Designing with Compassion and Empathy with Sharae Averhart of MoraRae

In episode 46, Sharae Averhart, the designer and business owner behind the plus-size petite fashion brand MoraRae, shares the role fashion has played in her life and career and how through all her experience, she has learned to approach fashion design with compassion, empathy, and problem solving. Hi! I'm Sharae, the owner and designer behind the petite plus size, sustainable womenswear line, MoraRae. I am a designer of all trades & have been designing and sewing from the moment I first jammed up my mother’s sewing machine at 8 years old.  Since then, my innate creativity has propelled me to always keep moving forward and to design the life I love. Life has been heavy and dark days have dawned but I choose to focus on the light in the world and that was & is, my sister, Shamora.  The culmination of all my experiences, education and passions have come together here as MoraRae. I am honored to be able to use my gifts to give something meaningful to the world while also putting the planet and her people first. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why understanding construction and patternmaking has made Sharae a better designer The biggest thing Sharae learned from her fashion jobs that has helped her in starting her own brand Why Sharae fell in love with fashion design The business model that MoraRae operates on that aims to reduce waste Why Sharae decided to focus on clothing for plus size petite women What Sharae does before she designs and makes anything How Sharae approaches design with compassion and empathy - and how that affects her business How Sharae learned to ask and accept feedback on her designs and work without taking it personally The role fashion has played in Sharae’s journey of self-love The story behind the name MoraRae and what it means to Sharae People and resources mentioned in this episode: MoraRae website MoraRae email MoraRae Instagram University of North Texas fashion design program Factory 45 business school for sustainable fashion brands Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.