my next chapter...

Added: 2026-05-11

[00:00:00]You guys, I can't even believe that I'm making this video right now. I am so excited and I can't can't believe that the day is finally here. I've been just thinking about what I'm going to say in this video for so long and today is finally the day where I was like, you know what?

[00:00:20]We're going to just get ready together.

[00:00:21]I'm going to do my makeup and we're going to catch up and chat and I will give you guys the long awaited life update and just catch up on what my life has been like for the past year and a half because it has been absolutely crazy and I oh my god I'm like trying not to cry. I feel like I'm going to like cry a few times during this video and I really can't because I'm doing my makeup right now and I actually have somewhere to go. I wasn't planning on filming this video today. I have a specific day where I'm getting some content and filming a bunch of stuff, but I'm like, you know what? I just want to get this done today. I've been thinking about it.

[00:01:02]It's been on my mind. I just took a shower, getting ready to go get dinner with some friends, and I'm like, I just have to I want to talk. I want to chat.

[00:01:10]I want to catch up with you guys and fill you in on this next chapter of my life, which is so exciting and just feel so surreal and bittersweet. I'm just so beyond grateful. So anyway, as you guys may have maybe seen on my Instagram, maybe not. I know not everybody follows me over on Instagram.

[00:01:33]Not everybody watches my vlogs. So anyway, I have been kind of teasing in my videos and also posting like little teases and sneak peeks on Instagram, but I am starting my own brand and I have been working on this since I'm going to tell the whole story about how this came about, but anyway, started my own clothing brand and I am so excited. It launches very very soon and all of the information and stuff is going to be like on the Instagram. So, make sure you're following along. I'm also going to be doing videos on YouTube. I'm doing a whole sit down try- on haul with the first collection and we have like a video I'm going to vlog like the shoot day and all that. So, stay tuned. And also, you can follow along on Instagram as well. But anyway, I started my own clothing brand and it is called Lady and I am just so excited that I can finally talk about it. I have had to keep this a secret for the past year and a half. And I am not exaggerating when I tell you guys that. Like I know some people are like, I've been working on this for years, da da da. Like I really have. And backstory, November of 2020.

[00:02:53]I'm like so bad at talking and getting ready at the same time, but I it has to be done cuz I actually have somewhere to go. But anyway, November of 2024, I went through a breakup.

[00:03:06]And right after my breakup, I was on the phone with my manager for our weekly call. We have a call every single Monday. And on that call, I was like, I I have to start my clothing brand. I've been talking about it for so long. It's always been like my biggest goal in life to have my own brand. I am so passionate about fashion and I just love sharing my outfits with you guys. I have been into fashion since I was really little. I remember back in second grade, we would have to write books as part of like my English class. And I would always write my books about these three little monkeys that were like fashionistas. And one of them would always wear blue, one of them would wear purple, one of them would wear pink. And they would go to the mall every single day after school and they would go shopping and they would take their silver convertible and they always had you had to be like the author and illustrator. So, you had to like draw the pictures and stuff. And I was always drawing pictures of these monkeys with different outfits on. And I also had a sketchbook where I literally would draw models and just like create clothing for them. So, I loved doing that and just picking out outfits and expressing myself through fashion. Ever since I was little, my mom always let me dress myself however I wanted. And I would always wear her heels like to my brother's baseball games. And I would wear like two different color Converse to school cuz I just like wanted to express my creativity through fashion.

[00:04:41]So anyway, I could talk about like things I did forever when I was younger.

[00:04:44]But anyway, so I went through my breakup, told my manager I need to start this clothing brand. I've been talking about it for so long. I wanted to start it originally in 2020, which I am so glad that I never ended up doing it back then. I feel like I was young and so much happened in my life where I'm a lot more mature now and I feel like I I'm like would be able to make better decisions now and also back then I came out with a sweatshirt during co because that's when I wanted to start my brand but um the pandemic happened and all the factories shut down and I was making like my own sweatshirt and sweatpants like cut and sew because I used to be obsessed with wearing wearing sweatpants and sweatshirts. If you've been watching me for that long, you guys know like I was obsessed with like the Aritzia sets.

[00:05:33]And that was like my thing, like wearing athleisure. So, I was going to make my own line of sweatshirts, sweatpants, and athletic clothing because I also really really loved working out. I mean, I still do, but I was like obsessed with Soul Cycle. And I feel like that was before kind of like the matching set thing. Like back in 2020, I was like only wearing Lululemon. So, I really wanted to make like fun little workout sets and then sweatshirts and athleisure and stuff like that. So glad that I didn't start back then because honestly, my brand now is so different than what it originally was supposed to be in my head when I was thinking about starting a brand. Anyway, went through my breakup, told my manager I wanted to start my clothing brand, and then immediately we just like started working on it. And this whole process was crazy cuz I was dealing with a breakup and moving and all of this stuff at once. I also was like still vlogging for YouTube and trying to like share my life in the present moment, but also there was so much that I couldn't talk about and it was just really really difficult for me.

