Morgan from Proper Bones packs a punch, literally! Her big ideas, love for bright colors, and ability to move very heavy things has amazed me since our first meeting. I was able to sit down with her virtually for a fun Q & A this week to find out more and I hope you enjoy reading the answers to her questions as much as I did.
You have such a great eye for unique pieces, what item from your childhood home helps you draw inspiration?
This is a fun question! I don’t think I can pinpoint an exact item that creates inspiration for me but when I think back on growing up I always tagged along at furniture stores and had something to say about a piece my family was interested in. I have a vivid memory of going to a particular store, Stowers Furniture. They always had fresh baked sweets so I would grab a sugar cookie and then head to the kids section of the furniture store and start rearranging the lightweight furniture/ decor. I never received any negative feedback so I continued doing so and here I am today.
Your photos are stunning, what is your go to camera brand?
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind words! I went to school and studied Fine Art Photography. Believe it or not– most of the images on my website/Instagram are shot on my iPhone. That being said, when I’m shooting for myself, or weddings I have a few favorites, which include: Mamiya, Fujifilm, Polaroid, Nikon, and Hasselblad.
We have enjoyed watching your business grow over the last four years. If you could sell a piece to a celebrity with the opportunity to deliver it to their home who would it be?
Hmm…that’s a hard question. My first thought is Kristen Wiig because she’s hilarious and I think we’d become friends. However my final answer would be Rihanna. Hopefully A$AP Rocky is around to help if she bought something heavy.
This business is all about timing, luck, and risks – what are three tips you would give to someone who is just starting out?
3 tips I wish someone shared with me at the start:
1. Don’t be afraid to ask, the worst someone could say is no.
2. Lift with your legs, keep a straight back!
3. My personal motto is “if it’s meant to be, it will be”
We know you love glassware, what is your favorite cocktail?
I love a well balanced Montarita– which is basically a margarita but sweetened with Montenegro (a type of Amaro)
Do you have a favorite designer and are you selling anything by that designer in your shop online or at our pop-up on 10/27?
One of my favorite designers would have to be Jerry Johnson. Specifically his chrome tubular furniture pieces.
Right now I have this killer Percival Lafer sofa which I’ve brought back to life (that I happened to get from a Kuzak sale) and it’s looking for its next home.
You are often on the go in SF, do you have a favorite restaurant and what is your go-to order?
Oooo there are too many good ones in the city! If I’m particularly tired after a long day at a market I like to keep it local so we’ll take a stroll down to Pizzetta 211 to pick up some seasonal pizzas and head home to sit on the couch with my boyfriend and dog!
If I’m feeling energized another local favorite is Big Fish House – where we’ve become friends with the staff/owner. It’s always a fun sushi party as soon as we walk in!
Do you have a favorite Kuzak’s Closet sale or purchase?
Heck ya!! A few years back– the gentleman who had a whole warehouse filled with various types of art from all over the place. That was also when you were doing Instagram live sales which was so fun (and stressful)!
You have a rule about only sourcing items that you love and would put in your own home, is there an item that you sourced to sell but can’t part with?
There are definitely a few things that come to mind…I sourced this stunning media cabinet with a warm oxblood lacquered wood and elegant Italian stone top with waterfall sides. For the longest time it was in my storage unit and I finally realized it would fit perfectly in my home.
Dream vacation rental/AIRBNB location and style?
How much time do you have?…A few bucket list stays would be in the iconic mirrored Joshua Tree house or on any property designed by Javier Senosiain.
A most recent trip was in a cute wine barrel cabin up in Mendocino County.
Thank you so much to the Kuzak team for all that you do and your continued support! It means the world to me <3
You can follow Morgan on Instagram @properbones and read more about her story and shop with her on her at www.properbones.com.