A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Morgan Owens was raised in the ambitious, yet supportive, household of Dr. O’dell Owens and Marchelle Owens, alongside her two brothers, Christopher, and Justin. This Wonder Woman holds a Bachelor’s degree in English/Creative Writing with a Minor in Criminology from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) and plans to continue pursuing her MBA in Marketing and Social Media.Â
In 2014, Morgan decided to launch her own fitness class. Thus, Curvy Cardio was born. Having struggled with weight issues all her life, Morgan is passionate about motivating others and sharing her story. “I am not a fitness expert, but I know what it takes. I’m never ashamed of my story because it may inspire others,†says Morgan. The purpose of Curvy Cardio is to help women embrace their curves (no matter what size) and love their bodies free of body shaming. Curvy Cardio offers four classes a week, offers online based challenges and partners with Project Grad by participating in their after school program at Ethel Taylor Elementary; teaching young girls the importance of having a healthy self-esteem and body image.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Morgan, Morgan?
Morgan: Morgan is ambitious, a go-getter, bubbly, passionate and a total boss babe. I’ve learned “no†means not yet, if doors are closed in your face, knock them down. I believe if you truly love yourself you can move mountains. I am highly motivated and open to learn and grow with the help of others. I am a team player, but not opposed to working solo. I believe you should treat everyone with respect no matter if they are the janitor or CEO. I live by the belief, “Give a woman a good shade of lipstick and she can conquer the world.â€
Fancy: Tell us about the Morgan A Owens Brand
Morgan: In June 2016, the Morgan A. Owens Brand was born to uplift women of color who have a desire to become more marketable in their corporate careers, as well as grow their entrepreneurial skills. With the mission that women can be “powerful and pretty,’’ I created a Werkbook that is in the hands of over 500 women across the country, webinars, events, and digital downloads for women to grow their dreams in their own time.
I have been able to travel the country spreading my message to cities like Chicago, Columbus, Miami, and my hometown of Cincinnati. I have been blessed to have earned many accolades, including 2017 YMCA Adult and Latino Adult Career Achiever, 2017 Black Career Women’s Network Millennial Entrepreneur of the Year, and 2017 YWCA Rising Star.
Fancy: You struggled with your own weight as well. Can you share what that was like?
Morgan: I’ve struggled with weight all my life. To the point where I was in really dark place in high school. In 2014, Curvy Cardio was born and I began to share my journey to self-love with the world. The mission of Curvy Cardio is to empower and inspire other women to understand that no matter what they look like, they should love themselves and be happy for the skin they’re in.
In total, I lost 40 pounds; I decided to get vulnerable and transparent by posting before and after pictures online to show my progress. People were impressed by how I transformed my life and immediately began to embrace my story and wanted to know more about my experience. I’m a firm believer if you have self-love, you can do anything you want.
Fancy: Now you originally majored in criminal justice. Did you ever do any work in that field?
Morgan: Up until my senior year in college I wanted to go to law school, but God had other plans for me. I never imaged that I would be a full time entrepreneur. Although just like law, I am able to serve and help others just in a different capacity.
Fancy: You’ve successfully landed several partnerships with brands like Proctor and Gamble and been invited to set up several pop up shops in various cities like D.C. and Cleveland. What tips can you give for acquiring and establishing those types of meaningful relationships?
Morgan: I’ve been very blessed to have been given opportunities to share my brand and business with some powerful brands. My tips would be:
- 1. Have your branding on point. Your brand must stand out and be unique with a clear mission.
- Build up your “receiptsâ€, what have you done and what impact you have made
- Stay in your own lane: don’t mimic or copy anyone else’s business
- Lead with passion and the opportunities will come and…
- Stay hungry, never get complacent and continue to step your game up.
Fancy: What’s one obstacle you had to overcome personally or professionally and how did you overcome that obstacle?
Morgan: I think the greatest obstacle I overcame was learning to love myself whole heartedly. It wasn’t until I was about age 26 or 27 when I just grew tired of not loving myself. The weight got too much to carry and something had to give. If I didn’t like something about myself, I would have to change it. I wanted my story to be different, so I rewrote it. I came to the conclusion that I needed to love myself. That then unlocked the door to success, for me.
Fancy: So what do you like to do in your free time outside of business?
Morgan: What’s free time? Kidding – but honestly I love my business so much that I enjoy working on and bettering me. Outside of that, I am an avid online shopper and traveler and enjoy spending time with loved ones.
Fancy: Times are changing and we see more curvy women being celebrated. In fact, three plus- size women made history performing with Beyoncé at Coachella. What are your thoughts? Do you see progress being made?Â
Morgan: I loved it! Beyonce has always been a positive, motivational voice for women. Especially women with curves. Back when I was struggling with my body image, I didn’t see a lot of women who looked like me. Now I am seeing more and more images of “real†women and it’s a wonderful thing.
Fancy: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you care to share?
Morgan: This month, I will launch her first Professional Pretty conference that will touch on topics such as career building, public relations, trademarks, email marketing and more. I am releasing my first book very soon on a deeper look inside my story in hopes it will help other women get over their fears and learn to love themselves unapologetically.
Follow and connect with Morgan below:
IG: miss_morgan86