[00:06:47]I was like navigating so many things at once. But anyway, fast forward to June of 2025. So 6 months after I originally planned to start my brand, we were on calls weekly with our team and we were just going over like everything that we needed to go over to like start the brand. And then we were getting into like production and like what I wanted to make and stuff like that. And everybody kept asking me on the call because of course we needed to have a website and branding and the tags and the packaging and all of that. And you need to obviously have a name in order to come up with all of that.

[00:07:31]And I really really struggled with the name of my brand for so long. I couldn't think of a name for 6 months. I was brainstorming every single day. And mind you, I wasn't telling anybody that I was starting a brand. I didn't tell my sister until November of 2025. I didn't tell any of my friends. Nobody knew except my mom and my manager. So, I would call my mom and I would try to brainstorm with her and think of names and I was just like writing stuff down in my notes. And then one night in June, it was like 12:30 at night. I couldn't fall asleep. I remember I was like having a really tough week and just like going through a lot of things emotionally. I feel like my emotions were just like all over the place.

[00:08:16]Especially like after my breakup, I was kind of like finding myself again and gaining my confidence back. So one night I was awake and I thought of my name for the brand and that is how lady came about. I texted manager and my mom and I'm like came up with a name. Let's get the ball rolling. Like now we can focus and finish all these other tasks that need to be done. So, a month later, July 2025 last summer, I was in Paris and I was at the LongChmpo store and that is when I got my first email with the branding deck and I finally got to see a like kind of got to see everything come to life. I got to see the first round of logos and there were like text options and I worked with a graphic designer and she was amazing and she put my logo on pictures that I had sent her from my mood board and it just was so surreal like I'm in Paris on a trip working with a brand like in my dream city where I've always wanted to go and I get this email and I was like oh my gosh like this is just so cool And mind you, I had had calls with a few different people where they would just talk me through like the process and everything for like branding and they also had examples of like other brands that they created their logos and stuff like that for. And I feel like I just I had to have calls with a few different people before I found the lady I ended up using and she did such an amazing job. So, she made the lady logo that you guys see today. And honestly, we didn't really have that many rounds of edits.

[00:10:05]There were only a few things that I kind of wanted to change about it. On one of the options, there was a like on the tissue paper, it said by Maggie McDonald, and one thing I didn't want was for my name to be on any of the items.

[00:10:23]I think I might have kept it on the tag, like the hang tag that comes on the clothing. I'd have to double check. It's in my office right now. But anyway, so branding happened in July, finalized everything in August of last year, and that is when all of the collection wand pieces were finalized as well. All the pieces that you guys are going to be able to shop in a couple of weeks. So, that happened. And then after that, she got working on the website. We developed our website and then we got into the sampling which I was really particular when making these pieces. Everything was super intentional and I really didn't want to just make or like have a brand and just slap my name on something like I had to make sure everything was perfect. And everybody would tell me like Maggie like this is like the first collection like not everything has to be perfect. And I'm like, "No, you guys don't understand. Like, it it has to be." At least for me, I'm like, "If I'm going to be putting something out and I'm working this hard on it and I've been wanting to do this forever, like, it has to be exactly how I want it." Like, I don't want to just release something that's not my exact vision. So, everything was created extremely intentionally, and I know that you guys are going to be obsessed with every piece. And so one thing I did notice like while I was in the process of like making my brand, I would pay attention to what you guys would ask me on Instagram, like when I was linking stuff. And I just noticed that the past few years, everybody always comes to me for fashion advice. And whenever I do Q& A's, it's always like, what are some pieces that you would have as part of your capsule wardrobe? And I feel like I just kept seeing that over and over, capsule wardrobe. And I even noticed that for me, I was always looking to buy pieces that I am going to have in my closet forever, like season after season, instead of buying something that is super trendy. Especially as I've gotten older, I feel like I've really just kind of moved away from pieces that were just like really loud and colorful and trendy and something that I definitely would wear once and wear in a photo and then never want to wear again.

[00:12:55]So, I really was paying attention to the pieces that I personally would invest in and then wear over and over and over and style so many different ways. So that is how Lady came about. I really wanted to create timeless pieces that were going to be like elevated essentials that everybody could have in their closet and wear all the time and keep forever and ever. So it is going to be a lot of literally it's everything like the first collection is definitely more elevated but the summer collection is so different than the first collection. We are bringing back some of the pieces that we are launching with and a lot of the pieces that are coming in the first collection are going to be core pieces on the website. So, I have this really amazing pair of pants that I literally have been wearing every single day for the past like 8 months. I like I wear them all the time. I'm exaggerating by saying every single day, but I wear them all the time. and we are going to have those in a few different colors. I also have a couple of bodysuits, we have dresses, we have skirts, we have tops.

