WHO ARE THE MARY'S

Left to right: Mary Elizabeth, Mary Anne and Mary Catherine (my Mum).

Naming a brand is no small task, but for me, choosing "Mary Morag" was surprisingly easy once I thought about it.

My name is Morag, and I’ve always wrestled with how I feel about it. "Mary," on the other hand, is a name that runs deep in my family and is a way to pay tribute to the strong, creative women who have shaped my life.

Combining the two names felt like the perfect fit for me and this type of business.

So, who are the Marys? Well, my mother comes from a family of five sisters, all given the first name Mary. Each sister is referred to by her middle name, we’ve got: Mary Elizabeth, Mary Anne, Mary Catherine, Mary Louise, and Mary Jane. Their sixth sibling was a boy, named Michael, or sometimes Mary Michael to those who know the family story!

This unique naming choice was the brainchild of my grandmother, Nancy, a woman of formidable personality and impeccable organisational skills. Nicknamed "the white tornado" for her cleaning prowess, Nanna Nancy decided that all her girls would receive the first name Mary—a decision made with the same decisive efficiency and conviction that she applied to everything in her life. How she knew she would be the mother to multiple girls is anyone's guess.

The reason the name "Mary" resonated with me for my brand is because of the incredible sewing skills possessed by each of the Marys. Led by Nancy, who could sew everything from bedspreads to bridesmaid dresses with precision, my mother and aunts learned from the best. Their ability to craft garments from scratch left a lasting impression on me. I was awestruck by their talent and could only hope that one day my own sewing skills could rival theirs (I was always pestering my Mum, Mary Catherine, and my Nanna for lessons whenever they could spare the time).

"Mary Morag" pays homage to the women who inspired and taught me the art of sewing. Through my brand, I hope to carry forward the legacy of the Marys and create beautiful collections that could achieve a tick of approval from even Nancy herself.