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When you have a newborn, caring for yourself can sometimes seem like the very last thing on your to-do list. You’re learning to adjust to caring for a new baby, learning to be a new parent, adjusting to your new body and adjusting to a new life where your sole focus isn’t just on you. It can be beautiful, messy, frustrating and so rewarding. Always remember, to care for yourself is to also care for your baby. Mum guilt is very alive and real, but just know, sneaking away for that shower or to want to have a cup of tea without a newborn spitting up on you is normal and allowed. Here’s our tips for easing into your new normal. REST – Everyone says it, but mama, I need you to know it with every fibre of your being – get as much sleep as you can and sleep when the baby sleeps. Your body needs to heal and rest after giving birth, so try to get as much rest as you can – that means leaving the dishes until later, or skipping a load of laundry, you deserve to have some R&R. ACCEPT HELP – I know it can feel (thanks mostly to societies interpretation of the postpartum period) that if you don’t bounce back to your pre-child self immediately (not just in your body, but your day to day life) you’ve failed. Let me tell you something – you haven’t failed at all, and you just can’t do everything by yourself and that’s okay. This postpartum stage is hard and beautiful, and you’ll only get this time with your newborn once, if there’s ever a time in your life to accept help, it’s now. Let your parents or friends look after the baby for a while, let them cook some meals for you, or run errands for you – they say it takes a village to raise a child, and it really truly does. NOURISH YOUR BODY – Right now, your body is craving those beautiful whole grains, vegetables, fruits and protein. Where you can, and if people are offering to make you food, make sure it’s nourishing to your body to replenish the energy stores and assist in healing – and just remember, it is okay to rely on Uber Eats every now and then, just go for the more nutrient rich options, and don’t restrict yourself. You’re not focusing on returning to that ‘post baby body’, you’re healing. EXERCISE – Remember first and foremost to always follow your doctor’s advice when it comes to postpartum exercise. They typically recommend any non-strenuous activity, and for us taking a walk was a god send, to get out of the house for an hour or so was amazing. It’s also a good way to take baby steps back into a normal routine. Put the baby in a stroller, meet up with your friends, grab a coffee and take a walk in the park. Fresh air and good company will do you wonders. TALK – With pregnancy and postpartum, your body has hormones and signals firing left right and centre. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and emotional – having a baby is a big deal. You’ll be experiencing new feelings, new emotions that conflict with each other and confuse you. It’s super scary being in charge of a newborn. It’s important during this time to have people around you that understand, a friend you can call up and vent about everything that’s happening and talking with your partner who’s also experiencing this new adjustment. Keep lines of communication clear and open, you’ll need to rely on your nearest and dearest a lot during this time, and that’s okay. Just don’t keep it all bottled up inside. If things seem too overwhelming and overbearing, get in touch with a doctor who’ll help you out. These are only a few of the ways to nourish yourself after pregnancy, we’d love to know what helped you during this time and any tips you have for navigating postpartum! All our love, Miann & Co x
You've heard of a plant based diet, and if you've been around the fashion sector for a little while you would have heard a new term floating around - Plant Based Fibres, but what are they?
While Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show those you cherish how much you love them (in our opinion, Valentine’s Day is not only for romantic relationships, but friends and family as well) did you know that as a holiday, it creates a lot of waste. With a few simple changes and a lot of ignoring the tradition of consumerism around love day, you can still have a gorgeous Valentine’s Day – this year, feed your love language and keep your impact on the environment (and your wallet!) lighter. Words of Affirmation – Those who love words of affirmation will always appreciate a heartfelt, loving note. Use some recycled paper and write down everything you love and admire about them. Such a great way to make your loved ones feel special and afterwards you can frame it or hang it on the wall as a piece of homemade art. Acts of Service – Instead of a gift this year, gift your partner, family member or friends by doing something for them. This could be sneaking away and filling up their car with petrol (a little on the expensive side, but helpful to them and in my opinion the most romantic thing anyone could do) or doing a load of laundry, hanging it out to dry and putting it away for them, or cooking a meal for them. An act of service is anything that speaks louder than words, anything that would ease the load of their day. Gifts – For this person, love is best expressed through thoughtful gifts – and those gifts don’t have to be anything big. Something as simple as picking up a bunch of flowers (for us, a dried bunch is best, or anything that can be preserved and kept for years to come) that remind you of that person. The perfect eco gift for this love language could be a new takeaway coffee mug for their morning coffee so they can reduce their impact! Quality Time – We love quality time, and those who also share this love language feel the most love with they have their partner’s or their friends undivided attention. If you know someone who has this love language, a great way to spend some quality time with them is by going for a hike in nature – where your attention will be solely on them and your beautiful surroundings. Take a picnic in eco-friendly packaging and enjoy the time together. Physical Touch – These creatures express and receive love through physical touch, think hugs and holding hands. This Valentine’s spend the night on the couch with your loved one cuddling and watching a show you both love. What are your favourite ways to receive love, and how will you reduce your impact this Valentine’s Day? All our love,
If you've followed us for a while, you'd know that we use a lot of models in our shoots. Most have become familiar faces and every now and then we add in a new model to spruce things up. However, with using a lot of models, comes a lot of messages - and the one thing we get messaged the most is, 'What size does (insert model name here) wear?' And we totally get it - it can be so hard to determine what size a model might be just on a photo alone. That said, our sizing typically runs more generous than standard Australian sizing. In designing our clothing, we also prefer a more oversized fit - this is a style that tends to run through all our ranges. We find that in our clothes (our knits especially) people often have to size down to find their best size, unless they also like an oversized fit. Firstly, in our product descriptions, we always detail how a product fits, what it's made out of and what the fit is like. This is one of the best ways to tell how a product may fit. It's also always important to remember that you may want certain pieces to fit differently depending on your own personal taste, so it's totally fine to size up or down if that is of concern to you. Secondly, we also have individual size charts for every item - we find this a better option than having all of our clothing conform to the one size guide, although it does make things a little tricker for the consumer, it also give a better indication for sizing. You can find the size guides at the very end of the product image carousel, just flick through and you'll see them! They're flat measurements, so you'll need to double for circumference - and they also don't account for elastic. And thirdly, to make it easy on you guys, we've compiled everything you need to know about our models into one, easy to read list to help you further decide which pieces and which sizes are best for you! ELLIE Height: 169cm Bust: 85cm Bra: 10C Waist: 69cm Hips: 99cm AU Dress Size: 8-10 Size in Miann & Co: XS-S SHANIA Height: 175cm Bust: 95cm Bra: 12C Waist: 80cm Hips: 105cm AU Dress Size: 10-12 Size in Miann & Co: S-M BETH Height: 170cm Bust: 120cm Bra: 18G Waist: 107cm Hips: 136cm AU Dress Size: 18-20 Size in Miann & Co: L-XL RACHEL Height: 160cm Bust: 95 Bra: 12E Waist: 78 Hips: 93 AU Dress Size: 12 Size in Miann & Co: S