[00:14:07]I'm literally making everything. So, if you are ever looking for pieces that you can buy and not wear just once, like pieces that you'll be able to wear so many different ways and have in your closet forever, Lady is the place. And I just have so many exciting fun things planned and I can't even wait to share everything with you guys. And also what I love is that I'm going to be able to like really show you guys behind the scenes through like my YouTube videos. you guys are going to be able to see like come in on meetings, help me make decisions, and I really wanted this whole entire like next chapter to be very interactive with my audience. Sorry, my camera's like bugging me. It's at like a weird angle. I really wanted the sixth chapter to be extremely interactive with you guys because I wouldn't even be able to accomplish any of this. And I wouldn't even be in the position that I am in if it weren't for you guys, my community, and the people who have followed me and follow me or the people that follow me.

[00:15:22]All of you guys watching this video. I wouldn't be able to do this without you.

[00:15:26]So, I want you guys to be a main part of Lady so you guys can help out with samples and once I get stuff in, I'll ask you guys your opinions, like what you like, what you don't like. I already have done like so much research in my Q& A's. I've like secretly asked you guys stuff about like pricing and just pieces that you guys are looking for when you're shopping and stuff like that. So, I am so excited and I just cannot wait to see all of you guys wearing Lady and I can't wait for what is to come. We already are working on spring of next year which is so crazy. It's like insane how far in advance you have to make decisions and stuff, but that's just the way that it goes. But it is so much fun and I am just so excited for this next chapter and I just honestly like have no words.

[00:16:32]This means so much to me. You guys mean so much to me and I am just beyond grateful.

[00:16:39]I can't even describe the way that I have been feeling the past few months.

[00:16:45]Like, I'm going to try not to cry right now because I will mess up my makeup, but I can't even explain the way that I've been feeling the past few months. I am just overwhelmed with emotion in a good way. And I am just beyond excited for this next chapter. And I can't wait for you guys to still be along for the ride. I know that I haven't really been that consistent with my YouTube vlogs the past year or so and I just feel like this now maybe explains why I haven't been as consistent. I have just been working on Lady behind the scenes. I've been just really putting every single thing, every ounce that I have in me into this brand and I cannot wait for you guys to see it. I can't even tell you how intentional this whole entire process was. And I just really made these pieces with all of you guys in mind and just thinking about pieces that you can buy that you can wear so many different ways and have as staples in your closet and just feel comfortable and confident in. And I just am so excited.

[00:18:02]I'm so excited. There's just so much coming and I can't even believe that it's almost time to launch.

[00:18:13]But yeah, so anyway, just kind of wanted to run you guys through what the past few months have looked like. And now going forward, now that this secret is out and I have finally shared with you guys what I've been up to, it's going to be so much easier for me to vlog in real time and show you guys because I have been like on calls and coming up with like making decisions and going through rounds of sampling and going to New York and going to the office and trying on the clothes for upcoming collections.

[00:18:51]and just like doing alterations and making sure everything's perfect. But now you guys are going to be able to come along and see a behind the scenes of everything in the world of Lady and I could not be more excited. I'm so excited for the summer pieces already.

[00:19:08]You guys have no idea. They're just so cute. They're so summer. They're so perfect. And they really are pieces that you are going to have in your closet season after season that are just truly classics that you can style and wear so many different ways. And I'm so excited.

[00:19:27]Okay, you guys. I just finished getting ready. My lips look so dark right now. I don't know why cuz I literally do this lip combo every single time I get ready.

[00:19:36]But anyway, that is all.

[00:19:40]I think that's everything I wanted to say. in this video. If there's anything else, I will update you guys in my next vlog, which you guys are going to be seeing a lot a lot in these next few weeks. So, make sure you're ready.

[00:20:00]This is a brand new setting spray.

[00:20:03]That was amazing.

[00:20:05]Wow. Okay. Anyway, so I'm super excited for you guys to finally finally know about Lady and so excited for you guys to see everything.

[00:20:23]Excited to be able to finally share everything and it's just I can't even believe it. Sometimes I've been like going back and forth of being like really stressed and anxious and overwhelmed and like what am I doing and having like imposter syndrome, but then I'm like wait I'm so excited and I literally have been dream dreaming about this forever and I just know that this is what I am meant to do. And I just am so so beyond excited and I just couldn't be more grateful to have all of you guys here and just be a part of this journey.

[00:21:01]I'm like what even is my life? Like this is crazy. Like I am going to be a founder. I am a founder. I am I'm not talking in the past tense anymore.

[00:21:10]Launch is almost here. I'm a founder. I have my own brand and I'm just like what even is going on? But I know I said this before, um, but I truly, truly, truly would not be able to do any of this if it weren't for you. And I am just so blessed beyond words. And I'm so grateful. And I just love you guys all so so so so much. And I just really would not be able to do any of this if it weren't for you. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for following me. Whether you're a new follower or you have been following me since I was in college, I truly appreciate you guys all so so so much.

[00:21:51]And I'm just so excited for this next chapter. And it feels honestly like a weight is lifted off my chest that I can finally talk about it and I can share everything with you guys. So anyway, thank you all for watching this video.

[00:22:06]Stay tuned and so excited to bring you guys along this next chapter and it's going to be amazing. Love you guys.