From Stylist to Lingerie Designer: BURU Founder Morgan Hutchinson on Her Career Evolution

Photos: Morgan Hutchinson

It used to be that mamas had no choice but to settle for mom jeans (remember when they weren't cool enough for Topshop?) — but it's ladies like Morgan Hutchinson who are convinced that mothers don't have to sacrifice their pre-pregnancy style. To help simplify styling the bump and beyond, she founded BURU, an online boutique that stocks chic wardrobe pieces from Rachel Comey, Ulla Johnson, Hatch, and more cult-favorite designers.

Formerly based in Salt Lake City, the fashionable entrepreneur recently relocated her clan to Los Angeles. Here, we learn more about how she went from designing thongs to selling nursing bras, what it's like to live a day in her shoes, her best advice for aspiring boss mamas, and more.

What do you do, and what has been your career journey thus far?

In a nutshell, I help mamas feel good about themselves through style. About three and a half years ago, shortly after the birth of our daughter, my husband and I founded BURU — an e-comm site hyper-focused on mom style. Think easy access for nursing and easy-to-wear silhouettes in washable fabrics. We stock a variety of ready-to-wear brands including Mara Hoffman, Lemlem, Ulla Johnson, and Rachel Comey — and last August we launched our own label. The BURU White Label offers elevated mom style at more attainable prices. We believe in the importance of a high-low mix, and we hope our selection has something for every mama!

Before BURU, I worked as a stylist, both commercially and personally while living in Beijing, China and prior to that I co-founded a lingerie company called Passport Panties with my two best friends that was sold in over 500 specialty stores and Neiman Marcus. From thongs to nursing bras — my career has clearly evolved to coincide with my personal life!

What are the names and ages of your little ones?

Olive Bee (4) and Schafer Bass (5 months).

What is a typical workday like for you, from the moment you wake up?

Though they are all a little different, they typically begin early — an hour or so before the kiddos wake up. My husband Brett makes coffee (day must start with caffeine, right?) and we respond to priority emails and customer service items that need our personal attention. I also review or make my to-do list for the day and week if I hadn’t already done so.

Once the littles are up — it’s all about feeding, dressing, brushing teeth and hair, and getting Olive off to school. Schafer goes down for a morning nap and Brett and I hop to our tasks in the office, which is currently the entire third floor of our home. With an online business, some of our employees are remote and others have flexible schedules, so it never gets too crazy. A home office works for me (especially with our little guy) because I am still exclusively breastfeeding. It’s just easier!

As a young growing business, no two days are alike. Some days are full of conference calls and making plans and connections, while others are spent shooting new product or lookbook imagery for the site. A lot of time is devoted to studying line sheets and working on the BURU White Label.

Favorite organizational tools/apps that help you balance work/mom life?

Google Calendar all day long. We have a lot of moving parts, and I’m not sure what Brett and I would do without it!

Current favorite kids clothing brands?

I gravitate towards classic, timeless styles with a retro flare for my kiddos. And, I love all white! (After all, there is always the Laundress alternative bleach to tackle the stains!) My go-to brands are Feltman Brothers, Florence Eiseman, Bonpoint, The Proper Peony, and Pixie Lilly.

Current favorite grown-up clothing brands?

Well, everything we sell of course! (wink) But seriously, I hand-select our brands, so I really love them all. Beyond our BURU White Label, I suppose that I gravitate towards Rachel Comey the most.

Beauty product you can't live without?

One Love Organics Vitamin C Brightening Serum, Beautycounter concealer pen, Tom Ford bronzer, Oribe Texturizing Dry Shampoo, and red lipstick.

Best advice for women who want to succeed in your field?

I think this might apply for any field or profession: Hustle. Be nice. Be you. Support other women. Don’t waste time comparing. Keep your eye on the prize.

Follow the e-boutique on Instagram for mama-worthy style inspo here and shop BURU online here.