Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Beals
Hi Morgan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story began at a young age with a passion for fashion! My mother dressed me in fun clothes and big bows, while my dad, a hard worker, went to the chemical plant every day. They taught me invaluable lessons about love, kindness, and hard work. Summers with my grandfather, a wood turner, were spent in his wood shop and garden, instilling in me a sense of culture and gratitude from an early age.
In the 5th grade, I wrote an essay about wanting to design and make clothes when I grew up, specifically noting I didn’t want to make hats and shoes for men, which is funny because this dream led me to the Savannah College of Art and Design where I designed shoes for men. I first earned an Associate Degree in Fashion Merchandising from Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College in West Virginia, then pursued a BFA in Accessory Design at SCAD. It was there that my love story with accessories—and with my now husband, Michael—began. We’ve been collaborating ever since.
Michael has a background in fashion and photography. He is from Florida, while I’m from West Virginia—it was fate that brought us together. Over the next four years, we built a life filled with love and a shared passion for fashion. Living in Savannah, surrounded by its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful florals, we found endless inspiration.
Upon graduation, Morgan Rhea achieved significant milestones: we won an international award for our Ronald Briefcase, featured in the September issue of InStyle Magazine, crafted a pair of shoes for John Legend, and completed an apprenticeship at the Coach headquarters in NYC.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. It requires working around the clock and constantly planning the next steps for your business, as its success depends on your continuous efforts. In November 2018, a fire in our studio destroyed all our leather, hardware, and machinery, hitting us hard just as we were entering one of our busiest seasons. Initially devastated, we soon realized we had to push forward.
During this downtime, we focused on working on the business rather than in the business, as Michael and I had been the sole makers of every item. Fast forward to today, and we have grown significantly. We now collaborate with a manufacturer in Ohio and a leather supplier in NYC. Sometimes things get delayed out of your control, you just learn to pivot as growing pains are necessary for progress. In our fast-paced world, a small business must stay active on social media, send email blasts, create catalogs, and continually promote its name. Even a simple share on social media can make a big difference for us.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets Morgan Rhea apart is not only the aesthetic beauty and quality of our pieces but also the inscribed quotes that are upon each accessory. These quotes capture the essence of the person who inspired the piece, offering a whisper of their journey and encouraging you to forge your own path. With every touch and glance, our accessories remind you to carry forward legacies, tackle life’s challenges, and leave your mark on the world.
When you carry our accessories, you’re embracing more than just leather; you’re embracing a story, an experience, and a legacy. Our collection is a testament to the deep connections that shape us, inviting you to be part of a narrative that is both personal and universal. Each piece is a tribute to those who have influenced its creation, inviting you to join this tapestry of stories and craft your own chapter of legacy and inspiration.
We aim to create accessories that can be passed down through generations, sharing the story of a loved one or given as a heartfelt gift. While anyone can carry a handbag, we want you to stand apart and share a message of kindness, love, and hope—not only for today but for the future. Our mission is that when someone reads your accessory, whether in line at the coffee shop or during a heartfelt conversation about a loved one who has passed, you are displaying pure love and kindness. We hope this sparks conversations, helps you meet new friends, or even introduces you to the love of your life.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The COVID pandemic turned out to be a surprisingly busy time for our business. With everyone stuck at home, social media activity surged, giving us a unique opportunity to connect with our audience. During this period, we launched our Savannah Collection, aiming to bring a bit of hope during such uncertain times. This collection featured beautiful floral designs and bees, symbolizing resilience and renewal.
Interestingly, we didn’t face significant delays in our supplies during the pandemic itself, but we have experienced disruptions in the subsequent years as the broader effects of halted operations caught up. Fortunately, our strong online presence and established website allowed us to stay ahead of the curve and continue reaching our customers effectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://morganrhea.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_morganrhea_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morganrhealuxurygoods/
Image Credits
Michael Beals