Meet Teagan

A Journey to Confidence and Success

At the start of this year, Teagan Heasley, a single mother, found herself without work and grappling with the obligations required by her job agency. She felt adrift and uncertain about her path forward. Though nervous about seeking help, she made the courageous decision to step out of her comfort zone and schedule an appointment with Dress for Success.

On the day of her appointment, she nearly canceled—but decided to push through and walk through our doors. Reflecting on it now, she says, “It was the best thing I could have done.” That first visit left her with a new sense of confidence, a fresh wardrobe, and a beaming smile. Not long after, she achieved a major milestone: landing her dream job.

In her styling session, volunteer stylists Sam and Chris made her feel truly welcomed and heard. Their encouragement to explore new styles expanded her fashion boundaries and bolstered her confidence. Teagan, who had little experience with fashion, found herself at ease and uplifted by the support of her stylists.

Beyond the styling, Teagan has found Dress for Success workshops and the Career Hub resources to be both intriguing and valuable. She believes these resources will keep her motivated and help her develop skills she might not have otherwise pursued.

One moment that stands out for her was receiving a stunning maxi dress from Forever New—something she’d never have chosen for herself. Back at home, she tried on her new outfits countless times, taking selfies and feeling her confidence grow with each look. That dress became a symbol of her new outlook and self-assurance.

Teagan credits her time at Dress for Success as pivotal to her job search success. This boost in confidence, she believes, helped her secure her dream role as a childcare centre manager. With her new job, she’s now able to seize exciting opportunities, including an upcoming work trip to Bali.

Before Dress for Success, she faced challenges that left her feeling directionless, but she knew things wouldn’t change if she stayed where she was. Her styling session marked a transformation, restoring her sense of purpose and setting her on a positive path forward.

Teagan’s advice to other women is to embrace the experience at Dress for Success. Though it may feel intimidating, she calls it a “wonderful, beautiful experience” that she’d recommend to anyone.

Dress for Success has shifted her outlook entirely, inspiring her with the knowledge that genuine, community-focused organisations are accessible to those who need them. She expressed a renewed faith in community-based support.

In her message to volunteers and donors, Teagan emphasised just how life-changing their support has been. Describing the Dress for Success team as “kind, caring, and with the most beautiful souls,” she shared her deep gratitude for the confidence and renewed spirit they have given her.