Small Business Summit Center

Mia Morgan, Mia Morgan Inc.

Our entrepreneurial camera now turns to Mia Morgan, a stylist who was referred to us by Jill Vegas. Even in the world of fashion, it's the same things that make you successful: solid education, a variety of jobs, mentors and timing.

AB: Tell me a little bit about how you got to where you are now.

MM: I caught the entrepreneurial bug at an early age. I’ve always had a job or side business of some sort, from paper routes to child modeling in fashion shows at the local mall. I absorbed every aspect of every little job I’ve ever had, and always thought of ways to make everything better. My first real exposure to working in fashion came at 16 when I started working at Contempo Casuals, which in the 80’s was the coolest place to work. I was promoted to visual merchandiser and window dresser, and was completely hooked from there.

I went on to Wayne State University on a coveted design scholarship, where I received a degree in fashion design. From there I was offered a position at Linda Dresner in New York as merchandise manager. Linda carried all the top designers of the time: Claude Montana, Karl Lagerfeld, Jil Sander, Comme des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto, Dries Van Noten, etc. Working for the Madison Avenue world was such an eye-opener. I was exposed to and worked with the most amazing clothes in the world. The designs and workmanship was so fascinating and beautiful. I worked for Linda for six years and also worked for Calvin Klein. I also had a brief stint as a textile designer. But all the while, I wanted to do my own thing, have my own business. Which is how I came to be where I am today, via a few detours.

After Madison Avenue I went to SVA to study film, then left to work on a feature film. I was able to apply my design skills liberally in film and loved really getting into the characters and building their wardrobes. Working on features was another world and so invigorating, but I found it wasn’t enough for me at the time, so it’s been almost 7 years since I last worked on a film. Film is great, but it was hard to turn down all of the work coming my way while I was committed to one project.

In between film projects, I began styling. I built a portfolio, got an agent and the rest is history.

I was very fortunate to have been in the best, right places at the right time. And I've had amazing mentors. I’m also grateful for having had the advantage of a great design education. I wouldn’t have gotten very far without it. There’s a real amount of knowledge, skill and experience needed to be a stylist. I believe it’s the difference between making it or not, or being so-so and really good. Tapping into and creating trends is a huge part of the job, and that just wouldn’t be possible without that knowledge.

AB: As an entrepreneur you wear a lot of hats. What's the one thing you wish you could outsource but can't… and why?

MM: There are so many details that you can't delegate when you want a certain standard upheld. I personally handle the bulk of the work, and oversee every detail of what is delegated to assistants, double checking everything. I take my projects very seriously. I do push myself to try to take on more bookings, but I can only take on so many jobs and still maintain the quality of work. Consequently, I have to turn down a lot of work. But in the end it’s worth it to me to keep standards high.

But if I could outsource one thing, it would have to be the administrative aspect of my business. Unfortunately, there are aspects of that only I can understand. Why? It’s a bit like the left hand not knowing what the right is doing when it comes to my staff. I bring it all together, so the mountains of paperwork will only make sense to me, unfortunately.

AB: What marketing tactic worked the best for you in 2007?

MM: A regular mailing, similar to comp cards, once or twice a year never fails to expose me to, or put me in the way of someone new. It’s key however to stay fresh and exciting with mailings. But my best marketing tool has always been word of mouth and referral. This industry is like a small town. When someone with a great reputation or clout recommends you, new clients follow. Also, attending events in this and other industries in the arts helps to facilitate new relationships.

AB: What would you do if you weren't in business for yourself?

MM: I can’t imagine not being in business for myself. I’ve always imagined myself here and here I am to stay. I suppose if you’d asked if I weren’t in the fashion industry, what would I do instead? I would have to say, I would be a gardener or chef, but still: in business for myself, doing my best to create beautiful, delicious things.