There's something so special about bringing a vision to life - from mood boards to materials to seeing the first layers of paint go up. Over the past few months, I've been working behind the scenes to design and build our new Morgan Julia Designs retail and studio space in Jersey City, and I'm thrilled to finally give you a first look at what's to come.
Finding Our New Home
I've known for a while that I wanted to open a retail space somewhere in New Jersey. My fiancé, Will, lives in Jersey City, and as I made plans to move up, I started exploring what that could look like - spending the last year researching different areas, visiting suburbs and nearby cities, and learning about the cost of commercial spaces.
Jersey City just felt right. There wasn't a needlepoint store nearby, and after visiting Will while we were long-distance, the area already felt familiar. This past June, I found the space, toured it, and immediately knew it was the one. After a few months of contract negotiations, it officially became the next home for MJD.
At our recent NYC Pop-Up, I gave a little soft launch of the news, and the excitement from everyone meant the world. It felt like the perfect moment to finally share what we've been building.
Designing the Space
Once the lease was signed, I teamed up with the wonderful team at Seam Design to help bring my vision to life. Together, we created a design that reflects everything I love about the MJD brand - coastal, feminine, and inviting.
From the start, I wanted the studio to feel like a natural extension of our community. You'll see lots of crisp whites, airy blues, natural woods, and woven textures - elements that remind me of the coast and capture that fresh, nautical ease that defines MJD.
A Nautical Welcome
One of my favorite parts of the space is our custom-built reception desk, designed in the shape of a boat's bow. It's such a playful detail and one that makes me smile every time I see it. To me, it perfectly captures the heart of MJD - a love of design, a touch of whimsy, and a nod to the sea.
We'll also be sharing sneak peeks of the design process as construction continues. Every day, the space transforms a little more - and I can already picture the laughter, creativity, and community that will soon fill the studio.
Behind the Build
Right now, we're deep in construction and renovation mode, installing lighting, refinishing the floors, and making all the finishing touches. The studio is located in the Van Vorst Park area of Jersey City, and I can't wait to welcome you in soon.
Our goal is to create a space where you can sit, stitch, sip, and build community. Once we're open, I hope it becomes a cozy home for our stitching family - a place for stitch nights, classes, and special events that bring needlepoint lovers together.
A Few Special Touches
In true MJD fashion, we're already designing some special New Jersey-inspired pieces for the store. Think playful nods to the Garden State - from a custom project bag to a new needle minder of a seagull enjoying a french fry (a personal favorite!).
These little details have been such a fun way to dream about what the studio will become - and what it will mean to see people shopping, stitching, and connecting inside these walls soon.
Your Questions, Answered
When will you open?
We're aiming to open before the end of the year - stay tuned for updates!
Are you hiring?
Yes! We'll be hiring for part-time positions in about a month. Check out our Careers page for more information and updates.
Will you be open on weekends?
Yes, we'll be open on weekends! Store hours will be announced closer to opening day.
What will be available in the shops?
A curated selection of MJD canvases, threads, and stitching accessories - everything you need to get started or add to your next project.
What's happening with the St. Pete Studio?
Our St. Pete studio is still up and running and will remain open! It's where we fulfill all e-commerce orders, and you can still make an appointment to visit.
Every part of this journey - from finding the space to designing it - has been filled with anticipation and joy. I can't wait to welcome you into our new home soon and see this dream become reality.
XO,
Morgan
