GATHER GOODS

An Exploration of Style Fusion

Where Africa Meets the American Southwest

By Myriam Gonzalez Photos by Rye Clifton

After 20 years of living away, Fort Worthnative Megan Clifton has found her way back to her hometown, bringing jewelry line, Gather Goods, with her.

Megan started the brand nearly three years ago while living in Austin when she suddenly felt a need to feed her creative spirit. With the support of family and friends, what began as a hobby turned into a full-fledged online retail business.

“I felt vulnerable to show my work, and I don’t really know why. It kind of takes me back to having my friends tell me, ‘You should really do this.’ Without that push, I don’t think I would have made that jump,” Megan says.

Her “Albuquerque meets Africa” inspired line includes bracelets, necklaces and bolo ties that merge brightly colored textiles with found pieces, showcasing the inspiration she received from her grandmothers, Corinne and Millie.

Megan adds that while one grandmother brought her “Albuquerque flair of turquoise and heavy squash blossoms, the other was always in over-the-top costume jewelry,” which she says makes her brand feel like “a little bit of a marriage of that.”

Throughout the line, you’ll find unique pieces made of beads sourced from Ghana, along with natural textiles, wood, and vinyl — all custommade, packaged and distributed right from her hometown. Although there is currently no brickand-mortar location, her products are available online and through local retailers stretching from Waco and throughout the metroplex. She also loves to collaborate with other artists through pop-up events — making her collection easily accessible.