Designing with Compassion and Empathy with Sharae Averhart of MoraRae

21/06/2022 1h 11min
Designing with Compassion and Empathy with Sharae Averhart of MoraRae

Listen "Designing with Compassion and Empathy with Sharae Averhart of MoraRae"

Episode Synopsis

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.

More episodes of the podcast How Fitting: design a slow fashion business that fits