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“Everyone has a story. What’s yours?”

This is the slogan for “Silently Speaking Gratitude,” a line of handmade accessories designed and crafted by South Charleston native Morgan Rhea Richards. The collection, which features hand-stitched, hand-patinated works in leather, represents more than excellent examples of fine craftsmanship. It serves as a vehicle through which Morgan can share appreciation for those who have influenced her most, and an opportunity for the wearer to tell a story of their own.

While studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Morgan had the idea to release a collection that honored the trials and triumphs of those who impacted her life along the way. Using their personal journeys as creative fodder, she made her leatherworks a platform for sharing these formative stories, inscribing their surfaces with passages in script. An excellent example can be found in Morgan’s “Ronald Briefcase” design, which features an inscription on the sides and tassel adornments. The language reflects upon memories of her uncle Ronald Dean and his experience with the struggles of addiction. For Morgan, artfully sharing her uncle’s story, as well as the others that populate her “Silently Speaking Gratitude” line, is a way of saying “thank you” in a way that will endure for generations.

The superb quality of Morgan’s pieces, combined with the sincerity of her personal mission, has garnered an overwhelmingly positive response from some very influential members of the fashion community. While a student in Savannah, her “Ronald Briefcase” was named the “Best Student Made Handbag” in the Independent Handbag Designer Awards and was given a feature in the September issue of InStyleMagazine. She was also awarded an apprenticeship at Coach, enabling her to live and work in the heart of the New York fashion scene for three months, putting her in touch with famous designer icons like Alexander Wang and Zac Posen.

Now, Morgan has relocated back to her home state and is looking forward to growing her business in Southern West Virginia. She continues to feature works that celebrate the life journeys of her loved ones, but has now folded in an opportunity for her clients to tell a story of their own. Each piece in her collection can be engraved with words of the customer’s choosing, ranging from personal reflections to wedding dates. In fact, singer-songwriter John Legend has taken advantage of this unique custom experience, commissioning a pair of bespoke shoes that feature lyrics from one of his songs. Folk/pop musician Brett Dennen also took interest in Morgan’s concept and acquired a messenger bag from her collection. However, one does not need to be a famous performer or fashion mogul to have a one-of-a-kind Morgan Rhea piece. A visit to her website will show that every item can be customized, and she works with each customer to ensure the piece will be perfect for each experience.

West Virginia locals can keep an eye out for Morgan’s work, which is making appearances in many events and locations. Currently, an example of her “Ronald Briefcase” is on view in Tamarack’s annual “The Best of West Virginia Open Juried Exhibition,” which will run until August 9. Morgan will also be featured in Charleston’s “Fashion’s Night Out” event on August 20, where she will preview her 2015 Fall Collection. To stay connected with Morgan and to get the scoop on upcoming events, visit her website and follow her on Twitter,Facebook, and Instagram. You can also watch a video interview with Morgan, which was produced by the Charleston Gazette-Mail.