In 2013, Australian social entrepreneur Elliot Costello experienced a life-changing moment when he met Thea, a brave 10-year-old girl living in a Cambodian orphanage. Thea had endured two long years of physical and sexual abuse, a story mostly hidden from the world — until Elliot connected with her.
One day, Thea painted just one of Elliot’s fingernails, a simple act that sparked a powerful movement. That single painted nail represents the heartbreaking statistic that one in five children suffer sexual violence. By wearing a painted nail, men show their commitment to raising awareness and ending this terrible abuse.
Thea’s life was difficult from the start. After losing her father, who was the family’s breadwinner, her mother could no longer care for her, leading to Thea’s placement in an abusive orphanage. Rescued later by a different organization, her story inspired Elliot to start the Polished Man campaign.
This campaign encourages men worldwide — including celebrities like Chris Hemsworth, Zac Efron, and Kelly Slater — to paint one nail as a symbol against child sexual violence. Since its start, the movement has raised millions of dollars to support trauma prevention and recovery for victims around the globe.
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Polished Man’s mission is clear: men must step up and challenge violence, taking responsibility to protect children everywhere. The simple gesture of painting one fingernail carries a big message, and it all began with Thea’s strength and Elliot’s promise to remember her — and all children like her.
