wild ride. More YES, less NO. Let’s GO.
We’ve all got one… do you know what yours is yet? I didn’t take a typical path in life, but as soon as I discovered my own unique superpower I followed that energy and never let it go. When we empower ourselves to create change and take risks, remarkable things happen.
Playfulness and humour can be found in the ordinary, everyday. These moments of levity are positively life-affirming, embrace them. Set your intentions, focus on the actions that will realise your goal - HUSTLE HARD and FAST - and enjoy the rest.
Looking back it makes sense, when you do something unexpected people sit up and take notice, but at the time it was a shock. For everyone, it would seem. I wasn’t trying to surprise anyone, I was simply sharing how I felt.
- EMPIRE Magazine
“Important viewing for, literally, everyone”
- FilmInk
“Surprising, thoughtful, energetic”
- Sydney Morning Herald
“Highly accessible and refreshingly honest”
- The Herald Sun
“This film needs to be seen by women, men and children far and wide.”
- Geena Davis
“Vital and inspiring. What we need right now”
- Ricki Lake
“Incredibly uplifting. Essential viewing”
- Teresa Palmer
“Absolutely vital viewing for kids, and for their parents.”
- KIDDO Mag
“A moving documentary… I found myself really going through something, tears pouring down my face.”
- The Canberra Times
My first love was helping people improve their body image and it’s something I’m deeply passionate about today. With my sights firmly set on the next generation, I teamed up with globally-leading body image expert Dr Zali Yager, to found The Embrace Collective, a team of researchers, experts, lived experience advisors, and creatives all working together to tackle the global epidemic of negative body image in young people.
I’m guessing you’re here because, like me, you’re passionate about leaning into life, challenging the status quo, and embracing new ways of thinking, leading and doing. You can find all the best insights and stories to support you on this journey over on the blog. If you’re ready to change your mind instead of your body, check out the resources page where you’ll discover the EMBRACE films and books.
If you’re ready to chat about booking a speaker for your next event, collaborating on a campaign or project, or have another inquiry, we’d love to hear from you on it.
