What started as a means of self-expression and a creative outlet has now become a business for local accessories designer Juliet Morgan. She has done it all. From clutches and handbags to sandals and shoes, Morgan has truly run the gamut in creating fabulous sandals that add a certain je ne sais quoi to any wardrobe ensemble. A true countrywoman, as some would say, Morgan is all about Brand Jamaica, and is proud of her locally made sandals and ware. On the eve of our 53rd Independence Day celebrations, AW Fashion presents Morgan’s line of hot new sandals.

AW Fashion (AWF): Who is Juliet Morgan?

Juliet Morgan (JM): I grew up in the country in a home where my mother was the typical housewife, which meant a domestic sewing machine was a necessity. Being the only girl among five children, I quickly learnt that I had to stick to my hobby of sewing, as I was not welcomed in the mechanical hobbies like my brothers were. My mother taught me the basics of sewing with my hands and with a machine. To this day I am indebted to her for the many sheet sets and curtains I tore apart to hone my skills.

Fast-forward a number of years to my time working in corporate Jamaica. I felt unfulfilled; I needed an outlet to express my creativity and artistic traits, hence I opened a boutique where I started selling imported goods, as well as made-by-me accessories. I realised over time that my designs sold faster than the pieces that I’d imported. I also paid keen attention to the feedback from customers and used that to improve my designs. I’ve had many opportunities to partner with factories overseas, but there is a certain joy I feel when I’m able to tag my items “Made in Jamaica”.

I am an awardee of a European Union grant from the Caribbean Development Agency’s Caribbean Export’s Direct Assistance Grant Scheme that I’ve used to establish a fully functional shoe-making factory here in Kingston. It was just enough to get me started, so as Miss Lou would say “yuh tun yuh han’ an’ mek fashion”, and so I did.

(AWF): Who Is Juliet Morgan the designer?

(JM): Juliet Morgan the designer is a strong, self-motivated, single mother who is not afraid of using her creativity to make five ends meet for herself and her child. This forms part of the reason why I’ve immersed myself in numerous painting and sewing courses — to produce quality items of international standard.

(AWF): Who wears your designs?

(JM): I design for women primarily, but I also design footwear for men and children. The man or woman who wears pieces from Shoan’s Collections enjoys comfortable, trendy, and affordable accessories.

(AWF): Why sandals?

(JM): I actually started making handbags from high quality material that were not sold in my boutique, and then I decided to make sandals to match the handbags. I also had challenges finding affordable sandals in my size even when I travelled overseas, so I started upcycling sandals by adding my own little creative twist. In addition to sandals, I design enclosed shoes, handbags, clutches and belts. My sandals, however, are my favourite and my specialty.

(AWF): Where can customers contact you?

(JM): A few outlets, actually. My store is located at:

R Danny Williams Building

(Sagicor Head Office)

28-48 Barbados Avenue

New Kingston

I can also be contacted via e-mail, shoanscollectionja@gmail.com; and on social media @shoans_collections on Instgram; and on Facebook at facebook.com/shoanscollections;

(AWF): Who or what keeps you motivated?

(JM): A number of things actually, starting with my mother who, at 86, is a diva and a fashionista. I am also inspired by a beautiful print or fabric. I will stare at someone who’s wearing a printed dress and envision a bag or shoe, or even the unconventional upholstery fabric and see a beautiful shoe, belt or bag. Even our local designers are inspirations, those who have used their talent and their creativity to lift themselves from humble beginnings to building niche markets in the global marketplace. Finally, I am inspired by my deceased father who instilled in me that “…anything worth doing is worth doing well”.