Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Young.
Hi Morgan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I graduated from UGA in fashion merchandising in May of 2021. I wanted to be a fashion designer but struggled to find a corporate job designing. After several months of searching with no luck, I decided to start my own brand, something I never thought I would do. I found my manufacturer and started sampling in August of 2021, launched pre-orders in October, and started shipping products in January 2022. I started with a collection of 7 original designs and have since doubled my collection of original designs and now offer boutique clothing and accessories as well. My main sales channel is my website and pop-up markets that I travel to, but I also wholesale my original designs to other boutiques and stores.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest challenge for me has been learning how to run a business as far as logistics, inventory, and finances. I come from a create background so I’ve had to learn a lot through trial and error. Designing has always come easily to me, but learning all of the details that go into business was new to me. I’ve also worked full-time the entire time I have owned my business, so it can be hard at times to balance both.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
All of my originally designed clothing is made from 100% cotton denim. You don’t often find clothing other than jeans made out of denim, but it is an amazing fabric to work with. I didn’t originally plan to only produce in denim but it has become something I am known for. Denim is durable, easy to sew, and washes well. My clothing was originally made for women but I’ve had a lot of men buy and wear it too. My most popular item is my Poppy Pants, which now come in 4 colorways. They are color-blocked pants with a pointed hem. These pants are what I am most known for and are my favorite of my designs.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have gotten a ton of valuable advice and mentorship from people within the fashion industry and people completely outside of it. I think the best way to network and to get advice is to just talk to people about your business whenever you get the chance. You never know when someone may have knowledge or a connection that would be valuable to you. I also find that other small business owners are amazing resources and are always willing to help. By seeing other business owner as friends and not as competition, you can help each other out.
Pricing:
- My items range in price from $50-$75
Contact Info:
- Website: sugarcilantro.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sugarcilantro
