Get to Know Morgan Jones

Question: In your own words, who is Morgan Jones? 

Answer: I am a native New Yorker who was bred and buttered on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I grew up a dancer which taught me a lot about discipline and creativity, and went to school in Boulder, Colorado, where I studied journalism. I feel deeply connected to others – you’ll rarely find me enjoying small talk, and love having deeper, more meaningful conversations. I’m an old soul and I feel most inspired when I’m exploring new places. 

Question: How are you defining happiness these days and what makes you most happy? 

Answer: The last few years have been tough. There have been high highs and a lot of low lows, and throughout I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression. What I’ve learned throughout is how we can’t control what happens, but we can control how we react and what we make of it. As cliché as it sounds, learning to be more present has been the key to finding happiness within myself and rolling with the never ending punches in life.

For me, happiness is having balance in my life and giving my energy where it is valued. Working for myself has unlocked a new level of happiness with the flexibility it offers to allow me to spend more time traveling and at home in Brooklyn with my fiancé and dog, and to take days off when I need to focus on myself. Other than that, long walks in Brooklyn, traveling often, being of service to others, deep and meaningful conversations, and my many routines that not only keep me sane, but genuinely happy.

Question: Who is your hero today? If we asked 10-year old Morgan the same question, who would she say is her hero?

Answer: My heroes today are a long and ever growing list of females that have inspired me in more ways than one. Stevie Nicks has always held a special place in my heart because of her music and the way she commands a room through her form of art. Gabby Bernstein and Brené Brown are two women who have changed my life through their work in vulnerability and finding your purpose. Nancy Meyers has always inspired creativity and beautiful living through the characters and story lines she develops. And lastly, the women in my life near and far who have taught me, guided me, and supported me through everything that I’ve done.

As a child, I was a competitive dancer – for a long time I wanted to be a prima ballerina when I grew up, which was how I discovered my creativity at a young age. Back then, my hero was probably Darcy Kissler, an incredible ballerina and one of my teachers at an early age. 

Question: When was the last time you cried? And, why? 

Answer: Oh man – I cry weekly! I’m someone who feels everything, for better or for worse. I take on the pain of others quickly and wholeheartedly – if a friend is hurt, I’m probably crying in empathy for them, if I’m frustrated I cry, when I’m watching shows or movies I am crying…it doesn’t take much!

Yesterday I was having a tough day – feelings of impostors syndrome were coming up in my work, I was feeling confused about my purpose and what I’m good at, and generally just felt lost. After being out all day, I came home and took my dog, Beau, on a long walk throughout Williamsburg before the sun went down, was reflecting on how I was feeling and where that was coming from, and had a good, long cry with myself. I felt so much lighter just taking time for myself and breathing through it, and especially after a good cry.

Question: What actress would play you in a movie based on your life? 

Answer: Friends have joked that Christian (my fiancé) and I would be played by Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, and I feel like that is pretty spot on. Looks wise, I often get Olivia Munn. And I would obviously want the movie to be written by Nancy Meyers!

Question: Have you ever dine-and-dashed at a restaurant?

Answer: I haven’t! I worked in the service industry for a year in college and was terrible at it and I give so much credit to those who are in hospitality that I would feel like I was personally attacking them. I’m such a rule follower! I would be scared that they’d be looking for me for years after if I did that LOL

Question: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received that you want to pass on to everybody reading this? 

Answer: Maya Angelou’s quote lives rent free in my head: “People forget what you said, people forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Be compassionate and listen to people’s stories, dig deeper with yourself every day, and always have three hobbies – one to keep you creative, one to keep you fit, and one to make you money.

Question: What’s next for you in your career?

Answer: One of my passions has always been interior design, so I’m looking to take some classes and eventually be able to take on clients to make their homes places that they love and that reflect them. Right now I’m having a lot of fun being a freelance creative and seeing where this road takes me!