‘ET Canada’ reporter Brittnee Blair wants to 'make change' in the media industry

Most people know Brittnee Blair as an "ET Canada" reporter and for her time on "Big Brother Canada." But there's more to the talented and down-to-earth presenter than meets the eye.

Although she wanted to be on TV for more than 15 years, her journey in front of the camera began as a model, when she posed for Macy's, Pennington's and Lane Bryant.

Blair said she loves the "art and creativity" of modelling, but explained she now has a "different" relationship with the industry.

"I am one of the few people that represent a bigger body and being a Black woman in fashion," Blair told Yahoo Canada.

"People will try and change you into what they think perfection is, so the modelling world taught me to just stay true to who I am."

The self-love advocate doesn't let the industry get to her. In her eyes, if she can show women that it's possible to be comfortable in your own skin and to live your authentic truth, it's worth it.

"As long as the fashion world will have me and I'm able to make change, I will continue to model," she said.

'Life-changing' experiences

Taking a break from modelling, Blair competed on the third season of "Big Brother Canada," which aired in 2015.

The popular reality show follows a group of strangers living in a house without contact to the outside world. Each week, contestants perform a series of tasks and challenges before someone is "evicted" from the house.

For Blair, the experience was "life-changing" for her career — and her perspective.

"I learned a lot about myself, what I'm capable of and what other people are capable of," Blair explained.

"I realized that I'm a lot stronger than I think, and having a support system is important."

While in the house, Blair also learned that she loves talking to people, which grew her professional career.

After the show, she began pursuing more opportunities, including social media creation and mediating conversations. From there, Blair landed one of her first on-air gigs, hosting "W Network's Movie Date." The broadcast segments ran during commercial breaks where Blair chatted about decor, recipes and more.

Eight months later, Blair was offered an audition as an "ET Canada" reporter, which she went on to accept.

"At 'ET Canada,' I pinch myself every day and reminisce on all of the things I've been able to do, see and experience since I've been here," she admitted.

Affirmations, self-love and bubble baths

Since joining the team, one of Blair's favourite memories was going to New York to interview Sam Smith. The rush and excitement of preparing for and conducting the interview was a "huge moment" for her.

But despite her success, Blair's journey hasn't always been easy. Amidst travelling for work and trying to achieve a work-life balance, the reporter said her support system has been essential in feeling her best.

"My mom and my husband keep me grounded and they make sure I'm checking in on myself," Blair said. "And I'm big on affirmations, and honestly, bubble baths to get me through."

During stressful times, Blair added changing how she talks to herself has been an important step in her self-love journey.

Every single day, Blair says one positive thing about herself and remembers: no one is perfect.

"I try and live by the rule that if you wouldn't say to your best friend, don't say to yourself. Self-talk is key and it keeps me in check and living happily," she admitted.

She also continues trying new things, like Japanese food during a trip with her husband in 2018. It's now become one of her simple pleasures, due its "level of beauty and artistry."

"I'm always learning and trying something new — in all facets of life," the host said.

In addition to tasting new foods, Blair said she wants to take up glass blowing. She quoted her "obsession" with the practice, adding it's a "fun and different" hobby to explore.

"Glass blowing just seems so poetic and beautiful, and the creative part is an experience in general. I'm just trying to evolve and try new things," she said.

But if there's one piece of wisdom Blair wants to tell the world, it's that it's OK to fail. Every day is a new chance to try again, and perfection doesn't exist.

"Give yourself grace," she noted. "As long as you try your best every day, that's more than enough."

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