Your favourite dress is back! That’s right, Dahlia, the dress you lived in all Summer is back and better than ever. In four all new season ginghams and autumnal shades, this is one dress you’ll be living in the whole year round. Dahlia is the perfect dress to take from day to night, from Summer to Winter, all with a few key outfit changes – that aren’t any effort at all. While gorgeous and oversized, Dahlia features three tiers and a v-neckline to add shape and detail to the garment. Leave the tie undone for a relaxed, beachy vibe or tie it into a cute bow for an extra sweet addition to such a simple outfit. Made from 100% cotton means Dahlia is light and cool – comfortable for all day wear, and all night long. It will breathe in the summer, and not leave you feeling overwhelmed with too many layers in the winter. With 4 new colourways, there is a gingham for every occasion, and we are absolutely obsessed! STYLE TIPS When we say this dress is oversized, we mean it. We purposefully designed it to be billowy and easy to wear – a dress you would wear when wandering down cobblestoned European streets with a gelato in hand, a dress to pair with tights, gumboots and a jacket for the cold and rainy Australian winter. Where you can, we recommend sizing down! Follow below for a rough guide: XS: 8 - 12 S: 12 - 16 M: 16 - 20 L: 20 - 22 XL: 24 Of course, depending on your personal style you may want to choose a size that better reflects you – which is okay too! On an everyday basis, our team wears Dahlia with a pair of Birkenstocks or trainers for a super casual look. It’s quite common to walk into the office and find at least two of us wearing the same outfit. For a dressier look, our Copywriter wore Dahlia to our Christmas party last year with some gold jewellery, some tan platform wedges with her hair loose and curled. It was so glam and simple, we were obsessed. For those colder days, Dahlia looks perfect with a baggy cardigan – think one that drapes off your shoulder as you go about your day. Pair with a pair of ankle boots and a beanie for an effortless, streetwear vibe. How do you wear your Dahlia? Let me know in the comments below. All our love, Miann & Co x
Over the past few years, you would have heard the 'minimalism' being thrown around a lot. It's become quite the buzz word on social media and some believe it's the 'new way forward'. When you think of minimalism, you probably think of throwing away everything you own - like those extreme YouTubers who can fit their entire life into a backpack. For us, its a little more simply than that - less of an extreme lifestyle change and more of an attitude. Minimalism first became popular in the 50's and 60's (at least in the Western world, it has been practised in the East for thousands of years) starting with music, then flooding into art and design - and it soon became a trend with how people started to present themselves. Like with everything, it evolves and changes over time and now minimalism represents something completely different - a shift to simplicity and living intentionally. There are a few simple ways that you can incorporate minimalism into your everyday life, that aren't restrictive, without having to throw away everything you own! Start a capsule wardrobe Capsule wardrobes aren't for everyone, but they are a great idea for people who want to add some minimalism their lives. In essence, it's a small collection of clothing consisting of basic pieces that can all be paired together to make multiple outfits. Capsules minimise spending, and ensure that you're investing your money into quality basics and not buying into fashion trends - by sticking to the classic, timeless staple pieces. If you don't use it, get rid of it Everyone has a junk drawer, or a spare room that has a spare couch in it that's never used - so why do you still have it? Those old shoes in the back of the cupboard, you never wear them, so don't keep them around! You want to live with things you need, not in excess. Use the same rule that some people apply to their wardrobe - if you haven't worn it or used it in six months, it's time to get rid of it (in a responsible and sustainable way) Have a place for everything One of the basic fundamentals for living minimally is having a space for everything. Everything needs to have a spot, and return to that spot once you're done, so you can grab it later. Having a spot for everything also makes you more intentional when you go to purchase something, because it should have a space before you bring it into your home. Do you incorporate any minimalism into your day to day life? All our love, Miann & Co x
That newborn stage is so special. The time when you can just curl up with your little one and soak in all that goodness – the newborn snuffles and grunts, that special scent that just makes you want to nuzzle them constantly, the way they snuggle into you and their unconditional love for you, what a beautiful season of life! Raising three bubbas (our youngest is now almost 4!) we’ve tried all the tricks and tips when it comes to nurturing and soothing a baby. It can be overwhelming trying to get a newborn back to sleep, or to settle them down when they’re a little colicky. Even the newborn product selection – there’s so many things to choose from to nourish your little one, where do you even start? Newborn skin is delicate, as is their immune system. As they develop a stronger immune system, they’re prone to developing rashes, dryness and irritations from dyes, chemicals and fragrances in clothing and products. With our little ones, we choose to go as natural as possible to avoid these troubles where we can with the ethos of less is more. Keep on reading for our tried and true remedies for the newborn season! BATHING & SKINCARE With bathing and skincare, we have a few key favourites to keep their skin nourished and supple. It’s recommended to only bathe your baby around 3 times a week for the first year to not strip their skin of oils. We use the following products around once a week to help nourish and protect the skin. Ecostore Baby