Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan A. Wider.
Morgan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always loved shopping. Bargain hunting with my mom every weekend was my version of Little League. But for most of my life I struggled with style. As much as I loved beautiful clothes, I wasn’t comfortable with the attention they would bring. Growing up as the tallest and brownest girl in my neighborhood, I didn’t want any additional attention, so I hid behind anything boring and over sized. It wasn’t until later in life that I finally got over my fear of being seen and started to use clothing to convey an image of confidence.
Thankfully my love of clothes led me to spend ten years in corporate merchandising with some of the biggest specialty brands: The Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, OshKosh B’Gosh and Carter’s. I loved the strategy behind determining the assortment for a customer. I always loved the transformations that occurred when a customer experienced the garments I helped to create but I started to want to experience that on a daily basis with individual clients.
So I started my business with the intention of helping women shop smartly. Because I knew what went in to make a garment, I could teach my clients what justified a good investment. The more I worked with clients, the more I became aware that this was more than just shopping: this was helping women overcome the same fears and insecurities I had around clothes.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Although I had conquered my fear of standing out with my wardrobe, as an entrepreneur I had to overcome my fear of visibility, especially when it comes to social media.
As a recovering perfectionist, I wanted to make sure my website, branding, photos were all impeccable before I put myself “out there on the internet.” But that ultimately was an excuse to stop me from stepping out into the world and sharing my gifts. I had a crippling case of paralysis of analysis.
I’m still working on it, but each day with each post and interview, I get better. And I remind myself that when it comes to style or social media, authenticity is more important than perfection.
Please tell us about Wider Style.
Wider Style is a manifestation of all my passions: shopping for a great bargain, making great style accessible, delivering results and helping others live their best lives.
As a wardrobe stylist, I use clothes to help women see how beautiful, powerful and awesome they are. It’s such a fun experience to watch a client see herself differently in the mirror and hold her head a little higher. And I love hearing the stories about how their new outfits have helped their careers or personal life.
I’m the stylist who builds real-life wardrobes, not just outfits for special events. I can find the most luxurious items at an off-price retailer and also find an amazing deal at the high-end designer. Great style isn’t just for the skinny or the rich. Great style can be obtained by anyone and at any price point.
As a speaker, I have the corporate background to know the importance of investing in one’s image. I’m honest and provide practical advice on how to literally dress for success. I love getting groups of men and women to understand that their income truly is impacted by their image.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I truly believe that every experience I have has been created for my highest good. The challenging times of not feeling confident, the struggles with starting a business, the time spent in corporate offices have all helped me be the woman, stylist and businesswoman I am today. And I am so thankful for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.widerstyle.com
- Email: info@widerstyle.com
- Instagram: morganwiderstyle
- Facebook: Wider Style
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