Q & A with Brittnee Blair

Brittnee Blair  is celebrated for her authenticity, warmth, and confidence advocacy. A former on-air reporter for ET Canada, she has interviewed stars like Robert De Niro, Chris Hemsworth, and Scarlett Johansson.

Brittnee's rise to fame began in 2015 on Global’s Big Brother Canada, where she earned the nickname “Queen B.” Her modeling career, which started at age seven, includes campaigns for brands like Old Navy, Macy’s, and Joe Fresh.

In 2021, Brittnee expanded her horizons by hosting W Network’s Movie Date, now in its third season, and later joined ET Canada. She remains dedicated to health, happiness, and understanding our impact on the world, with a love for food, travel, and cultural exploration.

We’re super excited to bring you this Q&A with Brittnee Blair!

Can you tell us about your journey from modeling at a young age to becoming a prominent media personality and host? How have these experiences shaped you?

It was a long journey, but I started modelling at 7 years old after I was scouted by my server. My mom and I were eating chicken fingers and the server asked if I had ever thought about modelling. I decided to try it and from there modelled locally until I was 13. I took a pause to allow myself to be a teenager and dropped the pressures of losing weight from the agency. At 21 I stepped back into the modelling world, which then grew into a curiosity to see if I could spread my wings and fly into the US market. New York had always been the dream, so I applied for the top ten Plus Size agencies. I ended up hearing back from Ford Models Toronto and Ford New York, got a visa and moved to NYC a year later. I lived there for 2.5 years, first living in a model apartment with 7 other women, then moved into my own Brooklyn spot with my now bestie. I modelled for various brands including Hanes, Target, Fruit of the Loom, Eloquii, Macy’s, etc. As much as I love modelling, I was looking for another challenge so I applied for Big Brother Canada. I made it on the show and I placed 4th on S3 of BBCAN. It sparked a love of being on tv and connecting with humans on such an honest level. From there I channelled that energy into connecting with my community on social media and talking about the things I love. This led to an opportunity to host a wonderful show called W Movie Date. It’s a lifestyle show that goes beautifully with the biggest season of the year “Hallmark Countdown to Christmas”. My experience with guests led to the opportunity to audition for ET Canada where I spent a beautiful year interviewing celebrities from all walks of life, travelling the world and creating great friendships along the way. 

So many of these experiences have shaped me and prepared me for each opportunity along the way. They taught me how to be adaptable, respectful, loving, open, and how to dig a little deeper even in moments where you feel like you're at the bottom of the tank.

How did your time on Big Brother Canada influence your career and personal growth? What lessons did you take away from that experience?

BBCAN was one of the funnest yet emotional journeys. It was a great opportunity to really remove people from the outside world and learn to connect with them on such a genuine human level. We had no cell phones, books, tv, or even pen and paper. All we had was ourselves, our stories and lived experiences to connect with. It’s easy to connect with people if you just be yourself, the right people will gravitate towards you. There were times in that house that I truly challenged myself and dug really deep. I've carried a lot of that strength  and those lessons with me throughout life post BBCAN. One of the greatest lessons I learned is that, “you’re always capable of more. Just dig a little deeper and you can make it happen”.

You've interviewed many high-profile celebrities. What has been one of the most memorable moments, and how do you prepare for these interview to ensure they are both engaging and comfortable for your guests?

It's hard to pick just one to be honest. One of the most memorable moments was meeting Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks. Standing in the presence of such greatness was overwhelming but special. Two iconic humans and yet so humble and gracious. I always make sure that I do my research on a celebrity. Come in with as much knowledge as possible about upcoming projects, but also about the small things. At the end of the day, celebrities are human and they have small joys and less flashy moments that mean so much to them just like us. I love to really connect and tap into what brings them joy and makes them feel most themselves.

You're known for promoting self-love and confidence. Can you share some practices or routines that help you maintain these values in your daily life?!

Self-love is a lifelong journey but so fun to celebrate, to move through and to constantly evolve with what self love looks like for me day to day. Some days self-love looks like rest, some days self-love looks like movement, some days self-love looks like connection. I’m a big proponent in giving myself grace for how I’m feeling that day and honouring what my body or my mind needs. I’m also a big words of affirmation person so one routine that I consistently practise is affirmations. I listen to ‘Affirmation Babe’ on Spotify. I also have these awesome little shower affirmations that stick to the shower wall and surround me with positivity as I'm getting ready for the day or before I lay down to rest.

As someone who juggles multiple roles, from modelling and hosting, to being a mom, how do you find balance and ensure you have time for self-care and relaxation?