Shampoo – Specially formulated for little ones prone to skin irritations, this is a beautiful product that’s dermatologically certified and made from all-natural ingredients. The Hermosa Co Massage & Bath Oil – Fragrance free with no nasties, this is perfect for a newborn massage and adding to the bath. WOTNOT Newborn Nappy Rash Cream – This is a beautiful 3-in-1 product that can be used for not only nappy rash, but eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. SOOTHING Little tips and tricks passed down through the years have always helped parents soothe their little ones. From swaddling, to rocking to white noise – we also added a few key natural products to help us get our babies off to sleep. Natural Rubber Soother – While the jury is still out on soothers, these have been a staple for us. Made from one piece of natural rubber, they’re extremely hygienic and durable. Magnesium – For us, magnesium has been a god send. It naturally occurs in breast milk and helps not only get your little one off to sleep, but helps to soothe irritability, growing pains and restlessness. NATURAL SURROUNDINGS With delicate and porous newborn skin, we found it so important to only use natural fibres when it came to their clothing and bedding. Our bubs were prone to eczema, brought on by contact dermatitis from synthetic fibres – it’s one of the very reasons we started Miann & Co, because we knew we weren’t the only family suffering with skin conditions. Over the years, we’ve made a lot of swaps to natural fibres and it’s helped our family tremendously. Natural Bedding – Cotton is hypoallergenic and helps to regulate temperature by allowing air to flow and releasing moisture. It’s one of our keys to helping our little ones sleep through the night. Reusable Cloth Nappies – These have been a game changer for us. Kind on bums and the environment, the bamboo inserts are perfect for little ones prone to nappy rash. Ecostore Ultra-Sensitive Laundry Powder – Switching to a fragrance free and eco friendly laundry detergent is key to reducing skin irritations and sensitivities. We’d love to know what products helped to soothe and nurture your little ones! All our love, Miann & Co x
If you're a winter lover like myself, summer can be a super hard season to dress for. You can't layer, you can't wear your favourite jackets and worst of all, you can't even wear boots! As you can tell, summer does put me in a little bit of a spin - but over the years I've worked out a few simple tips and tricks to help me cope, read on to find out just what they are! WEAR NATURAL FIBRES You've heard it from us before - but natural fibres are the perfect choice for summer. Natural fibres like cotton and linen hold fibres away from the skin, helping air to flow freely to cool you down when it's hot out. Even better, though slightly gross, it won't leave you smelly if you sweat. Synthetics like polyester trap moisture in the garment rather than absorbing and releasing it like cotton. The moisture then sits in a synthetic garment where it builds up bacteria causing - you guessed it, an odour! For us, natural fibres are a no brainer choice for summer. They also feel so soft and nice against the skin, which is always a plus. Even better, cotton and linen are hypoallergenic so they're great for those that suffer from heat related skin conditions as they won't aggravate the conditions more. We choose fabrics like cotton, linen and ramie for this time of year. SUN SMART COMES FIRST Wether you tan, burn or feel like the sun doesn't effect you at all - you need to be protecting your skin. In Australia, we have some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Because UV rays are so harsh down here (in part thanks to the hole in the ozone layer) it's quicker and easier to get sunburnt. Everyone who's ever suffered a sunburn knows it just makes you feel 10 times hotter, so even if it wasn't a major health concern, I avoid it every way I can. This means every time you're out in the sun (even if that may just be running from your car to the shops) you should be wearing sunscreen and a hat - at the very least. Another way to protect your skin and keep cool is to throw on a light shirt. Our Jade and Dawn Shirts in ramie and linen are a great two in one - perfect to wear as a classic summer shirt, and as a throw on top of bathers. SKIP BULKY CLOTHING As cute as they are, we choose to skip clothing like denim shorts, lined dresses and more in summer. Our ethos is - the less bulky, the less fabric the better. While denim is typically made from cotton and elastane, most denim on the high street nowadays is a synthetic blend. Paired with the thickness of denim, you're just gonna feel hotter while wearing it! We apply the same ethos to dresses and skirts that have lining - it's just too much fabric, especially in the highest heats of summer. Though we can understand why lighter coloured and thin fabrics would need to have a lining so you're not flashing your underwear, we try to avoid them at all costs. LOOSE, LIGHT CLOTHING Any clothing that clings or sits tight to the body - get rid of it (or keep it for the cooler months). Stick to the looser fits - light dresses that flow around the body, billowy shirts and shorts with paper bag waists. Anything that's a little oversized, maybe a little too big for you is gonna be your best friend this season. Leave the darker colours for winter too. Shades like black and those on the darker end of the spectrum absorb the heat from the sun, rather than reflecting it like white and lighter colours do. This leaves you feeling hotter, more sluggish and overall more uncomfortable - stick to trusty light colours and clothing that won't hold you hostage by sticking to you! That's all for our favourite ways to keep cool in summer, we'd love to know what hacks and cheats you've come up with over the years to beat the heat! All our love, Miann & Co x
