Such Different Vixens: Morgan Leigh from LOVEleigh Designs

Radiant, luminous and that perfect pinch of cheek that I find so endearing in all the Canadians I know and love, this chica – Morgan – is a specimen of delight and beauty and surprise.

We meet at a funky cafe in Byron Bay. I’m digging into a roasted sweet potato, and she’s sipping on chai (they make their own almond milk! She squeals after she makes her order), and from the moment we hug and greet each other with, It’s so nice to meet you!’s and How are you?’s, it’s like we’ve known each other for lifetimes.

What I adore about Morgan is the conviction of her contradictions. Her ‘California Cool’ – sparkling baby blues, blonde, tumbling curls, and bronzed skin – paired with her devoted, philanthropic spirit. Her thirst for human rights sits alongside her flair for fashion. She is oh so worldly, and so very grounded. I simply swoon for souls like this – souls that bring out your aliveness simply by being in your presence.

I walked away from my time with Morgan more inspired to revisit my dreams of India, of raising money for a rad charity, of getting down and (literally) dirty with life again.

We all need as many references as we can get when it comes to an empowered YES. People who say YES to their life evoke electricity in us. They call out our light and remind us that each fresh morning isn’t something to spectate, rather something to celebrate.

Thank you babe, for being a burst of passion and energy. I just know that my tribe is going to go apes for you!

:: SHARE YOUR SOUL ::

Sum up your mission in one sentence.

To inspire people to realize their potential and the effect that they can have on this world.

Can you share with us one of your most vulnerable moments (and in hindsight, what made it so beautiful?).

I am not sure that it was a moment, but an experience. I was living and working in Malawi (Africa), running an NGO, working alongside local villagers, providing clean water and hygiene training. This was my first time as a project manager, and my first time in Africa. To say it was a steep learning curve is an understatement. The things I saw and experiences I had cannot translate into words. It was hardest and most amazing experience all in one breath, the perfect combination of endless heartache, and ultimate happiness. I knew in the moment that it was beautiful, but in order to be completely live and feel the experience, I had to loose myself in it. The people I met taught me endless knowledge I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and for that, I am ever grateful.

What turns you on – cranks your dial right the way UP?

Confidence & creativity. Someone who knows who they are and are damn proud of it! I think this is the beauty in everything, whether it is a person, a brand, or a lifestyle. I also have a funny love of collar bones & smile wrinkles, I find them very dreamy, ha ha.

What makes your blood boil? (Honestly)

Now a days, it seems only a few things get to me. Maybe it’s the ocean, the cruisey lifestyle I’ve been living, or maybe it’s just growing up. But of course there still are a few things that still seem to get to me. I think blatant disrespect is one that I will never get over, and that is probably a good thing!

How do you define ‘peace’?

A group of people making a conscious effort to love and spread positivity. Although we may not live in a perfectly peaceful place, it is the mindset of the individual to connect with those like-minded people to spread happiness, respect, which in turn creates peace.

Outbursts of ecstasy – the kind of belly laughs that leave you crippling over in agony from the sheer joy of it… What’s one of these memories that stand out for you?

You’d think the more you do something, the more the excitement would fade. For me, travel is the opposite. When I hear the wheels of the plane touch a new foreign land, one that I have never explored before, or even one I haven’t explored for a while, I get this overwhelming sense of happiness. As I write this, I am currently sitting in a sun drenched white bungalow, dripping with white linen, silk pillows and a crochet throw. When I touched down here in Bali, although I have been here several times before, something turned in the pit of my stomach, sheer excitement and happiness. Adventure really is what keeps me motivated, keeps me creating, and keeps me inspired.

Looking back, how have you most GROWN?

I think I have grown up a lot in the past few years. Finding my independence not only from my life in Canada, but from all things familiar. I’ve learned that I thrive the most when I live on the edge of my comfort zone, often delving into the unknown at any chance I get. In living these experiences where nothing is familiar, I have learned things about myself I never knew before. I am learning it’s not what you do, but how you do it, and what your intentions are. I feel proud of the life I am living.

If we all looked up your name in a dictionary, what 5 words would we find to describe you?

Independent, loyal, creative, determined & free.

:: QUICK & SLICK ::

Combining my passions with a business I love makes me feel … proud & lucky. There are so many scenarios that if I had been born into a life in another place in another time, I may not be as lucky to do what I love.

Few people know this about me, but I … love 90s Hip-Hop. I mean I LOVE it. It’s the soundtrack of my life. I’m sure I will be jamming to Gangstarr and Hieroglyphics when I am ninety. I can just picture it it’s going to be amazing!

I secretly wish I could … time travel. Imagine going back to the time of Picasso or seeing incredible landmarks in history or even going to Woodstock. There are so many incredible people, talents and experiences you could have!

To me, the words ‘Such Different Skies’ mean … We all look up at the same sky, but we all see it in a completely different light. No one person is the same as the next, and that’s what makes this never-ending journey of life the most exciting adventure of all.

My name is Morgan Leigh and I am 27 years old, originally from Kelowna, BC, Canada, now living part time in Byron Bay, Australia & the rest of the time, all over the place! I started LOVEleigh Designs a couple of years ago, and haven’t looked back since.

LOVEleigh Designs is a fusion of Fashion meets Human Rights. My goal is to continue to promote Human Rights on a global scale, and show that something as unrelated as fashion, can connect us to help those in need. I travel the world working in Human Rights doing contracts all over the world. While I am there, I try to source limited edition fabrics from women in developing countries, helping to give them the ability to provide for their families.

I was working in Malawi (Africa) and met a young boy there whose family was unable to put him through school, so for the past two years I have been taking proceeds from select garments, and using them to put my little friend Often Jordan through school (and feed and house him!).

In September I am headed for warmer waters in Mexico where I am working towards starting a collective offshore where LOVEleigh Designs would be produced, providing poor women training in sewing, family planning, women’s rights and nutritional advice. Until this dream comes to fruition, all LOVEleigh Designs pieces are made with LOVE by my very own two hands.

I am just a small little brand, made in Byron Bay. In between creating, and surfing, and drifting around this amazing planet of ours, I have realized how lucky I have been to have been born in a country where I was free, and provided for, and was able to make my own dreams come true.

Through LOVEleigh Designs, I am hoping to make other peoples dreams come true too.

Connect with Morgan:

Instagram: loveleighdesigns

Web: http://loveleighdesigns.tictail.com/

And let’s show this gorgeous spirit some love in the comments! :)

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