Candid Keepers #456

Introducing:

Brie McLean of Houston, TX

Favorite Place:

Edinburgh, Scotland

Q:  Please tell us a bit about yourself.  Where are you from and where are you now?

A: My name is Brie McLean,  actually, it’s Brieanda but almost nobody calls me that! I was actually raised in Scotland in the U.K. and moved here to Houston, 6 years ago. We didn’t bring much with us except for our beloved pets- a cat, a dog and a horse (and we’ve added 2 more dogs since moving!) I always say- I would have more children if I didn’t have so many animals!

Q:  I always love to hear about the incredible husbands that support the crazy schedule of a MJ Trunk Keeper.  What makes your so special?

A: I have to say, my husband is just an amazing “Matilda John”! He loads up my car for me for every trunk show and is just on hand for whatever I need! He tells me how proud he is of me and my hard work and on release day, he takes the day off work,  makes sure that I eat and drink, keeps the kids happy and without him, I wouldn’t be able to be as flexible as I am so I’m very, very grateful for him! (shhh, don’t  tell him I said that!

Q:  My favorite thing to talk about is my kids.  Tell us about YOURS.

A: Oh wow- where do I start?!…. I have 2 crazy, beautiful children- Madison is 6 and Matthew is 2 – Our daughter, Maddie is just such a happy, kind-hearted soul! She’s hilarious, does nothing but talk and talk, she adores her “Tilma Jane” and is so considerate of others and I’m not sure I can find enough words to express the joy she has brought us since the day she was born!…  Then, there’s “The Boy”!!… Our son, Matthew is giant! We call him a gentle giant because he’s very big and tall but has a sweet little voice. Very different to his sister- he doesn’t have much to say, eats A LOT, laughs for no reason (I often hear him laughing through the baby monitor), is super stubborn and loves to put things where they belong- which I love! If you can’t find something all you have to do is think, where would Matthew have put this? Where it belongs, of course! And boom – there it is! We adore him and he’s been a wonderful addition to the family (although, he is 2 and driving me crazy right now!

Q:  If you could wear one item every day, what would that be?

A: ooooh, that’s a tough one! I genuinely love all my Adult MJ- pretty much live in Finns and Ruffles and I just got all my new dresses from Good Hart and I’m wearing the Beachy Keen as we speak! So cute and comfy!

Q:  How did Matilda Jane find YOU?

A:  When Maddie was 3- one of her classmates was always in Matilda Jane and I just kept thinking, where in the world are they getting these clothes?!? One day, I caught her Mum in the hall and she gave me a business card- I went straight home and emailed the TK, not realizing that SHE was the Trunk Keeper on the business card!! She invited me to her home to see the clothes and the rest is history! That wonderful mother was Lisa Paul and she became my TK and more importantly my best friend!

Q:  If you could have lunch with ANYONE, who would it be and why?

A: My grandfather- I never got to see him before he passed away so I would love to have lunch with him again.

Q:  What are 5 words your friends would use to describe you?

A:  Oh gosh- I have no idea!!? I think one would probably be helpful- I think my friends know if they need anything- they can call me and I will be there to help with whatever they need.

Q:  Besides your family, what are you most passionate about?

A:  My horse! I love all my animals but spending time at the stables with Cosmo is special- he has a BIG personality and I love him to bits!

Q:  Share with us just ONE very important thing you do to try to leave this world a better place.

A: Raise my children to be kind, considerate, giving and polite.

Q:  What store makes your heart go pitter patter when you shop in it?

A: Free People and Anthropologie- love, love, love!

Q:  If given the opportunity to have the day to yourself, how would you spend it?

A:  I have a few days a week to myself and I love to just enjoy the silence! (When I say my daughter talks a lot- I mean A LOT!!!)

Q:  If you could crawl into the pages of any book, what would it be and why?

A:  Since I had children- I’ve been bad and haven’t made time for books for me- just been consumed by children’s books since the day my daughter was born- There’s a wonderfully simple but beautiful children’s book called “ONE” by Kathryn Otoshi- Every child should have this book !

Q:  Good Hart is a special place for Denise.  What place do you hold dear to your heart?

A:  Edinburgh- the Capital of Scotland- I was raised there- it’s a beautiful city and I feel very lucky to have grown up there.