#24. All Eyes On: Morgan Hass
Vintage collector, purveyor of objects, and straight up hard worker.
I first caught wind of What’s Lost & Found in the early Covid days. The Instagram account popped up on my feed one day, and I truly thought I found Victoria’s best kept secret. That secret definitely didn’t last long; within weeks, Morgan’s vintage and reselling goods business was on everyones radar.
I specifically remember buying a set of mismatched ceramic mugs, as well as a really gorgeous ceramic casserole dish, that I still use, among other things. While Morgan’s style and brand identity has definitely evolved and become more defined since her early days, her values and heart have been so rock steady throughout the years. Less than 3 years ago, What’s Lost and Found had a modest following, and operated on the ‘IG drop’ basis. These days, Morgan has her own showroom— ‘The Found Studio’, a custom website, a worldwide following, and is selling some seriously cool stuff. Her collections focus on primitive, brutalist, and wabi-sabi pieces, rich in history and effortlessly classic. I mean, did you guys see these? And least we forget, this beauty.
It takes a special kind of person to build up a loyal community so quickly. These big leaps and bounds did not happen on their own, or out of sheer luck. Morgans work ethic is unparalleled. Like any business owner, she’s “on” at all times, working around the clock, meticulously restoring pieces before they find their forever homes. She deserves every bit of success she’s had, and I have a feeling she’s only just getting started.
39 (mostly) rapid-fire questions with Morgan Hass.
What time do you wake up? Is it different on the weekends?
Anytime between 7-8am, unless I’m travelling for work, then its 4-5am mornings.
First thing you do in the mornings?
I take a few minutes to meditate on some thoughts. Manifestations for the day if you will. Then coffee while I slowly respond to work emails, invoices, etc. I’m really a big fan of slow mornings and I find the earlier I wake, the more productive my morning is. (We live in the forest so there is no greater joy than sipping my coffee from bed and staring out at the lush greenery).
Do you hit snooze?
Well, I rarely set alarms, so no. My internal clock always wakes me up. Even if it is a weekly Vancouver trip, I’ll wake up between 4-5am pending my ferry reservation. (If you know, you know).
Are you a morning or evening shower-er?
Depends on my schedule. I tend to gravitate towards evening. There's something soothing about cleansing from the day before bed.
How do you typically spend a day off?
What’s a day off? HAHA, jokes aside, when I am able to take a day off, I spend it moving slowly and getting outside as much as I can. Baking or cooking something new and delicious. A ton of Gus (my dog) cuddles, because they are good for the soul! But generally just a ton of relaxing, or a full day out and about with a friend.
What’s on your bedside table?
A vintage lamp and vintage wood and stone vessels I’ve sourced to hold my rings and misc. Grown Alchemist all over day cream and hermetise collagen moisturizer. And a book that I just can’t get into.
What’s the story behind your home and how long have you lived there?
We had to find a place quickly after our landlord decided to move back into her townhouse. Our temporary home of the past 8 months, though tiny, is nestled in the woods and it is the perfect calm to our hectic and chaotic professional lives. We acquired the space through a client turned friend of mine and we are deeply grateful that we have an affordable space to help offset the costs of being two business owners. (Especially myself who is funneling big expenses into my business per month).
Favourite room in your house?
My favourite room is the bedroom. In the mornings, I get to stare out into the abundant green forest and it grounds me.
What are a few favourite things that you cherish in your home and why? Our linen bedsheets and our memory foam mattress. Can you tell that sleeping is my favourite sport?
Theres a few objects I’ve acquired that are 200 BC / pre Columbian and almost seem invaluable that I'll hold dear. My most cherished acquisition is an art piece by Patrick Mahon titled the apology; it is moody, abstract and dark. We hung it in Thomas’ office and he also has grown quite attached to it.
Where do you find / shop for home decor?
Vintage/antique dealers, local boutiques and secondhand. Some exceptions to this like kitchenwares/appliances, mattresses etc.
Vintage or new?
Vintage, DUH! But seriously, the quality of new does not compare to quality of old.
3 things that are always in your kitchen?
Lemons, apples, and sriracha.
Favourite kitchen utensil / gadget?
Vitamix, hands down. Possibilities are endless.
Briefly summarize your food philosophy.
Eat everything in moderation and listen to your body. I think, for me anyways, the gut is an underrated organ.
Your go-to, no fail recipe?
African peanut stew from Oh She Glows. I tweaked the recipe slightly, but thats how good becomes even better! And this incredible salad my friend made me that I’ve been consuming weekly. It is simple and fresh ingredients.
Recipe: Kale finely chopped, cooked quinoa, roasted chickpeas, slivered almonds, red onion, diced cucumbers with olive oil, lemon and salt and pepper. I add in misc items like tempeh, sundried tomatoes, olives, cabbage and etc.
Favourite meal growing up?
Anything Mexican. I always craved spicy foods. Pretty positive we did alternating fajitas or tacos once a week growing up.
Any supplements you take / witchy elixirs you swear by?
