Meet Morgan Gardiner | Creative & Influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Morgan Gardiner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Morgan, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from Oceanside, California, a place filled with artists and creatives from all walks of life. Growing up, I remember always being infatuated with the artists I would see around town, and it heavily inspired my style today. Oceanside is where my western, 70’s style came about and my love for old music as well. Aside from the impact this city has had on my fashion, it has also raised me to appreciate many different cultures growing up in such a diverse community. This city will always hold such a sweet place in my heart.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I think of myself and my art, I feel very unique. I’m not just an influencer online, I’m also a photographer, entrepreneur, editor, model and every other name in the book. I love to create and love doing everything big and small throughout the process. Aside from that, I like to believe I have a contagious energy, and that I can spread good energy through everyone I touch. And that’s why I love this job so much. Because even dealing with the challenges of negativity and judgment from strangers online, there will always be the heartfelt messages in my dms that remind me of my purpose. I love being a role model for people of all ages, sharing that you can wear whatever you want and be whoever you are.

For me, this all started when I was going through a rut in 2021. My parents had just divorced, my long-term partner and I had split, I was living in a new house for the fist time ever, barely passing school, working at a smoothie shop and what felt like a million other things on top of that caused me to slip into a paranoid, anxious and depressed lifestyle. I grew up dancing and had always liked to move, and one day I thought it would be funny to post a video on TikTok goofing around and dancing for fun. Within 24 hours I had reached over a million people. I saw this as a solid opportunity to share my energy and move on from what was holding me back, so I posted a video every single day for the next week, and they all blew up reaching hundreds of thousands of views. And then I posted everyday for the next 6 month, and that is where the majority of platform came from. I feel really lucky, because even though I put in the work, my first video blowing up was just the luck of a draw and if it weren’t for that opportunity, I don’t know where I’d be today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For fashion, you definitely have to check out Ransack, a women owned, small business selling good quality vintage western wear, and if you’re looking for food, I love the Wrench and the Rodent and The Plot. Both have vegan options which I love, and are also small businesses owed by some really cool locals. If you’re looking for something casual, I’d highly recommend the thrift stores. Oceanside specifically has so many and I love spending my days searching for new old treasures. Even after traveling to so many states and countries, I still think Oceanside has some of the best vintage I’ve seen.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Although I haven’t known her long, my manager Lana Wilman has made this whole thing possible and I wouldn’t be where I am without her. She’s made me realize there are no limits in this industry, and if I want it, I can make it happen. I have been able to travel some of the most beautiful places pursuing fashion and work with my dream brands because of her, so I can’t begin to thank her enough.

Instagram: Instagram.com/morgan.ag

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgan.ag?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
Sophia Carrasco