1. What is your proudest MJD moment from the past year?
The past year at MJD absolutely flew by but as I think about standout moments, launching our new brand definitely jumps to mind! This project wasn’t even on my radar a year ago but as we started discussing what a re-brand would look like, I realized how overdue and excited I was for this initiative. I thought I had a good grasp on what the project would entail but there are so many little details that go into a brand launch - I learned so much along the way and am lucky to have had a fantastic team helping me implement our new look!
2. If you could give your 18-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
When I was younger I was really into the idea of trying to plan out my life...which is hilarious because I never could have planned for the direction my career has taken! 10 years ago I never would have believed I’d be running my own business, living in Florida, and getting to travel as part of my job! It’s a good reminder to not try to predict and plan for every element of the future - you have to be open to opportunities when they arise!
3. What’s a personal goal you achieved this year?
At 27 I finally learned to water ski…..! I’ve been trying for 2 summers in a row and have never been able to get up. This year on a trip to Maine I finally popped out of the water! Getting up was definitely the hardest part - once I was steady on my skis I went around the whole lake!
4. What’s something you’re planning to work on this year?
Now that I have water-skiing down, I want to get more comfortable on snow skiis! There’s an Apres Ski destination in the Swiss Alps that is at the top of my travel list.
5. Happiest memory from this year?
Moving into our new MJD Studio was such a highlight - it was a surreal experience for me, (especially after my apartment doubled as my shipping warehouse for so many years). It felt like a huge personal and professional milestone, and a tangible way for me to celebrate the growth of MJD.
6. Top played song from the year?
Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter. Will it ever not be stuck in my head!?
7. What’s your go-to guilty pleasure snack?
Cheetos Puffs!
8. Which emoji best represents you right now?
🫡
9. All time favorite artist?
Lord Huron - I’ve been listening to them since middle school and I finally saw them live last year at Red Rocks!
10. First thing you do in the morning?
Cuddle with Captain.
11. Last thing you do before bed?
Cuddle with Captain.
12. What was the best book you read this year?
"The Women” by Kristin Hannah - one of my MJD team members gave it to me for my birthday last year and I flew through it!
13. Best show you binged this year?
“The Old Man” on Hulu - I typically go for reality TV and this was more of an action series, it was fun to switch it up!
14. Travel bucket list for the upcoming year?
The Swiss Alps...!
15. What’s in your shopping cart?
A new Away Suitcase. My old one is literally falling apart- it’s starting to cause issues going through airport security!
16. Dream collab?
Diet Coke!!
17. Biggest pet peeve?
People who don’t use headphones in public when listening to sound.
18. What’s your most used app?
TikTok.
19. Best vacation you took this year?
5 days split between the Dolomites and Lake Como!
20. What’s a small habit that has made a big impact on your life?
I’m super diligent about my nails! I used to be a terrible nail biter so I started making time for manicures. It started as a way to kick a bad habit but has become a great way for me to unplug - I usually go for a bright new color or whatever is trending!
21. What’s your favorite desert?
A vanilla / chocolate twist custard on a with rainbow sprinkles!
22. Comfort TV show or movie?
“The Parent Trap” - so nostalgic and just never gets old.
23. What’s your go-to karaoke song?
I hate singing but I learned how to play the harmonica to “Piano Man”.
24. Hidden talent?
See above….amateur harmonica player!
25. Irrational fears?
I’m absolutely paranoid about spilling a drink on my laptop. I usually have a water bottle and a Diet Coke in hand every day in the studio and even if the lid is on I’ll obsess over the possibilities of spilling and crashing my computer!
26. Most spontaneous thing you did this year?
I was feeling a little burnt out last spring so I booked a solo trip to Grand Cayman and left 1 day later!
27. If you weren’t working at MJD, what would you be doing?
For a long time my dream job was to be a Lilly Pulitzer print designer!
28. What are you most looking forward to for the year?
Celebrating 2 friends in the needlepoint industry getting married! Amanda of AC Needlepoint is marrying Jon aka The Canvas Craftsman and they are tying the knot in Michigan and I can’t wait….!
XO,
Morgan