Ashwangdha, Lions mane, Vitamin d drops, and Iron. My iron is always very low. I will admit that taking supplements is a hard task for me daily but that’s when food truly becomes thy medicine. I eat as I need.
Skin on or off potatoes / yams?
SKIN ON.
Cilantro. Love it or hate it?
It’s awful. Inherited that gene from my father.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee is my kryptonite. Black or with almond cream. I don’t discriminate. However, I drink at least one cup of tea every night.
Fav local cup?
Thomas’ oat latte a la bed. Just kidding, but it is local and my fav cup. I would say Hey Happy is my no-fail go to, especially if I want something fun.
You’re ordering take out. What do you get?
Little thai, hands down. We should be shareholders by now. We usually share our entrees (curries all the way) and an order of spring rolls. *Thomas usually opts for green curry and I the phangang or red thai curry.*
Favorite local restaurant?
Be Love can do no wrong. Both for cocktails and fresh nourishing food.
Describe your personal style / style philosophy.
Comfy chic. I definitely dress pretty androgynously- I prefer loose clothing that allows my body to breathe. I dress for comfort mostly due to my labour intensive business making it somewhat imperative. Sort of a 180 from how I used to dress. Investing in clothing that will last and keeping things sustainable is important to me. You can find me shopping at vintage shops, luxury consignment shops, and small makers. I will admit that aritzia is still my guilty pleasure and citizens of humanity jeans, I swear by.
Your three wardrobe staples, go…
Boyfriend jeans, vintage graphic tees, and knit sweaters.
What qualities do you look for in your friends?
Authentic, trustworthy, creative, understanding and lots of laughter. I think as we grow and evolve; we come to terms with how short and precious our life is and it makes you reevaluate where you spend your time and energy. No one is perfect, but it’s important for me to surround myself with people who share similar qualities. I heard a quote once along the lines of “Being surrounded by the wrong people is loneliest thing in the world.” Its one of my favourite quotes, as I used to pride myself in the quantity of friends I had, but in recent years shifted my energy to quality friendships. I am embracing the doors i’ve closed on friendships that no longer serve me and opening my heart to the very abundant and nourishing ones that have recently entered my life.
What’s one trend you're currently loving and hoping to stay for the long haul?
I don’t know if this is so much a trend, but I love to see people taking mental health days and doing what they need to do to reset. Our minds are a powerful place and to be stuck somewhere dark… well, I wouldn’t want that for anyone. Let’s continue normalizing mental health days, as we do sick days.
You decide to treat yourself. How do you indulge?
Burger crush, for sure. Veggie burger, no sauce, extra pickles with a side of fries.
What’s the one thing you’re willing to spend more money on?
Self care, always. I will never put a limit into investing into myself. I regularly go for facials, reflexology, massages, etc. The lymphatic drainage massage is my go to and hydra facial is my fav. Yet, for some reason I have such a hard time with regular hair appointments.
Keys to productivity?
Separating professional and personal to do lists and trying to keep them from getting too long (easier said than done). Don't procrastinate til the end. Slow and steady is always somewhere in the back of my mind. I also try to set attainable goals for myself every night before bed for the next day, so when I check the invisible box; I feel a sense of accomplishment.
This time last year, I wish I knew…
Everything will work out how it was intended to, so don’t rush the process. Enjoy the ride.
One place in the world you’re dying to visit?
Greece. And all of Europe.
What’s a movie you’ve seen in the last 6 months that left the biggest impact on you?
Eating Our Way To Extinction… does a documentary count? It changed my outlook on the consumption of fish, as someone who is primarily plant based but consumes seafood on occasion. I definitely think it’s a great movie for those who are focused on sustainably vs more ethical choices. The documentary focuses on the negative effects from agriculture, unsustainable farming and fish farming.
Guilty pleasure?
Cracked black pepper and balsamic vinegar kettle chips.
Song currently on repeat?
Last week it was Slip by Elliot Moss. This week I can’t hit next on Amsterdam by Tora and Sway by Duncan Fellows.
Favourite form of movement / exercise?
Long walks, solo or not. Nature and exercise… what’s better?
If you could rename yourself, what name would you choose?
I was always embarrassed of my gender neutral name growing up, but I’ve really found love for my name and how seldom I hear it. I have a tattoo representing my name which in retrospect is all encompassing, as I am a water sign (cancer), grew up on the water and ultimately found myself leaving home to chase the ocean. My name is Welsch origin meaning ‘circling sea’ or ‘white sea dweller.’ Just as the tide brings change.
Tell me a bit about what you do.
Business owner by day, still a business owner by night. I own and operate ‘The Found Studio’ which is typically a mix of juggling curating, creative direction, sales/marketing, shipping/receiving, and much more. A business fueled by passion and caffeine.
What’s a typical work day look like?
Everyday is a new day, which is something I’m trying to embrace wholeheartedly. Today wasn’t like yesterday and tomorrow wont be the same as today. Some days it’s filled with tedious packaging and shipments. Some days it’s a mix of studio shooting collections, delivering and general admin or invoices being sent off. There’s always something to do and the list never seems to be complete and for that, i’m grateful.