For a taste of the bustling coastline, with all the vibes of a small, country town with a river to boot - look no further than the beautiful, picturesque village of Barwon Heads. An hour and a half out of Melbourne (or for us in Geelong, it's just a drive up the road) Barwon Heads is a Victorian gem, a hidden little paradise at the mouth of the Barwon River. With a stunning main strip packed with little cafe's, boutiques and restaurants, this town is perfect for a summer escape or a trip away with your friends. During the late days of Spring, we ventured out of the office and drove on out to the little beach that sits just below the Barwon Head's Bridge - a slice of peace and tranquility amongst the sand dunes and slow, rolling waves. With our summer range in tow, we spent a beautiful morning amongst the salt and the sand with two beautiful families to make up what would become our SS21 shoot. Afterwards, we took a short drive to oneof our favourite cafe's this side of Melbourne, Annie's Provedore & Produce Store. This beautiful little cafe is like a slice of Europe nestled in the bustling main strip of Barwon Heads. Not only are they open breakfast, lunch and dinner - but Annie's is the place to go when you need to stock up on pantry staples. We suggest getting a table out front, ordering your favourite coffee and soaking up all the European coastal vibes (the breakfast doesn't go astray either...) For an after dinner treat (or midday snack) you can't go past Coffetti Gelato. There really isn't anything I can say about this place that isn't just 'go there immediately, don't ask questions'. You can find them on the main strip too! However, if you're looking for the Barwon Heads rite of passage, order a load of hot chips from the Barwon Heads Fish & Chip shop and take them down to the beach or the river. Let the kids burn off some steam and relax in the sun! The Barwon Heads Bluff is home to many walking tracks that offer the best views of the coast and the river. With rock faces and more to explore, these walks are sure to keep the kiddos entertained for a while! For those who enjoy a little adrenaline rush, head over the bridge for a few kilometres to Ocean Grove and join Go Ride a Wave in one of their surfing lessons - these are fun for the whole family! Wether you're a beginner, intermediate or pro, you're bound to have a world of fun with the team. And of course, you can't go past the beaches. Stunning white sand and foamy waves make Barwon Heads a dreamy, picturesque landscape. Head to the river for water that's a little calmer (perfect for little ones on unsteady legs) or pack the boogie boards and head on out for some fun on the beach! We hope the next time you plan a local trip, Barwon Heads makes the top of your list. Don't wait, there's so many fun memories to be made! All our love, Miann & Co x
If you're not listening to podcasts - take this as your sign, it's time to start. For a while now, podcasts have been a staple in our office. Routinely, one of our staff members will run into the office with the news that our favourite podcast has uploaded. For the majority of 2020, that podcast was Life Uncut by Brittany Hockley and Laura Byrne (Yes, Laura who won Matty J's heart - and Brittany who's pain we felt when the Honey Badger collectively broke Australia's heart of The Bachelor fame.) Where podcasts like the above have their place (because if anything in 2020, we needed a good laugh - and we still highly recommend it) here are our Top 5 that you should be listening to in 2021 - motivating, insightful and inspiring, these podcasts will take you to the next level and beyond. 1. Unlocking Us by Brené Brown Who Should Listen | Those looking to level up their lives and delve deep into their emotions. Where to Listen | iTunes, Spotify Where to Start | Start with Brené's interview with the incomparable Glennon Doyle (because yes, we're Glennon fangirls too) 2020 was the year of Brené Brown, and we predict that 2021 will be no different. In this series, Brené sits down with celebrities, authors, professors and more to have 'conversations that unlock the deeply human part of who we are, so that we can live, love, parent, and lead with more courage and heart'. This podcast is awe inspiring, raw and just so human - you'll probably find you can't stop listening to it. In a time where human connection seems fraught, Unlocking Us teaches you how to connect to (an unlock) yourself. 2. She's On The Money by Victoria Devine Who Should Listen | Women seeking advice on financial freedom - from a millennial's perspective Where to Listen | iTunes, Spotify Where to Start | Start with the episode on the Pink Tax - warning, this one may inspire you to start a revolution. A revelation I had in 2020 was that I needed to start being smarter with my money. After asking around for advice within my friendship group, they all pointed me to She's On The Money - and I couldn't be more thankful. SOTM has taught me that financial independence is achievable and is so important to strive for - especially for women. Take steps towards your own financial freedom today with this fun, insightful millennial take on finances! 