The gorgeous model, influencer, social media superstar and one of Australia’s sexiest jet setting DJs helps celebrate our 12th birthday in style with this magnificent MAXIM cover debut…
Congratulations on your first MAXIM cover, Shiralee. How do you feel?
Thank you so much! It’s amazing and I’m so excited for everyone to see these photos – I’m still buzzing. We had the best day shooting with such an incredible team and I feel so happy and grateful.
What did you love most about this photo shoot?
Even though we shot this in Sydney, it looks like we are in Europe – the location in Rose Bay was dreamy and it’s giving Greek summer vibes. The swimwear we shot was so beautiful, too – the Mayaki swimwear collection is stunning and I love it! And, of course, shooting with a vintage 1967 Cadillac really took it to another level.
What goes through your mind when posing in swimwear?
I was built to be in a bikini and I really love wearing swimwear. It’s only happy days when you are in a swimsuit, right? My best memories are in swimwear, whether its photo shoots or being on holidays.
Well, you look stunning. What’s the sexiest thing about you?
I’d like to say it’s my energy – I love to be a positive vibe – but I’ve also been told my style is one of my most attractive traits, which is very important to me.
When do you feel you’re at your sexiest?
After I’ve taken my time to get ready to go out, doing my hair and make-up, wearing a beautiful outfit with some Honey Birdette on underneath, favourite perfume on and ready for date night. I love that moment – walking out and feeling my best.
What is your best asset?
Physically, the two B’s – boobs and bum. Otherwise, it would be my cheeky side – I just like to have fun. I’m into the banter and love having a laugh.
Give us a little more background about yourself and brief life story so far.
Being a Newcastle [NSW] girl, gave me a really grounded upbringing. It was a great place to grow up but I have lived all over the world – from Sydney to Dublin and Marbella, and soon to be, Dubai. Although, I do always come back to Newcastle – there’s just something about home in Australia that you can’t find anywhere else. I have a huge connection to it – my family, the people, the ocean… I just seem to find my balance here. People know me mainly from my modelling career and in more recent years I’ve been very invested in my music. From modelling to music, it’s been an incredible journey. I don’t know how I didn’t do it earlier! I do believe it is always about timing, and it was meant to happen – now!
How did you get into DJing and the music scene?
I’ve always loved music – obsessed! I would be curating playlists and finding new music constantly, watching DJs doing sets and deep down wishing it was me. One day I finally gave in to this recurring thought and pursued this dream. I went and signed up to National Music Academy, bought some decks and never looked back! Five years in and here we are, releasing music and living the dream.
Is this mainly what you do when you’re not posing for MAXIM?
Yeah, on most days I’m planning shows or working on music and upcoming travel. This can include creating my sets, doing music in studio, finding new songs, styling what I’ll be wearing… I absolutely love DJing, nothing feels better than putting on an amazing show. I am currently planning the next trip to Thailand and also working on my next song release!
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
That I’m actually quite down to earth. I think people perceive that I’m not, but if you get to know me I really am. I love the little things like downtime in between all the big moments.
You have a huge social media following. How do you keep your audience coming back for more?
I’m always up to something and they want to see where I am at, who I am with and what I am wearing. Whether it’s a show I’m playing, a night out, releasing new music, travelling somewhere… I feel my audience likes seeing what I am up to next. I am chasing my dreams and always living life to the fullest, and that’s the only way to do it. They love to see that journey.
What are the pros and cons of being an influencer?
Pros are that I get to work with incredible brands, travel and shoot in some places I could only dream of otherwise. Cons, a lot of your life is on show for the public eye so I’m a bit conscious of that. I’ve been asked to be on every reality show!
What’s the freakiest thing someone has sent you via social media?
I have a whole folder of screenshots of these and some of them are so wild. The folder is titled, “what not to send to women” in my phone. All of these were found in my “other requests” folder when I decided to look one day. Here I discovered an inbox where one person who has consistently written to me for 10 years without me ever replying – I will give him a point for persistence and consistency.
Would you ever date one of your followers?
One time I actually did date someone who slid into my DMs on Instagram and it turned out to be one of the best relationships I’ve had. We had the best first date and continued to have many more after that. So, yes.
How could a man possibly win his way to your heart?
Have a strong playlist, a strong body and strong mind – you will definitely need all of these. I’m all about good taste in music, being active and most of all an emotional connection – I really appreciate someone who understands me.
What’s one thing men should always know about women?
Women appreciate actions, not just words. We know when a man is fully invested because he will do anything to win her – and once he does, that is when you will see her open up her heart and her world.
What have you learnt about men over the years?
The funniest ones are the best. The ones with a great sense of humour are truly the best to be around. I gravitate to interesting conversations and good energy.
It’s our special 12th birthday this month. Besides this amazing cover photo shoot, what other present would you get MAXIM?
Happy birthday MAXIM! It’s my birthday in August, too! We celebrated the best way by doing this issue together. If I was to give you another present it would be a DJ set from SC.
Happy birthday! What’s the best present you’ve ever been given?
On my 30th birthday I got to spend the day cuddling some cute tiger cubs and it was one of the best birthday presents ever. They were so cute and it’s an experience
I won’t ever forget.
What’s the craziest birthday you’ve ever had?
My birthday in Mykonos last year was definitely up there with the craziest. My friends and I started off with a beautiful and civilised lunch that turned into debauchery and dancing on the tables for a solid eight hours.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us?
I’m about to release my new single “Always You” and I’m so excited about this new track! I’ve been working on it for the past few months producing with DJ Fuel and Clarita De Quiroz on vocals. It is so exciting and I can’t wait to show you all. “Always You” is an original house record with a melodic bassline, heartfelt vocal and big production that will instantly become your new favourite song – so make sure you go and add it to your playlist!
STATUS UPDATE
NAME: Shiralee Coleman
BORN: August 14
HOME TOWN: Newcastle NSW
CURRENTLY LIVES: Newcastle – Sydney – Dubai
FIVE WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Passionate, ambitious, loyal, fun, outgoing.”
GO-TO DRINK: “Ice coffee for morning, Margarita for evening.”
LIFE MOTTO: “Headphones in – problems out.”
INSTAGRAM/THREADS/TWITTER/TIK TOK/SOUNDCLOUD: @shiraleecoleman
Photography by NEIL DIXON By SANTI PINTADO
Hair & make-up by KARYSSA LEIGH, CHRISTOPHER HANNA, SEAMLESS1
Wardrobe by MAYAKI SWIMWEAR (COVER), HONEY BIRDETTE, FREELANCE SHOES, JATALI SWIM, Sennheiser HEADPHONES (Cover)
Styling by COLLETTE EMILY
Videography by JONO COLOVOS, ALESSANDRO CORDOBA
Cadillac by CADDY CHIC EVENTS
Location THE ARCH, ROSE BAY NSW
Creative Facilitator: WILLY BAGATCHOLON: @iam_friendofsmallstone / @iam.smallstone.
For the full article grab the August 2023 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
