Dudley Girl Summer: Megan Pinckney, @shadesofpinck

A Dudley Girl knows just how to soak up the season. We’re following some of our favorites to see what they’re up to this summer—in our styles, of course.

We’re starting with Megan Pinckney, @shadesofpinck, mom, founder and sixth-generation Charlestonian. 

DS: What are you looking forward to this summer?

MP: Summer really is my favorite time of year! With the kids out of school we always try to fit in as much travel as possible. We’ll head to the Hamptons, and we always try to take one big annual trip to Europe. Still ironing out details but I think we’ll make it to Germany, Greece and hopefully one other destination.

As a sixth-generation Charlestonian, what about your family’s home city brings you the greatest pride? 

This city is more than just my life’s backdrop, it is so intertwined into the story of my ancestors that it’s more like a character or member of my family.  Without it there is no me! So I think I’m just mostly proud to be that connected to a place, because I recognize how rare that is in a world that is so transitional. 

Favorite best-kept secret spot(s) in the city?

Charleston is more than just classic and contemporary Southern comfort food. There’s a great selection of French restaurants that each offer a completely different vibe. Chez Nous is incredibly romantic and authentic (often changing menus), Brasserie La Banque has a vintage, but chic, speakeasy-type bar below it, and you’ll find one of the best gourmet hot dogs you’ll ever try at laid-back Gaulart & Maliclet on Broad Street. 

What’s your secret to balancing motherhood with managing an ever-evolving lifestyle brand?

I think the secret is recognizing that you can’t do it all…all at the same time! Scheduling is key and then focusing your attention on what is only in front of you. So if I say I’m going to work until 3 p.m. when I get home I try really hard to be present and not continue to check messages. 

What’s been your biggest surprise about growing that brand out of a modeling career and blog?

What has surprised me the most is how much everything I did leading up to this point in my life truly prepared me for the challenge. I could have never imagined I’d find a business (let alone own one) that allowed me to use all the knowledge I gained from pageantry, studying fashion merchandising or even being behind the scenes in the industry. 

What’s your morning routine?

A typical day starts with me making breakfast for my family, having a cup of coffee while skimming through emails, reading a daily devotional and then doing my five-minute makeup routine.

What do you do in your downtime?

I feel like my life is constantly on-the-go, so in my downtime I love doing what I call “slow living.” Things like: taking a walk around the neighborhood, flipping through coffee table books for inspiration, getting lost in a chapter book, gardening, or doing something as simple as laying in the grass and watching clouds pass by.  

Who are your female role models?

My mother and my grandmother. Now that I’m older and have a family of my own, I’m able to really appreciate all the hard work that goes into raising a family and not losing yourself in the process. I think both women did a really great job of providing and showing love, while also making time to discover depths within themselves and pursue other passions. And I think that art of balancing life is something so worthy of admiration.