CHIT CHAT with Bree McCann

This mama can do it all! Bree McCann on balancing an international swimwear label, modelling, and motherhood.

By PENELOPE PELECAS

While we’re used to seeing her globe-trotting antics on our IG newsfeeds, things have definitely slowed down for this Noosa local and first-time mum. Queensland model and swimwear revolutionist, Bree McCann welcomed her first child, Mars Onyx McCann, into the world early last year. Now, almost one year on, she’s ready to hit the ground running, while still transitioning into her new role as ‘mum’.

Hi Bree! Thanks for chatting with us, and a big congratulations on your little man. How old is he?

Thank you! Mars is 9.5 months.

That’s a really unique name, what’s the inspiration behind it?

I knew I wanted an ‘M’ name if we had a boy because I liked the alliteration in my husband’s name (Mitch McCann) and my dad also has alliteration, so I wanted to keep it going! Mars’ middle name ‘Onyx’ is our favourite natural stone. I had never heard it as a name but had just always loved it!

What has given you the most joy as a mother?

Mars laughing and giggling with us! The simplest games and smallest things make him so happy. It has really taught me to appreciate those little moments when they happen.

What’s the biggest surprise?

How fast things change and how important it is to appreciate where you are at right now. I spent many years as a model living in New York and everything was very fast-paced. I was so focused on the next job or the next trip, I don’t think I ever really appreciated what I was doing at the time. I know it sounds cliché, but now as a mother I see Mars growing and changing so fast. I have had to remember to slow down and appreciate the current stage because it will be gone soon. The newborn phase already feels like a beautiful blur!

How do you balance running a business, modelling and being a fulltime mum?

Balancing work and motherhood have been the hardest part by far! The first few months are definitely an adjustment. I remember thinking, how I am ever going to do everything I want to do and be the type of mum I want to be at the same time. But I think you learn to adapt and be more productive in short spaces of time. Thankfully, Mitch and I both have our own businesses, so we have had a little flexibility to juggle everything together.

Could you tell me a little bit about your swimwear brand, Code B?

Code B is an inclusive swimwear brand designed for all shapes and sizes.

I really wanted to give women the confidence to feel good in swimwear by designing styles that flatter curves and really focus on fit. As a model, I was always a little too big for mainstream brands but not quite curvy enough for plus size brands. I always felt divided between the two – like there was an unnecessary disconnect.

This gap carried over to the swimwear market as well – I wore a lot of swimwear and I found that mainstream brands were often too skimpy and then plussized brands were too conservative or skewed towards older customers. There was no middle ground. I wanted to make swimwear that catered to curves and regular bodies with the right amount of coverage to be flattering, but still keep things young and fresh. I really believe that our bodies are all so unique and beautiful in their own way – just because you are curvier doesn’t mean you need to cover up.

What are your plans for the year ahead?

I’m currently designing the next collection, which I am very excited about because it’s the first time I can really feel the travel optimism coming back. For the last few years, there’s been this Covid cloud over everything, so it made designing and running Code B quite tough.

Swimwear is so inherently connected to holidays, sunshine and feeling good so I’m really excited for what’s to come now! We are hoping to go back to New York and take Mars to Mexico for the first time. I was based in New York for six years and I spent a lot of time travelling so it will be nice to go back and explore the world again. It’s a perfect Noosa Sunday, where are you and what are you doing?

We would be at the beach – most likely surfing Tea Tree Bay all day and then finishing with sunset drinks and dinner at Sails.

You’ve heard of ‘his and her’ vanities, but have you heard of ‘his and her’ beauty? Grab your significant other – it’s pamper time.

Updates From Experts In The Field

TRAVEL ADVICE with Natalie

Cherry

Antarctica by air

Recently I was able to experience the magic of seeing Antarctica by air on a scenic day trip with Chimu Adventures. I had already seen it by ocean so naturally, I wanted to compare it by air – and it did not disappoint.

We boarded the chartered Qantas aircraft and there was immediately a sense of excitement, gratefulness, and anticipation. After all, we were headed to an unknown bucket list destination – everyone’s emotions were on a high.

Throughout the journey we enjoyed a snack and some light inflight entertainment. Within hours we were served brunch and before landing, a lovely dinner.

I was one movie down when the pilot satellite called Casey Station – one of three permanent stations and research outposts in Antarctica. We got to listen to an interview with a Glaciologist and learnt all about the station operations, facilities, and day-to-day happenings.

The flight continued and unlike a commercial flight, everybody was up and about chatting and sharing the windows to view. We saw glaciers, different ice formations, and a myriad of blues. It was so wonderful to see the enormity of the Antarctic from the air. It’s something you have to see to believe.

My advice? Antarctica is not too unreachable, too expensive, or too cold and should you have been there before, you haven’t seen it all. The scenic day flight over Antarctica offered by Chimu Adventures allows you to experience the grandeur and wonder of Antarctica with fun and ease. I now have to try their scenic flight to the southern lights! If you’re looking to embark on a travel experience similar to this, get in touch with Noosa Cruise and Travel.

INTEGRATIVE COACHING with Kelly

Carthy

What happens beyond a breakup?

There is nothing worse than finding yourself in the midst of a relationship breakdown and witnessing the vision you once had for your life disintegrate before your eyes.

Yet breakups have the potential to be one of the most liberating experiences if you are willing to go within to heal.

Conscious Uncoupling is a term coined by Katherine Woodward Thomas and celebrated by the infamous separation of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. No this is not simply a celebrity moment for woke couples to walk hand in hand together and post their separation to their socials.

Conscious Uncoupling, as I have begun to appreciate, both personally and professionally, is a deep healing process that offers an opportunity for a happily even after no matter what the breakup of your relationship might look like.

This is an opportunity to look after yourself and create new possibilities for love in your future whilst going through one of the most challenging processes any human can endure. Loss of love, attachment, safety, trust and certainty in another to name only a few aspects.

It is the work you do for yourself and the support you create around you that will keep your heart open and allow you to evolve from within.

When we are making choices from a deeper place of wisdom and bring awareness to our own triggers in the process of breaking up we can create strategies to safeguard us through the eye of the storm.

The one place we knew as home is no longer home and we now get to create that space within our own selves once again and open ourselves up to the wonderful opportunities life can present when our heart remains open to love.