Members of the Young Alumni Council are excited to highlight young alumni who embody the Darlington mission and motto through a series of Darlington Connects blogs.
Two young alumni, Kailey Swiger (’15) and Tate Morgan (’17), have found their professional paths at Stanley Korshak, exemplifying the power of the Darlington network and the values instilled during their time at the school. Stanley Korshak, based in Dallas, Texas, is a hallmark of luxury and exceptional service and the largest independent department store in the United States. Owned by recent Darlington Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient, Crawford Brock (’72), the store is not only a leader in the fashion industry but also a testament to the strength of Darlington connections. In today’s feature, we highlight how Darlington connections have played a pivotal role in shaping their careers and learn more about their journeys, passions, and reflections on their Darlington experiences.
Kailey Swiger (’15)
Digital Marketing & E-commerce Director
Kailey pursued a career in fashion and e-commerce after graduating from Ole Miss with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She later earned her MBA from Clemson University, which helped refine her skills and expand her opportunities in the industry.
Tate Morgan (’17)
Stylist and Sales Associate
Tate earned a bachelor’s degree in Apparel and Textiles from the University of Alabama. An internship at Stanley Korshak quickly turned into a full-time role, where Tate continues to thrive as a Stylist and Sales Associate.
Tell us how you got to this point.
Kailey: I began my career in fashion and e-commerce after graduating from Ole Miss with a bachelor’s in marketing. I decided to further my education and earned my MBA from Clemson University. While completing my master’s degree, I was a social media manager and e-commerce specialist for a men’s clothing brand. I later advanced to a luxury department store, Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant in Charleston, S.C., where I gained experience in both marketing/e-commerce and merchandise buying. My work there—including driving social media engagement, increasing sales, and revamping the e-commerce site—led to my current position as digital marketing and e-commerce director at Stanley Korshak in Dallas. Here, I manage a team, oversee email and social media marketing, and collaborate with PR to enhance brand awareness and drive store traffic.
Tate: I majored in Apparel and Textiles at the University of Alabama and needed an internship to graduate. I accepted an internship at Stanley Korshak, and just three weeks into the program, I was offered a job. Now, I work as a stylist and sales associate, helping clients curate wardrobes for everyday wear, trips, and special occasions.
Describe a typical day in your life.
Kailey: My day starts with reviewing and managing e-commerce orders. My team handles order fulfillment while I focus on email marketing campaigns to promote new arrivals, events, and trends. I create graphics for store events, manage social media—primarily our Instagram—and prioritize showcasing who we are to attract and engage clients. Managing my team and fostering a positive work environment are daily priorities.
Tate: Every day is different. I sell clothes, jewelry, handbags, and shoes to clients both in-store and remotely. I also visit clients’ homes to style them for trips, events, and everyday outfits. Additionally, I collaborate with designers to select items that align with our clients’ preferences.
Why did you choose this path?
Kailey: While at Ole Miss, I discovered my talents in graphic design and photography. I wanted to combine these skills with my marketing career and work in an industry I’m passionate about. Fashion allows me to express my creativity while building relationships and learning constantly.
Tate: I’ve always loved fashion. This job allows me to be creative, explore new styles, and meet fascinating people.
What's your favorite thing about what you do?
Kailey: My favorite part of my job is the ability to express my creativity and the direct result it has on the store and the people I work with. For example, when I create an email campaign and send it to over 25,000 clients, I have created an opportunity for everyone in the store to gain new clients, increase business, and hopefully impact who shops at Stanley Korshak. I am also able to do this daily by posting on social media. My goal is to capture the amazing features and people our store has to offer. It is extremely rewarding to hear that a customer saw a post on Instagram or an email and decided to make the choice to shop with us.
I also cherish my work relationships and the hard work my team completes daily. I would not be able to promote our new arrivals or products in the store without my team uploading new products to the e-commerce site. The site is a direct reflection of the merchandise we carry and what customers will experience once they make the decision to come into the store. I enjoy encouraging my team and observing the pride they take in their work.
What makes you passionate about this?
Kailey: I am extremely passionate about the relationships I have built throughout my career. I can work in an industry that I love and constantly learn different aspects of fashion, marketing, public relations, and management skills daily. Being passionate about my work and the quality of my skills is attributed to what I have learned from my coworkers, managers, and leaders.
Tate: I love helping people show their personality through their wardrobe and dressing them in ways that make them feel good about themselves.
What are some difficulties that you face but still make everything worth it?
Kailey: One of the biggest difficulties I have faced was at the beginning of my time at Stanley Korshak. At 26, I was a new hire and brought in to manage a team of e-commerce specialists. I knew that earning their respect and trust would be challenging, but also extremely rewarding. After over a year at Stanley Korshak, I have been able to work closely with my assistant manager to build an amazing, hard-working team. I am proud of the department I manage and work to improve my management skills with every obstacle that comes my way.
Recent accomplishment, achievement, service project, promotion, or recognition?
Kailey: During my time as digital marketing manager, I have increased social media engagement by over 500%, increased online sales, revamped and improved our e-commerce site, and built a fantastic team of e-commerce specialists. I have reached customers nationwide, improved brand awareness, and grown customer relationships.
Tate: Recently, I had a chance to take some of my clients to Europe to go to fashion week in Milan, Italy. We saw some beautiful places, gorgeous clothes and met many amazing people.
What have you learned?
Kailey: I have learned more than I can put into words! I have learned the importance of branding consistency, customer service, management skills, graphic design, public relations tactics, and so much more. The fashion industry is complex, demanding, and always changing. There is never a dull moment in this industry. I have learned to adapt to change and always be prepared to call an audible. This job has made me comfortable and prepared when it comes to making adjustments and using my skills to better the business.
How do you feel you exemplify Darlington's mission or motto?
Kailey: I work every day to do my best to exemplify Darlington's mission. As a manager, I have a responsibility to treat my team with respect, support their goals, and lead by example. I am forever grateful Darlington instilled in me the morals and standards that have allowed me to further my career. My hard-working mentality and strive to always do better comes from my years of being pushed to reach my full potential at Darlington. Whether it was sports, schoolwork, or supporting my fellow students, I was always taught to live by example and push myself to be the best version I could be.
Tate: Every day, I try to show everyone kindness and treat them how I would like to be treated.
What advice, now, would you give to your younger self when you were at Darlington?
Kailey: I would tell my younger self to trust my passion and be confident in my skills. When I first started at Ole Miss, I pursued a biology degree. I quickly realized a medical career was not the path I was meant to pursue. I did not know what I was going to do with a marketing degree, but I knew I loved the material I was learning and had a natural talent for design. Following my passion and trusting in my abilities to make a career out of something I loved led me to where I am today.
Advice for anyone wanting to follow your paw prints?
Kailey: Do it!!! Chase your dreams and never give up on what you love. The quality of your work and the career you chose is directly affected by your passion for the job. Always take pride in your work and the life you live. Lead by example and always work harder than the people around you. Respect is earned!
How can current students or other alumni connect with you?
Kailey: Instagram: @Kmswiger; LinkedIn: Kailey Swiger
Tate: Instagram: @tateemorgan; LinkedIn: Tate Morgan
Stanley Korshak: Instagram: @stanleykorshak; Website: https://stanleykorshak.com/
Kailey and Tate are happy to connect with anyone in the Darlington Community who would like to know more about a career in marketing or fashion. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please contact us at connect@darlingtonschool.org.
