Women of Grace: Meet Anita by Design

Please introduce you to the latest Woman of Grace: Anita Morris, the blogger behind Anita By Design.  I met the lady of the hour via social media through our involvement in The Fierce 50 Campaign.

Anita fits the Woman of Grace profile. She is a woman of faith, over 50, aging gracefully, and looking fit, healthy, and stylish. On the other hand, she reminds me of some of the other Women of Grace I’ve profiled here: my bestie Cynthia, singer and actress FabuLesley, and bluegrass musician Julia Chartwell. They all have that certain je ne sais quoi! You may not be able to describe what they have, but you know it’s special.

Anita, tell us about yourself. Do you work full-time? 

I am a housewife and sewing blogger.

Are you initially from California?

I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but have lived in California since I was seven.

How long have you been married?

I’ve been married for 21 years. It will be 22 in August.

What else do you like to do besides spending time with your family and sewing?

I enjoy tea parties, working out at the gym, and reading.

Congratulations to you and your husband on his retirement as Captain of the Los Angeles Fire Department. How did  your faith in God help you and your sons through his 20-year career as a firefighter?

God gave me wisdom and guidance to run the household and care for the boys while my husband worked. In addition, I was very active in our church as a Sunday School Teacher and Women’s Ministry Member. Through a group called the MOMS Club (Moms Offering Moms Support), I kept our kids busy and engaged with other children.

God orchestrated all of this to help provide a community for the boys and me while my husband was away, but He used it to increase my faith and teach me how to live for Him and encourage other women. Because of the nature of my husband’s job, he lived away from home about 40% of the time. God gave me everything I needed to take care of the home while my husband was away. I am grateful that I had Him to help me be the woman, wife, and mother I needed to be for Him and my family during those years. I also praise Him for protecting my husband and our family.

How did you learn your mission in life to encourage other women through your sewing?

I’ve always been aware that God wanted me to help women. Over the years, I’ve noticed that women feel comfortable confiding in me about personal issues or needs. I remember asking myself, on many occasions, “I wonder why she’s asking for my advice?” I believe it was trust that led them my way.

When women come to my blog, they get “me” with the sewing. Coupled with the feedback on the blog and private messages of gratitude that reach beyond sewing, I’m confident that God is using me to get women for His glory. This,  or me, is confirmation that my mission to encourage women is taking place through the blog. Corres ondingly, it’s in the feedback.

You have beautiful skin. Do you have a particular regiment or individual products that you must use? Have you adopted any new products since turning 50?

Why, thank you! I have used the same products on my skin since I was an adult, and there is nothing sophisticated about it, haha. For cleansing, I use Oil-Free Acne Wash by Equate (a Wal-Mart generic brand of Neutrogena). Whenever I get blemishes, I use Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment. I moisturize with Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Sensitive Skin or the Equate generic brand. I haven’t changed my routine since turning 50 because everything works for me.

Please share how you maintain your fabulous physique.

I work out at the local gym four or five times a week. My workout routine consists of weight lifting and cardio. For weight lifting, I alternate between upper body and lower body throughout the week, using both free weights and weight machines. For ca dio, I use the treadmill, elliptical, and cable robes and sometimes participate in the Zumba class.

I try to eat fresh foods with vegetables only, excluding starches and other carbs. However, I don’t always follow this rule, especially since my husband’s retirement.

You celebrated your blog’s first anniversary in January. I understand that you started your blog to encourage women to embrace their personal style. Tell me about that journey.

My definition of style is not what many think of upon hearing the word. I believe many view style as what you wear. I think that style is who you are on the inside. My style is what directs the choices I make in every area of life. Personal style guides my speech, relationships, entertainment, behavior, wardrobe choices, etc. Knowing who you are and your style is liberating. It frees you from the darkness of a “people-pleasing” lifestyle, where you base many choices on what you think others want from you. Unfortunately, a desire to “fit in” causes some to sacrifice who they are, which in turn ushers in depression in some cases. When we embrace our style, we embrace God’s design and bless those within our sphere of influence as we live authentically.

You have nearly 17,000 subscribers on YouTube! It’s exciting that you teach a YouTube beginner’s sewing class. How did you decide to use this platform to reach an audience? Which came first, the blog or the YouTube channel?

The blog came first. The Yo Tube channel began out of a need to give back what I’m receiving. As I learn, I need to share with the sewing community. I knew that I would teach when I started the blog. Though I had never created a YouTube video, I knew I could learn by watching tutorials, haha!

