Wise Women

Wise Women · Megan Morton

In an ongoing celebration of International Women’s Day 2017, this week we’re profiling wise words from inspiring female creatives – running right through the weekend!

Today we hear from renowned stylist and educator Megan Morton. The effervescent Sydneysider discusses shedding social barriers, the power of tea parties, and why it’s so important to put pen to paper.

 

Written
by
Megan Morton

Sydney-based stylist and author Megan Morton. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.

Writer
Megan Morton
10th of March 2017

Wise words from stylist and author Megan Morton.

On the best part about working in a predominantly female industry…

I love the fact that no matter what our husbands do; what schools our kids go to; what park our dogs run in… we can all shed those social barriers and get down to the nitty-gritty when we are connected. There is nothing better than women aiding women.

On the challenges of being a woman in my field…

In my experience men and women work harmoniously in my industry. As someone with sons and daughters though, I see that we tend to teach our young sons to grab a ball and run to the end for applause, while we teach our daughters to sit and host a tea party with pleasantries, pouring tea for one another. This is something so basic, but so at the heart of most adult behaviour. I go to Helen Tribe for golden wisdom on breaking these sorts of stereotypes, and I encourage everyone to find someone like her too!

I adore men, but we don’t need to be less to make them more.

On the best advice…

‘Darling, if you’re going to go out and work you may as well be very, very good at it!’ said my 96-year-old grandmother, who is also the secret star of my new book.

On inspirational women…

I am interested in women who have lived life; age impresses me greatly. Louise Bourgeois proving it’s never too late for a career change. Jean Newtown, my 96-year-old grandmother who still lives in the same house since she was 18 and her take on domestic happiness. My sister Rebecca Hall is a business advisor and a brainiac and I love her thoughts on business, and that we all ever only have ‘two hands’ no matter how many staff we manage or how big our business be. Marina Popova, the reader and blogger of Brain Pickings a donation-based fountain of so much incredible prose, reading and ideas.

On ‘Mum’s always right’…

I actually think we put too much pressure on mothers to be the all-knowing fountains! Though, I am devoted to the concept of ‘selfcare’, as a mother working or not, it has to start with your own happiness at the core. Especially for non-working women, I believe selfcare makes itself extremely elusive for those not working outside the home. I take my hat off to any man or woman who cares for children full-time.

On what I wish I always knew…

Never (like ever!) hide your enthusiasm.

On achieving greater gender equality…

Wage equality, marriage equality, our immigration policy… I’m so fired up at the Australian government right now and not a week goes by that I don’t write a letter, call a counselor… and I advise everyone to do the same.

It’s not about being disruptive, the current state of Australian affairs is both illogical and counter-human; it shouldn’t be accepted.

Through The School, Megan Morton organises international design-focused excursions. For the upcoming Paris itinerary and more information visit the website