A Moment with Megan Reay
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Time to read 3 min
Drawing on years spent behind the scenes at Vida, Megan brings a warm, inviting sensibility to her debut collection, rooted in personal style, layered with meaning, and designed to feel like home.
Form, Function, and Feeling
Megan has spent much of her career at Vida working behind the scenes, where her attention to detail and appreciation for good design have quietly shaped her work. Now, she’s creating something entirely her own. “I’m not a designer but I’m loving the opportunity to create my own collection!!” she says. Since joining the team “way back in the day,” she’s been inspired by the creativity around her and is excited to bring her own aesthetic to life. “Being around so much talent has been such an inspiration!”
Her collaboration with Known gave her that chance. “It has been so fun to try to put together something that truly reflects my aesthetic,” Megan says. “I think that what we surround ourselves with is such a reflection of ourselves and our interests. You can learn a lot about someone by how they express themselves with their style.”
The story behind her debut collection is personal. So personal, in fact, that she jokes she was “just shopping for myself.” Every piece is something she’d want in her own home. The only difference? “The biggest difference between my Known collection and my own home are the random thrifted treasures that I’ve collected over the years,” she says. “I think that my collection is the base of beautiful staples that you can infill with the found objects that make you feel special in your space.”
Megan's Favorites
Her approach to style was shaped early, growing up in Springfield, Oregon. “Small town vibes,” she says. “I absolutely love the family home I grew up in. We moved in when I was just three years old, and to this day, my mom still lives there.” The house was modest, but filled with life. “There was always something happening, and friends were always welcome.” While her family wasn’t focused on colors or ambiance, she always noticed the details. “I put extra thought into design, perhaps trying to preserve the magic of my childhood and improve upon the aesthetic!”
These days, Megan calls Oregon home and wouldn’t trade its beauty for much, though she admits “I wouldn’t mind more sun.” She currently lives in “the cutest little duplex” in Gresham, with one of her best friends as her next-door neighbor. “It’s been a dream to have my bud be my neighbor. Hopefully soon I’ll be moving closer into Portland, but we’ve been having some fun out in Gresham.”
The household is ruled by her three “bb kitties.” Charlie, the “orange Daddy” she adopted as a stray 12 years ago, is “the coolest cat you will ever meet.” Harvey, a vocal Siamese, is “my princess” who demands constant affection. Then there’s Todd “the biggest densest chonky boy” with little grace but a lot of love. “They all love each other though and cuddle daily. Best roommates I ever had.”
When it comes to dinner, Megan’s routine is practical but occasionally indulgent. “I’m a meal prep girlie,” she says. “I cook something big that lasts me a week. It is great for the most part but by Friday, I’m OVER IT.” Portland’s dining scene offers a tempting alternative. “There are a million amazing restaurants to explore. Screen Door’s fried chicken and mashed potatoes are everything! I’m sure I’ll have a new favorite next week.” At home, dinner is usually enjoyed on the couch with a glass of wine and a reality TV binge. “Give me some comfort food, wine and Love Is Blind and I am truly LIVING.”
Her design style has a playful twist. “Christine McConnell is my diva. She is like Martha Stewart but make it weird,” Megan says. She’s loved Martha “since early days” for her drive and style, but also admires McConnell’s “spooky spin” on artistry and entertaining.
Megan thrives on structure. “I’m a PLANNER. I’m ok with exploring what is possible and ideation but if we can’t get to a plan relatively quickly, I get itchy.” Pinterest is her go-to for inspiration, but she draws just as much from her wide range of hobbies: performing in a Portland-based comedy troupe (“We’re just a bunch of weirdo’s trying to be funny”), playing volleyball, making macrame, playing piano, and—yes—watching reality TV.
Her home reflects that same blend of order and heart. At its center is a piano-top shrine to loved ones and pets who have passed. “It is a very important part of my home. I love that everyone I love is still close and celebrated.”
As for what’s next? Megan keeps it open. “Travel. Continuing to be inspired by all that life has to offer.”