Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Sandlin.
Morgan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My dream career was in the fashion industry. I started working in boutiques when I was 16, interned in NYC at Harper’s Bazaar and constantly dreamt of living in NYC or LA.
When it came time to actually graduate and move somewhere, my heart couldn’t leave the South. Atlanta is such a big city and has so much, but it just didn’t have the creative appeal that the other cities had. For two years of living in ATL, I was still questioning whether I should move to LA or NYC. I would watch these bloggers and start-up businesses collaborating on these fabulous dinners and events, and would just die to be there. I knew that was the lifestyle I wanted and needed to figure out how to get there.
I always wanted to start my own business, I’m very entrepreneurial-minded, even minoring in Entrepreneurship in college. After about 30 failed business plans, I had a breaking point. I realized how VERY un-connected I was in Atlanta. I continually told people, “I can’t start a business in ATL, I need to move to my hometown for that because I know people!” I knew that as long as I felt that way, I wasn’t going to be able to launch a business easily.
Regardless of that new found knowledge, I started diving into another business plan. When I couldn’t find any local girls to connect with, I decided I could create a way. And that’s how ATL Girl Gang was created. It was initially a way for me to write myself into the industry here in Atlanta. I figured it would get a few followers and I’d find the girl’s I needed to help me build my business. I quickly realized that it was no longer a platform just for me, but for all the girls of Atlanta. It’s funny, I had no idea that this platform I created to help me launch a business, would actually turn into my business.
Turns out I was actually able to quit my day job and launch Mo Social as well. Mo Social is a social media management agency. When I first moved to Atlanta, I tried to start an agency and again, was poorly connected. So it’s been really great to make that finally happen! And even better than I can work with all of my clients alongside ATL Girl Gang to help them grow.
Now, for ATL Girl Gang, the goal has changed a tad. It’s is not only to help other girls build relationships, grow their businesses or start a business, but I dream of making the city of Atlanta a place where fashion-loving, creative girls WANT to move. Big goal, but you have to dream big, right?
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
ATL Girl Gang has taken off very quickly, it’s only been about 7 months. With that said, it’s been mostly smooth. At the same time, I’m an extreme perfectionist when it comes to my own business. Because of that, I did everything right away: I threw parties, started a website, created a newsletter, built a membership platform (which has since launched!) and grew the Instagram page. I still get messages from people who think ATL Girl Gang is this large company with many employees. Truth of the matter is, it’s just me and my intern.
Sometimes I think I tried to do too much too quickly because it did catch up to me for a little bit there. But now, I have a handle on things again, and all is smooth sailing – for now at least! I’ve learned that it’s okay to say no to something, which was a HUGE part of my problem.
ATL Girl Gang – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
ATL Girl Gang started as a networking platform, it has since grown into so much more than that. It’s a community for girls to build relationships: personal AND professional. Before every meet-up or event, I’m constantly anxious that someone will be left out or feel awkward. But then, every event, I look around and every single girl has someone to talk to. If they don’t, you better believe I’m over there in .5 seconds to chat with them. That has to be the coolest part of this entire process – watching relationships form.
I know how hard it is to meet new people in Atlanta. Even though I went to an SEC school (go Vols!) and came here knowing a lot of people, I struggled to meet new people with similar interests. My friends and I always talk about how post-grad life is so much different than college where you were thrown into a huge friend group.
As for Mo Social, it’s a social media agency focusing on fashion and lifestyle brands. As I said, I always dreamt of working in fashion and I really want to make Atlanta more of a known player in the creative game. This is a way that I can get involved in that world here in Atlanta while doing what I love.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To be honest, since I was probably 15, I knew what I wanted to do. Don’t get me wrong, I couldn’t pinpoint it by any means. But I knew that I wanted to do something creative and I wanted to be a boss. Success to me is a very personal matter. Many people would probably have said that my previous sales job made me very successful. Personally, I felt like there was more for me. I have to admit, right now, I truly feel like I am doing what I’m supposed to be doing. Not to say there isn’t room for change because trust me, I have big goals. But I know I’m on the right track now.
Pricing:
- $35/year for a Social Sister membership (for the girls looking to meet people)
- $45/year for a Go-Getter membership (for business owners)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.atlgirlgang.com
- Email: cheers@atlgirlgang.com
- Instagram: @atlgirlgang @mosocial
Image Credit:
ShelbyRae Photographs, MCMBrownfield
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
