We’re looking forward to introducing you to Carlye Morgan. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Carlye, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
I’m an entrepreneur, so there is no “normal”! But that’s one of the things that I love about running a business. Each day is different and brings new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Chalonne’s luxury women’s watch bands bring elegant style and timeless design to any Apple Watch. Hand-crafted in France, these brilliant bands incorporate the finest leathers, unique gemstones, and solid 14k gold into their stunning designs. Founded in 2019 by Los Angeles native Carlye Morgan, the brand is a marriage of her love for bold, confident style and her appreciation of modern technology. Chalonne’s unique pieces adorn the wrists of women who appreciate accessories with uncompromising quality and chic design to complement their personal style. At the heart of it all is our founder’s commitment to giving back and empowering women. Since day one, Chalonne has made a donation for every band sold online to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I’ve always had a love for art and design. Ever since I can remember, I have been taking art classes, visiting museums and coming up with craft ideas that I could turn into a profitable business. My mom still loves to remind me of my failed career making hair clips with spectacularly large 80’s bows.
In college, I pursued my passion, studying Art History and taking drawing and painting classes. I lived in Spain for a summer when I was 16 and absolutely loved it. I wanted to experience Italy next. Freshman year of college, I started learning Italian so I could study art in Italy during my junior year abroad. I lived in Rome and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Art class was no longer sitting in a dark lecture hall, but rather standing in front of the actual work of art oftentimes in its original location. Not only was I moved by the art in Rome, but the culture in general (especially the food). I enjoyed my regular walks to the Pantheon, which included a scoop of the best gelato at Della Palma and sitting by Della Porta’s fountain, taking in the city.
I spent that summer traveling through Europe before returning home to Los Angeles. Senior year was upon me and I was back in Philadelphia. I felt a wave of anxiety when I considered my future after college. Even though the arts were a focus for most of my life, I was somehow convinced that business would be a better career option. I decided to move to New York to pursue a career in advertising, which seemed to make sense at the time…It was a business career that dealt with a creative product. And just like that…I gave up my passion.
In hindsight, I know that it was not quite that simple. Although I may not have been able to articulate at the time, my unspoken goal was to become an independent and self-sufficient woman. Growing up, I had seen too many women in my life feel trapped and powerless and I found myself making life decisions to ensure that would never happen to me. So, in essence, I was making decisions out of fear…instead of trying to achieve what I truly wanted and what would likely make me happy.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I think the fear that I am not good enough has held me back most in my life. I didn’t always have the confidence that I have now. That came much later in life. I’ve always worked hard but felt that ‘imposter syndrome’ which fueled my self-doubt and unrealistic standards. I wish someone had told me to do more personal introspection: to take the time to really be objective about my own personal strengths and weaknesses and “Know Thyself”. I did a full SWOT analysis for my business, but I really should have started by doing one on myself. It’s very liberating when you acknowledge your weaknesses and then have the grace to accept them.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is definitely the real me. I have always been a very direct and honest person and I never attempt to ‘curate’ my life. Although I am an introvert at heart which may not come across when you meet me. I am more than happy to be at home reading a good book or having an intimate dinner with a friend. As an introvert, public speaking has always been a huge fear of mine, but I force myself to do it, since it’s important to stretch yourself and get out of your comfort zone.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Since art and design was always a passion of mine, I feel truly privileged to be able to pursue that passion. I absolutely love the feeling when a new design comes into reality–being able to hold your creation in your hand is so wonderful and there is something so gratifying about that. And then having customers appreciate your design, want to purchase it and wear it. It’s like having a piece of yourself out in the world, and that continues to motivate me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chalonne.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalonne.la
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chalonne.LA
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOeGEq_XRXeYJu4uLh_1Q7w
Image Credits
Elio Tolot
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
