BODY GURU

Fashion and fitness blogger Merideth Morgan ’03 uses her many platforms to reach women who are “in between”—neither small nor plus size BY CATHERINE NEWMAN

Ask Merideth Morgan ’03 for a one-liner about what she does, and she’ll laugh. “I feel like if you don’t have three or four things going on, you’re not a real New Yorker!” And, despite having grown up in Amherst, Massachusetts, Morgan is a real New Yorker now: a wardrobe stylist, curvy fashion blogger, model, actor, content creator, Instagram influencer, and body positivity coach. She is also, as her website will tell you, “Obsessed with: God, fashion, basketball, photography, and creating art.” We got a chance to catch up.

Tell us more about what you do.

I have a platform—a fashion and fitness blog—where I inspire and encourage women to love their bodies, to love the skin that they’re in. It’s a place for women who don’t necessarily fit into a category—not the little sizes or the plus sizes, but this in-between area, where there’s no category and women don’t see themselves represented. I’m trying to break down the barrier. Plus, I want to get more modeling work!

What was your style like at Williston?

We had a dress code, so I was used to planning outfits. I showed up at my cousin’s house once in a white denim skirt with a beige buttondown shirt and a matching beige wedge cork heel. And I remember this other outfit that was bright orange terry-cloth Baby Phat pants with a drawstring—I had paired them with this white o -the-shoulder T-shirt and white Air Force sneakers and a set of beaded orange bracelets. And one girl was like, “I hate you so much!” and she just meant I was always so dressed up.

What influenced you back then?

I subscribed to Vibe magazine and I would tear out sheets and fill my walls. I didn’t realize that fashion was ever something I could do one day! Something I was so passionate about. Even though we were just, you know, shopping at the Holyoke Mall.

Favorite teacher at Williston?

Mr. Bindig! He taught us The Old Man and the Sea and I remember being in complete shock at how smart he was. Oh, and my basketball coaches. Coach Brown—“Brownie.” And Amy Seymour—she was fantastic.

You still play basketball!

I play in a little league or sometimes I just shoot in the park by myself. I like to encourage people to move their bodies as much as possible! It’s so good for our mental health, our heart health. But you have to find the joy in movement. You won’t go to the gym if you hate it. Try riding a bike or dancing! Find something you love and then it’s not going to be a chore.

What was your New Year’s resolution?

Always to be a better person—it’s that every year. But also to pray daily. And to become more financially savvy. I was never taught about investments or savings or even the value of a dollar. We were never taught, specifically as women, and not knowing has been a detriment. How can we invest? How we can grow our money? I want to buy a house! One with a barn that I can turn into an Instagrammable place to rent out.

Hardest lesson learned?

I had a 9-to-5 job for quite a few years, and I worked for a woman who literally was the devil! Partly why I decided to become a freelancer was because of that. I thought, Why am I putting myself in a situation where I’m working for someone else’s dreams, when I have my own dreams?

Best books you’ve read this year?

It’s definitely been a COVID silver lining—having a chance to read so much. Let’s see. Untamed by Glennon Doyle. It’s so inspiring! When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole, about gentrification in Brooklyn. And The Virgin Suicides by Je rey Eugenides.

Favorite take-out order?

I hate cooking! I am the worst. I would rather spend my time creating content. So, yeah. I’m a vegetarian, so Thai food— especially pad thai, massaman curry—and Indian food, masala vegetables.

Favorite thing about New York? The energy. The uniqueness and the diversity of the people here! I like to go back to Amherst and see the stars— but then I’m ready to come back here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

Join Morgan for her Williston webinar series, “Take Care of Yourself.” She’ll be hosting virtual events on January 13, 20, and 27, focused on wellness, joy, organization, and style. Find out more at williston.com/ alumni/events.

DON’T MISS OUT! Stay up to date on the latest events and networking opportunities!

FOR DATES AND MORE INFORMATION, AND TO REGISTER, VISIT THE ALUMNI EVENTS PAGE

• williston.com/alumni/events

FOR NETWORKING AND CAREERFOCUSED EVENTS, JOIN

• Williston Connects www.willistonconnects.com • Williston Alumni LinkedIn Group • Williston Alumni of Color LinkedIn

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• Find them on The Wildcat Hub www.williston.com/alumni/thewildcat-hub

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

• Email: alumni@williston.com • Call: (800) 469-4559