We had the good fortune of connecting with Artavious E. Morgan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Artavious E., where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am a Griffin, GA native, born and raised. My mother side of the family, always stressed the importance of family. Always sticking together and being there for one another. My family dynamic provided me strength, passion, and tenacity. My great grandparents the late  Mr. J.C Morgan and Mrs. Mittie White-Morgan created a strong force for our family. In the 1940’s, my great grandfather worked for Pomona Products; an industrial warehouse plant on the south side of Griffin, GA. My great grandmother was always a true southern conservative housewife, and within that following sense the husband was always to provide while the wife remained her lawful duties as a mother and wife. Seemingly to say, she was the grand dame and never worked a day in her life. My great grandfather was a dedicated hard worker, who loved his wife and kids (10 kids to be exact). One day, while operating a assembly machine at the plant, one of his fingers was awfully cut off. Due to this injury, my great grandfather inherited a percentage of the company which went to my great great grandmother the late Mrs. Mary Morgan estate and my family was gifted land in which my great grandparents built their family home and to this following day; our family still owns the land on the south side of Griffin (aka Springhill). My great grandfather passed when my grandmother Ms. Mary J. Morgan was 11 years old. During my childhood, I spent all of my time with my great grandmother which underlies who I am today, not only did she instill life long core values, morals and standards, she also made me realize who I was not only as a person but as a southern gentleman. I was fully aware any room I walked in, I owned it and to always be dressed to the nines. As I never needed or wanted for absolutely anything, I was also taught the value of a dollar, treating others as I wanted to be treated, and to always maintain a classic.   

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Coming from a philanthropic family, I was fully aware of the pedigree and legacy which I would have to carry on. I founded The D.F. Fuller Foundation; in correspondence to my great great great grandfather the late Reverend D.F. Fuller; his successful philanthropic contributions to Spalding County relates back to over 90 years. We promote higher education and bring awareness to African Americans teens to better themselves and reach their highest potential at large. This following year,  I introduced the TheBLACKEffect, my new and profound work; which showcases everyday topics, social issues and personal stories which African Americans face. Lastly, ArtTheJetsetter is my  fashion / interior style blog and is dear to my heart.  Since a child, I always loved fashion. I remember changing outfits periodically throughout the day. I always loved to look my very best within all levels, regardless where I was going. Style is eternal, and once you have the eye and the gift no one can take that from you. I see my style as Art, I express myself gradually through pieces. I’ve always loved designer but I also had the perspective; just because it’s designer does not mean it’s fashionable. Even the hottest designer, makes a mistake on the show room floor. Identifying who you are as a person through your fashion, shows not only expression of one’s personality but also through the expense of one’s creativity

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you’re in the ATL area; I highly recommend Del Frisco’s Grille, The Southern Gentleman, Fin & Feathers, Canoe, Bones Restaurant, BQE, Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours, and lastly Negrill Village Atlanta. My hometown (Griffin, GA) favorite would certainly be J Henry’s and I am a lover and frequent visitor of Peachtree City, GA, if you’re in the area Ted Montana Grill. Shopping: North Premium Outlets (Dawsonville, GA), Saks and Fifth Avenue (Atlanta, GA), The Avenue (Peachtree City, GA), Phipps Plaza (Atlanta, GA), Atlantic Station (Atlanta, GA). Little 5 Points in Atlanta, GA.  I highly recommend the following upcoming designers Cameron Gaston (Instagram: Too_far.gone), Ajay Jester and Kayla Milner (Instagram: @humble__hustlerz), Tamya (Instagram: chanelcollections7), and Dyamond Wright (Instagram: @dypoppinthebrand) – all of the following are talented young black designers who are changing the game!!! 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother, Shontrel Renèa Morgan. Growing up my mother raised me as a single mother. The amount of love she showed my siblings & I could never be replaced. Beyond the materialistic aspects, she always supported me within any and every decision. When I needed to voice my opinion she listened and always engaged. The word “no” never existed. She saw the potential and key characteristics which I possessed at a very young age. Looking back whatever I wanted to do she made sure I was able; from Baseball, Soccer, Track, Swimming and Piano. When it came to education, she ensured I knew the importance and to always know knowledge is power. Lastly, understanding faith and trusting God. The Lord blessed my mom with a gift which has played a vital role in my life. She has a very special calling, and she does the work God has prepared for her. I’ve watched my mother grow bigger and bigger, within all her season(s). She’s a phenomenal healthcare hero, business owner (One Love – One Heart Home Health), daughter, sister, friend and lastly a mother. I know the Lord has favored us, for his grace and mercy I could never complain or want for.

Instagram: art.laurent_
Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/artaviousmorgan

Image Credits
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