I learned in a Blogging 101 Course that to keep your audience interested and coming back, you need something to offer them. They won’t keep coming to see you in beautiful clothes. So, from the beginning, I knew I needed to have something to offer. I knew I could teach, and I’ve seen it done on YouTube, so I decided to try it. The response has been overwhelming and far beyond what I expected.

Based on what I see on your Instagram and Facebook, you prefer classic and timeless clothing. How would you describe your style?

Usually, I describe my style as ladylike. I want to present myself as a lady with class, elegance, and dignity in everything I do. In my speech, behavior, attire, and dealings with others, I desire to be respectful to myself and viewed as a lady. When choosing the type of clothing I wear (fashion), I think about what makes me feel good and how I present myself to the public.

But above all, regardless of what I wear, I want to carry myself in a way that gives an air of approachability. I must be approachable if I’m to be a vessel through which God reaches other women. Others must feel safe and comfortable around me. I wear a smile almost every day. I say early because I’m human and have days without laughing, so I’m not a robot. Hahaha, But I can say that I’m known for my big smile. So when you see me wearing a ball gown, comfy maxi dress, or casual t-shirt and jeans, I accessorize it with a smile and approachable attitude.

I’ve noticed that many women over 50 are finding the time to express themselves through blogging and revisiting crafts they learned earlier in life. Is this how your sewing became your passion again? Are you from a family of seamstresses?

I love seeing so many women over 50 stepping into their God-given talents. I’m inspired by and feel proud to be among them. No one else in my family sews. I learned how to use a sewing machine in 8th grade home economics class. Then, in my mid-to-late twenties, I took a few beginner sewing classes to learn the basics. I picked up on the techniques quickly and began sewing. So, sewing took a back seat many years after I married and started a family.

Sewing became a passion again in 2013 when I decided to make a dress for a Christmas party. From then on, I started sewing here and there until I was introduced to the Mimi G. Style blog and learned about the huge sewing community that I didn’t know existed. That’s when I knew I was back. The inspiration and talent blew me away. Now, I’m so happy to be part of this amazing community of DIYers.

I see you are involved in a new sewing venture, Sew Sew Def, a multi-cultural sewing magazine. How did this partnership come into existence?

I am excited and honored to be part of this fabulous new magazine. The best part is that the woman who created the publication is the same person who inspired me to take my sewing to the next level and start blogging. She is a fantastic seamstress and pattern designer. She asked if I was interested in being part of her team for the upcoming magazine. After I had picked myself up from the floor in my mind, I responded with an enthusiastic YES. She has signed me to the magazine’s Beginner’s section, which aligns with my passion. I love teaching beginners how to sew. The team was implemented, and sewsewdefmag.com launched on April 4, 2017.

A fun fact about you is that you love tea parties. What should we know about hosting or attending tea parties?

When I host a tea party, the most critical element I consider first is the guest list, which dictates everything I do to plan the event. Next,   send out the invitations. After everyone RSVPs, I start to plan the event.

Next, I start to plan the menu. I always consider who my guests are, and if there are any diet restrictions, I think that. I usually serve scones, salad, finger sandwiches, dessert, and tea. After I had planned the menu, I decided which china set I would use. I’ve collected several sets over the years and love setting the table. Likewise, I think about my guests as I put them on the table and envision the great time ahead.

During tea, I like to serve my guests, not allowing them to lift a finger except to eat their food and drink their tea. It blesses my heart to do this because, as wives and moms, we are usually so busy serving our families.

Finally, I like to bless my guests with a small take-home gift. Once, I purchased delicate handkerchiefs and embroidered them with each guest’s first name.

You like to read. What’s the last book you read? What did you like about it?

The last book I read was True Style, A Look Beyond the Surface, by Glenda K. Harrison. I love that this book speaks directly to my belief of style. The author so eloquently puts into words exactly how I feel about style. Harris explains the difference between “style” and “fashion.” She also walks the reader through discovering their “true style.” It’s a well-written piece, and I look forward to meeting her in person one day.

Anita, I want to thank you for sharing the intimate details of your life with us.  I greatly appreciate it, and I know my readers enjoy learning about the ladies I admire.  Ladies, how fabulous is Anita and her sewing skills? You can stay connected with Anita on her blog, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

What do you think of Anita and her style? Please share in the comments section.

Have a fabulous, stylish, and fierce week!