We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Morgan Beals a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Morgan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

Ever since I was younger, my parents always taught me that I could be anything that I wanted to be if I put my mind to it. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a designer. I’ve always loved the creative process of designing items that make people’s lives better. My parents had different work experiences–my mom was an account exec at Elizabeth Arden, and my dad worked in a chemical plant–showing me both 9 to 5s and the flexibility of self-employed work. Their dedication is what molded me into the entrepreneur I am today.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Morgan Rhea’s journey began the day she met Michael at orientation in 2011 at Savannah College of Art and Design. Little did they know that they would be collaborating over the next four years and be married a few years later. The passion for designing didn’t start there.
Morgan always knew she wanted wanted to be in the fashion industry at an early age. She would spend her days coloring and designing outfits. Her mother, Kathi would take her along on her work trips. She was an account executive for Elizabeth Arden. So Morgan was always around fashion and drawing inspiration from her Grandmothers and Aunts as well.
Michael would always daydream and draw about what inspired him. He started taking his first photos in the sixth grade and always found inspiration around him.
With them having a passion for the art at an early age, they both followed their hearts and it lead them to where they are today.
Morgan Rhea began in early 2015 after Morgan returned from her apprenticeship at the Coach Headquarters in New York City. After being surround by so many people, different ages, races, and ethnicities, this fueled her passion to share people’s stories. Her senior collection, “Silently Speaking Gratitude,” from SCAD would be the inspiration of their company.

At Morgan Rhea, they produce luxury leather goods that tell a story and spark meaningful conversations. Each product is handmade with care, to be as unique and special as the person who carries it. Quality and love are visible and tangible in each accessory Michael and Morgan create, a testament to their dedication. The accessory range provides an opportunity to spark a conversation with people you may not have otherwise met. Through creative designs, their Collections are made to open up conversations – allowing for connection and exchange, and for new relationships to develop. With a range of possibilities, the accessories offer a unique, subtle way to communicate and make a lasting impression.Their premium product line features a unique Gratitude Campaign each month, donating a portion of profits to a carefully-selected charity. Each campaign features a custom-crafted tote and bracelet, as well as event-specific merchandise, all designed to raise awareness and puts proceeds to work supporting a greater cause.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I believe that there is something to learn everyday. I am a firm believer in bettering myself and business and that starts from within. Each morning I choose a podcast to listen to, a marketing, self help or new fashion trends. It’s a free outlet and resource to keep up to date as well as starting your day off in a positive way. Energy is a very powerful thing, if you’re having a bad day and bring that to your co workers, that doesn’t help anyone. I believe that we are all in this world together and if I can help just by offering a positive attitude, that’s what I will choose each day.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2018 we had a fire that destroyed our machinery, leather, hardware, everything. This was just before our Holiday Season was about to begin. Michael and I were always working in the business as we were the sole makers of each item. When our fire happened we had to pivot and not let it defeat us. We started working “on” the business as we were re building and came back stronger than before.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://morganrhea.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/_morganrhea_?igshid=YzcxN2Q2NzY0OA==
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/morganrhealuxurygoods

Image Credits
Michael Beals