We had the good fortune of connecting with Meghan Forest Farmer and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Meghan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The Considerary was born at the crossroads of my love of style, fashion, clothes, and the desire to help people make more sustainable choices in their wardrobes. Working in the fashion industry has been my first choice since I can remember. I was enthralled with fashion magazines, books, shows, and knew I wanted to live in this world someday. It was so glossy. So inspiring. I started early on in retail and wove my way along the fashion pipeline through wholesale, retail management, and a Fashion merchandising degree. I landed at editorial, still life and e-commerce styling in 2014 and spent time in house at a luxury brand as well as freelance. Even if you have not had the opportunity to see inside the fashion industry, you probably can sense or know that it is not faultless and it is affecting our world in more negative ways than we’d like to acknowledge. Poor working conditions, unfair wages, over consumption, waste…to name a few. The more research I did and experience I gained, the more I wanted to do something that could make fashion help, and not hurt. I started shopping for myself more sustainably – I researched brands to ensure they treated their workers fairly, paid them well, kept safe working conditions, as well as utilized more natural or recycled fibers. This journey for myself involved a large amount of time and effort, and from there, a glimmer of an idea arose. I could sense that others wanted to enjoy fashion more sustainably, but did not have time, or truly, want to put in all the effort. Insert, The Considerary, personal styling services for a stylish and sustainable wardrobe. I saw a gap in the personal styling market that was not being totally filled; helping men and women develop their own personal style while also making more sustainable choices for their closet. Now, I get to do just that, and I am so glad I gave that glimmer of an idea my “Yes”.
Please tell us more about your business. What you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
Some of my most joyful moments in business, that I am most proud of come at the end of a styling session with a client. It is so satisfying to see someone realize their clothes are so much more than fabrics we merely lay on our bodies. Rather, clothes and personal style can be an outward reflection of what is going on inside of us; a nonverbal communicator to the world around us. Witnessing someone gain confidence, see their worth, and literally wear it, is incredible. Witnessing someone do that AND realize the importance of making more sustainable choices in their life and wardrobe…now that is astounding.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I recently moved to Fort Worth and I still feel like I am exploring and learning, but I already love this place and can definitely show someone the FTW ropes. An ideal time spent in Fort Worth would include… Starting off with a coffee tour; Fort Worth has recently gained so many new cafes and coffee shops, meaning so many to try. Shout out to Summer Moon, Crude, Sons of Liberty, Lazy Daisy, Craftwork, Roots, Avoca. Meals would consist of so much Coco Shrimp because I am OBSESSED. But, you can also also head to Zoli’s for Pizza, Cafe Bella for classic Italian, Righteous Foods for health. Morgan’s or Melt for Ice Cream! For fun; we would definitely hop on our bikes, or throw on some sneakers, and hit the Trinity Trail. The fact that my city has so much opportunity to be active is amazing. -We’d need to check out the Arts District by moving through a few museums; Kimball and Modern to get started. -On a fair weather day, sitting by the water gardens is idyllic. -If someone is new to Fort Worth, they’ve got to see the Stockyards and grab dinner at Joe T. Garcias. Even if you don’t like the food, or aren’t in to cowboys, the experience is so fun and worth it. I highly recommend Pawnee Bills Wild West Show. To finish out an evening, the Coyote Drive in movie theatre is a must!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My former boss, and current dear friend, Megan Pruitt – Winder!
Website: https://www.theconsiderary.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconsiderary/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConsiderary/
Image Credits
Feather and Twine Photography, The Focused Creative