Hi, I’m Morgan Emery, a recent graduate from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Interior Merchandising with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, I spent the first 18 years of my life there before deciding to step outside my comfort zone and pursue new opportunities, an experience that ultimately led me to ECU. Since then, my parents have also relocated and now reside in Hickory, NC, making North Carolina feel even more like home.

My academic journey was anything but linear, and that exploration shaped the professional I am today. I initially enrolled in ECU's nursing program, but quickly realized my passion lay elsewhere. I transitioned into Interior Design, where I developed a strong foundation in rendering and technical software, including AutoCAD and SketchUp. I later found my true fit in Interior and Fashion Merchandising, where I built skills in visual and e-commerce merchandising, global sourcing, and textile analysis by gaining a deeper understanding of materials, their origins, and their applications.

Through my coursework and hands-on experience, I discovered my long-term goal: to build a home staging and real estate business, with aspirations to eventually flip homes. This vision led me to intern with Linden Creek at its Charlotte, NC location, a growing home staging company with locations around the U.S. During my time there, I gained valuable industry experience, from client walkthroughs and design execution to behind-the-scenes operations like inventory coordination. I also developed proficiency in industry-specific platforms such as Archd and Design Files, further strengthening my technical skill set. This opportunity strengthened my passion for creating thoughtfully designed, market-ready spaces.

Most recently, I interned with My Sister’s Closet in Greenville, NC, a nonprofit secondhand store that supports domestic violence prevention. In this role, I served as a leader, managing a team of 8 student volunteers. Together, we executed store layouts, designed window displays, and enhanced the space's overall aesthetic. I also collaborated on promotional efforts, including social media content and marketing materials, to help increase community awareness of their new location. This experience strengthened my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while giving me insight into both nonprofit operations and customer-centered environments.