3. We Don't Have Time For This by Gemma Peanut & Kate Reeves Who Should Listen | Those seeking a fresh and raw perspective on motherhood and life Where to Listen | iTunes, Spotify Where to Start | This podcast is a newbie, so start from the beginning! We're long time fans of Gemma, and we sing our love for her from the rooftops. Always inspiring and fresh, she and her childhood best friend Kate are just so much fun to listen to. This is the perfect podcast to chuck in when you're in need of a little happiness and laughter to brighten up your day! 4. Offline with Alison Rice Who Should Listen | Social media lovers, and those looking for an in-depth view into the lives behind the stars of your favourite Instagram accounts. Where to Listen | iTunes, Spotify Where to Start | Her interview with Juliet Allen is insightful and wonderful! It's no secret that we're massive fans of social media - we probably spend too much time on it if we're being truly honest! Alison offers a fascinating insight into what it's like to be an 'influencer' and the lives of your favourite online personalities. It's more than just a podcast about influencers though, it's about learning to live your true and authentic self. 5. Clementine Ford's Big Sister Hotline Who Should Listen | Everyone! This podcast covers so many topics that are important to all. Where to Listen | Spotify, iTunes Where to Start | Listen to her interview with Yassmin Abdel-Magied - life changing. Here in our office, we're a little team of feminists - striving for equality. Clementine Ford is perhaps 'best known' - at least in the context of Australian media for angering men when she publicly posts on her feeds the awful things they write to her. Clementine is passionate about equality and raising the voices of minorities, these are eye opening conversations that all Australian's need to hear. We'd love to know what your podcast recommendations are for the year - because honestly, we can't get enough! All our love, Miann & Co x
When the beautiful Michelle approached us earlier in the year to work with us on some imagery for our new loungewear - we knew immediately that the answer was yes! Her simple aesthetic and neutral tones are an absolute treat on the eyes, making the dreamiest Instagram feed. Her curated style has quickly become one of our favourites. Grab a cup of tea and sit down with us as we chat to Michelle! Michelle wears the Demi Singlet & the Charlie Pants Hi Michelle! Thanks so much for sitting down with us today! We were so excited when you reached out to work with us, we adore your aesthetic - how did your love for neutrals start? Thank you, I’m so excited to be able to do this! I think I have always had a love for neutrals, but I didn’t realise it until someone at the start of the year told me that was my ‘style’. The moment they told me, it was as if a light bulb switched on in my head and ever since honing into my a neutral closet, I have loved every new piece in it. Your imagery is very you (and I believe you take most of your photos yourself!), did you study photography or social media at school? How did you create your vibe? I think that is the most common statement about anything in my life (my home decor, new clothes etc.) everyone always thinks it’s very me and they’re not wrong haha! I do take and edit all the photos by myself because I used to be extremely into photography from a very young age to the point where I did want to study it but never ended up doing it. I did do the odd photography job here and there when I was 16, but when Instagram came about, I was absolutely immersed into this world of experimenting with my own style. This involved a lot of trial and error to get to the, kind of, consistent style I have right now. I honestly just do what brings me joy, if this vibe isn’t what I like anymore, I won’t be afraid to change it up. The pandemic has changed a lot of things for everyone this year, no one has made it through unaffected! Living in Melbourne, how has your life been changed with the first and second lockdown? Has it affected your work in any way? I think with the first lockdown it was so new and mysterious, so during that time I had a lot of different things to try out like baking, cross stitching etc. as well as spending the time to get adjusted. By the second lockdown I’ve practically done everything and anything, which has definitely taken a toll on my work because I’ve done all I possibly can at home! However, with sunnier days coming around, it has really lifted my mood and I’ve adjusted my Instagram accordingly to that too. You're very passionate about mental health and advocating for a better understanding of the issues that affect many people in their day to day lives (which is one of the many reasons why we love you!), where does this passion stem from? I’ve always been the nice girl, so growing up I was an easy target to get picked on which is why I’ve been careful with my words ever since. Then coming out of high school I’ve definitely been put through the ringer with losing family and recently having a still birth, and I’ve realised those times can be feel incredibly isolating. So I just want people to know they’re not alone because it’s what I’ve needed for myself. Michelle wears the Margot Jumper & the Charlie Pants And finally, as it's a massive passion of ours - we always ask our interviewees their favourite way to relax and wind down, what does self care look like to you and why? Self care for me involves recognising in my mind that I am allowed to do this/feel that way. Whether it’s letting myself cry it out when I’m sad or laying on the couch to watch TV, I want to be able to do those things freely without feeling guilt or shame. So it’s important to mentally tell myself I am allowed to do these things in order to take care of myself. Thank you so much for chatting with us Michelle! Head over to @asdfmichelle and give her a follow, you won't regret it! All our love, Miann & Co x
