The Weekend Edition - Sleep In. Slow Down. Enjoy.

Miann Scanlan Miann Scanlan Miann Scanlan

Miann Scanlan, fashion blogger and all-rounder


I only look back to see how far I’ve come ...

In Short ...

A former fashion PR girl, Miann Scanlan swapped triple espressos and Sydney’s daily grind for coconut waters and Gold Coast sunshine. Since then, she’s created a successful career as a blogger, creative director, consultant and marketing manager, to name a few. She was also named as part of Vogue Fair’s squad for next week’s fashion event at Pacific Fair. We caught up with Miann in between surfs to chat about being her own boss and trends for spring.


Congratulations on being named as part of the squad for Vogue Fair next week at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre! What’s at the top of your shopping list for the evening?
As soon as the 6.15 pm fashion showcase on the grand stairs ends, I’m making a beeline for Georg Jensen to view its Zaha Hadid collection, one of her last completed projects before her passing. Then you can most likely catch me at Janine Edwards, sass & bide and Seed searching for transeasonal pieces to get me through spring to summer.

Any key pieces/trends we should be on the lookout for?
Off the shoulder tops are here to stay, though this summer it’s all about sets in nautical colour ways as seen in Seed. For spring, pick up a lightweight bomber jacket, Cue has a Prada-esque floral option. For makeup we see a return to el natural after the ‘on fleek’ glam craze of 2015. Pick up a tinted moisturiser, (I love the Eve Lom Radiance Tinted Moisturiser at Mecca), a highlighter cream to make your skin the hero (Sephora Wonderful Cushion Natural Glow) and brow powder and gel from MAC for a natural look.

Do you have any tips on making the most of the bargains on the night?
Definitely do your research and see what your favourite retailers are offering, write a wish list and have a game plan.

A few years ago you swapped the world of fashion PR in Sydney for a freedom-oriented Gold Coast lifestyle – what inspired the change?
I lost a parent to cancer, so I moved home to be with my family. The experience really opened my eyes as to what’s truly important in life and forced me to re-evaluate my priorities placing my health, family and happiness back on the top of the list.

Have you ever looked back?
There are times I miss the fast pace of the city, though over the three years I’ve been on the Gold Coast I’ve watched cafe culture go from zero to hero and I have many friends who have relocated here from interstate to run their digital businesses on the coast. Now I only look back to see how far I’ve come.

You now work for yourself and have collaborated with Westfield, Tourism Australia, sass & bide, Sephora, Free People, Top Shop and Samantha Wills to name a few. What’s the best part about being your own boss?
Having the freedom to plan my day around the tide and close the laptop to have a surf or just get out into the sun when I need it. Working wherever there is Wi-Fi means I spend so much more time with my family these days, which means everything to me.

Do you have any advice for people who are keen to follow in your footsteps?
I tell university students to secure internships in their first semester of their first year as there’s no piece of paper in my line of work that trumps hands-on experience.

What’s a typical day like in the life of Miann?
I’m up at dawn to check the surf, if it’s not ideal you’ll find me riding my bike along The Esplanade, Fonzie Abbott coffee from Stones Throw in hand to workout on the Miami hill stairs. I make breakfast at home, then head to Warehouse No. 5 or Brisbane to work depending on my clients.

Your Instagram feed is littered with gorgeous sun-drenched images in incredible locations. Is there a less glamorous side of being a blogger or is it really that amazing?
I tend to shy away from content that is heavily produced as I prefer to be behind the lens. Creating content is hard work and consistently involves getting changed in the back of your car, shooting heavy coats in the middle of summer and constantly getting escorted out of car parks by security.

Best piece of advice you’ve received in your career or life?
“Trust no one” from my dad, “trust your gut” from my mum and “trust in life” from my best friend.

How do you turn a bad day around?
I close my laptop and head down to the beach for a swim or surf or I go for a walk.

Any words to live by?
Wear sunscreen.

Only a Gold Coast local would know… about the driftwood tipis on the secluded beach at Tallebudgera.

FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO: 
Perk up … In the ocean.
Relax … On Burleigh hill with friends.
Indulge … Cucina Vivo at Jupiters Hotel & Casino.
Dine … Rick Shores.
Be inspired … Coolamon lookout behind Byron Bay.



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