Byron Bay influencer Ruby Tuesday Matthews and her partner, Shannan Dodd, are seriously considering relocating from Australia to Hong Kong. Their primary motivation stems from deep dissatisfaction with Australia's tax system, which they argue significantly diminishes their hard-earned income despite operating multiple successful businesses. Matthews also recently opened up about a series of personal challenges, including undergoing a facelift, mourning the loss of a dear friend, and navigating intense emotional and financial pressures. These combined factors have led the couple to believe that a move abroad would better support their entrepreneurial ventures and overall well-being.
Matthews has been candid about the physical and emotional toll her recent experiences have taken. Following a $16,000 facelift in South Korea, she shared a tearful video detailing the impact of her demanding work schedule, the profound grief from losing her best friend, and struggles with mental health and neurodiversity. She also revealed a failed medical procedure followed by emergency surgery, further exacerbating her emotional state. These personal battles, coupled with significant financial obligations and a shift in management, have left her feeling overwhelmed and isolated, prompting her to speak out about the often-unseen difficulties behind a public-facing life.
Navigating Business Growth and Tax Frustrations
Byron Bay influencer Ruby Tuesday Matthews and her partner, Shannan Dodd, are seriously contemplating a move to Hong Kong, driven by their frustration with Australia's tax system. Despite managing four companies, including their fashion brand Robey and jewelry brand Toujours, they feel that a significant portion of their earnings is absorbed by the government, hindering their ability to enjoy the fruits of their labor or even spend quality time with their children. This sentiment reflects a broader debate in Australia concerning corporate and personal income tax rates, with many business owners and high-income earners advocating for more favorable financial environments.
The couple's decision to consider an international relocation highlights a common concern among entrepreneurs regarding tax burdens. Shannan Dodd explicitly stated that their businesses would likely "thrive a lot more overseas," suggesting that Hong Kong's financial policies might offer greater advantages. They expressed feeling overworked and undervalued by the current system, believing that their extensive efforts are not adequately rewarded due to the substantial tax contributions. This perspective underscores the complex relationship between national tax policies and the decisions of individuals and businesses to operate within or outside a country.
Personal Struggles and the Public Gaze
Beyond financial considerations, Ruby Tuesday Matthews has recently faced a series of profound personal challenges, which she bravely shared with her followers. Following a $16,000 facelift in South Korea, Matthews posted an emotional video detailing her recovery process. In this candid message, she revealed the immense grief of losing her best friend, Myles Trainor, who was also the godfather to her daughter, and the physical and emotional aftermath of a failed dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure that necessitated emergency surgery.
These personal setbacks have been compounded by professional pressures, including overwhelming work deadlines, difficulties managing motherhood, and the added complexities of being neurodiverse with ADHD. Matthews also mentioned grappling with financial obligations and changes in her management. Her decision to speak out, she emphasized, was not for sympathy but to foster honesty about life's challenges, reminding her audience that social media often presents an incomplete picture of reality. Her experiences highlight the intense pressure faced by public figures and the importance of open dialogue surrounding mental health and personal struggles.