If you've set eyes on a Miann & Co photoshoot this past year, then you would have seen a photo or two from the lovely Amy Anabel of AA.Creative - the founder of a multidisciplinary fashion studio. Her shots are simple, subtle and evoke a story that makes you want everything she shoots. We sat down with Amy to chat all things small business, photography and her plans for summer! Amy wears the Aurora Pants & the Poppy Shirt Hi Amy, thank you so much for sitting down with us today! We're obsessed with your fashion photography, it's always so clean and beautiful - and the way you use your body in photos is nothing short of phenomenal - how did you find your unique shooting style? My absolute pleasure, you girls are too kind! I don’t really think about my shooting style, I just shoot what and how I like so I really am flattered that people love it and it comes across well. I have always had a fascination with the female form and how unique we all are, so I think you can definitely see that inspiration in my style of content creation. You have a ton of industry experience, how has this helped you with starting AA.Creative, and why did you choose the path of starting your own bespoke fashion studio? I think the experience gave me the confidence more than anything. I loved the work I did previously and was lucky enough to work alongside some pretty talented humans which I think really drove my passion towards wanting to create something of my own. I’ve always been a pretty independent and determined little cookie so whilst it was a big leap, it felt right. I’ve never looked back. Amy wears the Dawn Shirt You do a lot more than taking stunning photographs, tell us a bit more about your business and take us through what a normal day in the life of AA.Creative looks like! This is a super funny question for me, that I get asked quite a lot. My business has so many different branches, that I try to categorise under a ‘Bespoke Fashion Studio’ because realistically I don’t know what else to call it haha! I offer services such as Content Creation, Social Media Management, Consulting and Brand Management which means every day looks different. Overall I am an extension of the small business’ that I work with so a day for me could be working on my own business, answering emails, touching base with global wholesale accounts, creating content, copy writing, consulting calls, mailchimp, designing, production and the list goes on. No week is the same for me but that is why I love it, keeps my mind sharp and it is always fun. You live in such a picturesque location in Western Australia, does the beautiful landscape around you inspire your work? Where do you find inspiration? Absolutely! My partner and I moved over from the East Coast 3 years ago and we have fallen in love with Western Australia. I would definitely have to say that the beautiful rugged coastlines and untouched landscapes are where I source inspiration from. I’m also a Summer baby, so I like to say I’m fuelled by the sun so anywhere that the light hits directly gets me going! Amy wears the Dawn Shirt Since we found you earlier in the year, we're always so amazed by the high quality photography and concepts you come up with, you're so creative! Do you plan and shoot all of your projects by yourself? Aw thank you! Everything is planned by myself, and executed. Generally the process for me is having a vision prior to shooting and making sure that both the brand and myself are on the same page. We both invest so much time and money that we want to get it right. Next, scouting a location and then thanks to pre planning shooting which is the easiest part (if everything goes right). Before I started content creating I definitely underestimated the work that goes in to each shoot, I give way more credit to people creating beautiful imagery now than I ever did. As we're in Victoria, we unfortunately can't travel as much as we'd like to this year - when we can, where would you say the top places to visit are in Western Australia? Any unknown, locals only hotspots we should check out? I cannot wait to be able to travel again, but we have been one of the luckiest regions in the world to be able to discover/rediscover our own state. A list of my favourite places in the world (yes I meant to say world). Also, keep it hush hush ;) Exmouth Yallingup Denmark Esperance Amy wears the Aurora Pants & the Jade Shirt Finally, as it's almost Christmastime and the holidays are coming up - what are your plans this summer? Seeing as we won’t be heading back over East to spend it with our family we will just be spending some time at home. Dunsborough is the best place to be in the Summertime, and it is our first year living in the region so we can’t wait to explore the coastlines, lap up some sun and visit one to many wineries! You can keep up with Amy via Instagram or her website!