MOTHER MUSE | Tara Jane

Inspired by her love for minimalistic high-fashion, Tara Jane launched TJ SWIM at the age of 21 from her parent’s laundry. Today, TJ SWIM is one of Australia’s leading swimwear labels with an extraordinary global following and strong online presence.

The label has successfully captured the hearts of numerous social media influencers and celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Chrissy Teigen.

We’re thrilled to see that a sustainable future is at the heart of TJ Swim’s values, especially with bikinis crafted from recycled or biodegradable fabrics. Was sustainability a fundamental aspect of the brand from the beginning? What made this such an important focus for you?

Absolutely, sustainability has always been a core value at TJ Swim, right from the beginning. I knew I didn’t want to just create beautiful swimsuits, but ones that were also environmentally responsible. The fashion industry has a huge impact on the planet, and I wanted to be part of the change by using recycled and biodegradable fabrics.

For me, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a commitment to making a positive difference. We wanted to show that style and environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand, and we’ve made it a priority to create products that are not only high-quality but also mindful of their long-term impact.

You started your business in your 20s — what's been the biggest hurdle you've faced along the way?

Starting TJ Swim in my 20s came with its fair share of challenges, but I’d say the biggest hurdle was definitely learning how to balance the creative and business sides of things. As a founder, you’re wearing so many hats—designing, marketing, managing production—and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the creative process. But I quickly realised that running a business also requires a lot of structure, strategy, and financial planning, which wasn’t something I had a lot of experience with at the time.

There were definitely moments of doubt, especially when it came to making big decisions or navigating through tough times, but I learned to trust the process and lean on mentors and resources to help guide me. It's all about staying focused on the bigger picture and being willing to adapt and learn as you go.

Is there anything you think doesn’t get enough attention when it comes to starting your own business? Or something you wish you had learned earlier?

I think one thing that doesn’t get enough attention is the mental and emotional side of starting a business. It’s easy to focus on the logistics, strategy, and growth, but the pressure, self-doubt, and constant decision-making can be overwhelming. I wish I had learned earlier how important it is to build resilience and prioritise mental health—because entrepreneurship can be a rollercoaster.

Also, I didn’t realise how critical it is to have a solid support network, whether that’s mentors, a strong team, or people who just “get” what you’re doing. Having those people in your corner can make all the difference when things get tough.

I’d love to hear any recommendations you have for great apps, podcasts, books, or resources that have really helped you! It could be something related to business or personal development. 

There are definitely a few resources that have been invaluable to me, both for business and personal growth. For business, I’ve found it super helpful to dive into podcasts and books that focus on mindset, strategy, and productivity—especially the ones that really break down the behind-the-scenes of running a brand. I also rely on apps that help with organisation and keeping my thoughts in check.

For personal development, I love anything that promotes mindfulness, staying grounded, and focusing on mental clarity. A lot of it comes down to finding tools that help you manage your time and energy, especially when you're balancing so many different roles. But I think the key is to stay curious and open to learning—there’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a new tool or a fresh perspective.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self to trust the process more and not be so hard on myself. Starting a business can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to get caught up in the “what ifs” or compare yourself to others. I’d remind myself that it’s okay to make mistakes and that every setback is just a learning opportunity.

I’d also say to focus on the bigger picture and not get lost in the small details—especially early on. It’s all part of the journey, and things usually work out in ways you don’t expect. Patience and resilience are just as important as ambition.

Do you have any rituals or a favourite way to start your day?

I like to start my mornings early and slow. I really value that quiet time before the day gets hectic. I’ll make myself a cup of tea, sit down, and just enjoy the calm. It’s my time to gather my thoughts, plan for the day, and get centred before jumping into everything. It sets a peaceful tone for the day ahead and helps me feel grounded.

Lastly, what do you always keep in your beach bag? And if you had to pick just one, which pair of TJ Swim is your favourite for a day at the beach?

In my beach bag, I always make sure to have a TJ Swim bikini and SPF—keeping my skin protected is a must! If I had to pick just one favourite bikini, it would definitely be one of our string triangle bikinis. I love the simple design, and they’re perfect for minimising tan lines, which is always a bonus when I’m soaking up the sun!

PLUS: We have 100 $25 vouchers to shop TJ swim to go with all orders until sold out.