Sometimes it's a challenge! Life gets busy with so many plates to balance. I'm grateful for the support from my partner as well as my parents and in-laws and my besties. It takes a village and it also takes understanding your own limits. Sometimes you need to allow someone else to hold a plate in order to find that balance. I learned to take time for myself, because as they say on an airplane you have to put your own mask on first. I know what brings me joy and so instead of placing my time elsewhere I seek more places of joy. I also find peace in therapy, it gives me perspective and allows me to prioritise myself and my wellness.

What does your wellness routine look like? Are there specific activities or habits you prioritize to keep yourself feeling your best?

Wellness looks like an equilibrium between rest and movement. I love to move my body through walking, dancing, yoga, weightlifting and boxing. But I also honour and don’t place judgement on myself when I choose to rest. Sometimes for me rest is just as important as movement to recharge my battery or to be more present in the stillness.

When you're not in front of the camera, how do you like to unwind at home? What does a perfect cozy day look like for you?

This question feels good. I love to hang at home in my comfy jammers, maybe bake some banana bread or make nothing at all haha. I love to hang out with my little fam, take our pup for a walk and turn the living room into a movie fort.

Given your busy schedule, how important is comfort in your daily attire? How do you incorporate comfortable yet stylish clothing into your wardrobe?

Comfort is very important. I don’t believe that outdated mentality of fashion needs to be uncomfortable to look good. For me I love to have pieces that can transition with me throughout my day. I like to build up an outfit from a tshirt and jeans and runners to a t-shirt, jeans, leather jacket and some cute heels. Comfort and fashion are always attainable!

Brittnee Blair relaxing at home in her Bamboo Jammers.

What do you look for in the perfect pair of pajamas and how does comfort play a role in your choice of sleepwear?

The perfect pair of pajamas for me have to be soft! But not just soft, I need breathability and depending on the season I need warmth or I need something that keeps me cool. The perfect pair of pajamas has short sleeves and long leg pants!

We know your adorable daughter loves our PJs too! Is it her way of being just like mom?

She LOVES jammers. It's part of our routine and building that sense of independence and individuality. It starts with her bedtime routine where she gets to pick her own pajamas and gains confidence in what she's going to wear for the night.  She most definitely ADORES a matching moment with mama.. and so do I ! :)

You have a deep appreciation for travel and exploration. If you could pack one pair of This Is J jammers for a trip, which style would they be?

This is such a great question! I like This Is J pajamas because they’re super light and easy to travel with. They're also breathable so even in warmer conditions you're cool but in cooler conditions you're just right! I would have to go with the Bamboo Relaxed Long Sleeve and Harem Pants. It's the perfect fit.

How do you maintain your health and fitness routine despite a hectic schedule? Are there any specific exercises or practices you swear by?

I try to move my body for 30 minutes a day. It doesn't have to be in the gym, it can be a walk, a dance, swimming or whatever my body is feeling that day. I'm always a big fan of yoga, especially if I can get outside and practice. I always feel so grounded and present and it always feels like such a great reset.

As a model and media personality, fashion plays a big role in your life. How do you balance looking fashionable while ensuring your feel comfortable, especially in more relaxed settings?

I’m lucky to have worked with some incredible stylists like Aliecia Brissett and Maria Chowdhery who helped me find that balance of fashionable but comfortable on set. When it comes to collaborating it's always been about what makes me feel comfortable but still makes a powerful statement. I transition this into my personal life and everyday activities by playing with colour, or adding the perfect accessories to compliment the understated pieces. A good pair of earrings, bag and standout shoes goes a long way in elevating a look but maintaining comfort.

What advice would you give to aspiring models, hosts, or anyone looking to break into the entertainment industry? How can they balance professional ambition with personal well-being?

I would start by saying, don't be afraid to be unapologetically yourself, that is what makes you stand out. It’s also what helps you thrive and maintain wellness in your professional life and personal life. Take the chance on yourself and don’t be afraid of the no’s. The no’s make you stronger. The no’s make you think smarter. The no’s lead you to doors that you're meant to walk through.

How do you see quality sleepwear contributing to a good night's sleep and overall wellness?

Quality sleepwear is everything and a huge factor in my good night's sleep. There's nothing like cozy pajamas that breathe beautifully and keep you at the perfect temperature while giving you space to move, roll and dream. If we sleep better; we feel better,  we make better decisions and are able to take the day on with clarity.

Lastly, what's your favourite style of This Is J jammers and why?

 It’s the Henley Harem Set for me! They’re stretchy and soft and so breathable.