GROWING UP WITH FLY HIGH

1. For those discovering Fly High for the first time, tell us the short version of the story behind      it. How did it begin, and what has it grown into today?

It all began in the summer of ‘94. My dad was driving down 59 (between buffalo speedway and Kirby towards downtown) in Houston, TX after finishing his sister (my aunt’s) bathroom at the time with his dad (my grandad) when a Zales commercial came on the radio.. he thought to himself “God that is the last industry I would ever get into”. A week later he went on a celebratory road trip with my grandad as this was a special place him and his family traveled to all his childhood.

While in San Miguel he bought some huaraches (sandals made out of tires). When he returned, family and friends asked where he got them so he decided to go back with a friend and bring back some more. Before making the trip back to San Miguel, another friend Alan nonchalantly recommended he look for silver while in Mexico. Without internet, his friend Aaron and he spoke to locals and ventured around until they came across silver pieces (much much trial and error).

Once home, he and his friend Alan decided to get a booth at the Westheimer Art Festival which was twice a year in the spring and fall and very popular. They sold both huaraches and sterling silver jewelry (and thought they did well) They spontaneously thought to themselves.. hm what if we made something of this. Two very young 26 year olds with no experience or finances to be opening any sort of business, especially one as notoriously difficult as jewelry!

A few weeks later after driving by a for lease sign, they contacted the landlord and crazily decided to sign a 6 month lease (the landlord remembers thinking these guys won’t last 6 months)! Three weeks later after a trip back to Mexico and a night of building makeshift jewelry cases prior to opening day, Fly High Little Bunny Jewelry was born. I laugh because my dad truly believes the only reason why they were able to make it t he first few months werepeople that felt bad for individuals simply trying to make it for themselves. I myself know deep down his charisma, intelligence, kindness and spontaneity was there to lead the way all along.

A few weeks later after driving by a for lease sign, they contacted the landlord and crazily decided to sign a 6 month lease (the landlord remembers thinking these guys won’t last 6 months)! Three weeks later after a trip back to Mexico and a night of building makeshift jewelry cases prior to opening day, Fly High Little Bunny Jewelry was born.

I laugh because my dad truly believes the only reason why they were able to make it t he first few months werepeople that felt bad for individuals simply trying to make it for themselves. I myself know deep down his charisma, intelligence, kindness and spontaneity was there to lead the way all along.

2. You grew up around Fly High. Looking back, what do you think that environment taught            you about creativity, craftsmanship or building a brand?

That through our full family affair, your authentic self creates the brand. The store started haphazardly, spontaneously, personality driven and with an authentic backbone. Not being afraid to fail as there was no business mock up, no back up plan, no one to take on any financial failures along the way, no prior lump sum of money and no real background knowledge of the jewelry industry. Just a person with moxy and one that would find a way to make it work. With the notion of what you give to the world, the world gives back to you.. The overall willingness to learn and be open minded to pivot. Determination, hard work, a little luck, and charisma!!

3. At what point did you realize you wanted to become a part of Fly High yourself, rather than        simply grow up alongside it?

Truth be told and full transparency, growing up I viewed the store more as an obligation I had to fulfill. Working holidays meant being exhausted on those special days and less time with friends. Then I realized that’s when people really needed me, I felt like I had a purpose. To know Fly High Little Bunny has been part of life achievements, expressions of love and meaningful human experiences for over 32 years...to know that we were a part of that made me realize those late nights and exhausted holidays were about creating community and being there for those seminal moments. Later learning it’s about not only making one’s life more beautiful but also being the facilitator in projecting their innerselves and making souls feel truly confident through the blending of both.

I somewhat felt lost growing up, almost as if I never considered our store a viable career option. I wanted to pave my own way. Growing up in a small business was always going to be relative to what I know until I decided to look at it with a new set of eyes and the realization that this opportunity couldn't be more special. It would be a shame not to carry this heritage into the future.

TASTE

5. Is your eye for clothing and jewelry connected, or do they both satisfy a different part of your          creativity?

They most definitely are intertwined. It’s all paint in my palette. Always having a love for coordinating and curating. Grasping inspiration from both for both.

6. What's something you've become much more selective about over the last few years?

My youth somewhat pulled me into conformity vs now being more sure (through experimentation) of my style preferences and what I genuinely like without the concessions of others.

7. Is there an object you own that perfectly represents your taste?

BUILDING A PLATFORM

8. Walk us through your creative process. Whether you're styling yourself, curating Fly High or            creating content, where does every idea begin?

I always start with a significant piece I want to wear. Then, what is my mood? What season is it? Do I want to feel edgy, feminine, funky, etc? What hues from my closet can I combine with this piece to create a color scheme or story? I then create a look around the answers to those questions. There's never a certain style archetype I follow, it’s more of an attuning to my current disposition.

In the past, looking to Josef Albers for color theory inspiration, stone pairings with metal materials and the palette of the natural world.For Fly High, I follow my curiosity, what we think looks unusual but can also play wearable while also including those extremes.

9. Looking back, was there a particular moment where you realized people were connecting with          more than just your outfits - they were connecting with your perspective?

It’s been a culmination of incredibly special moments. Receiving unwarranted positive messages on my inspiring them to branch out, styling requests, inquiries about my thoughts on their special event looks and brands, and dedicated videos others have made referring to my style.

It’s been really special to know my thoughts have resonated with others. It always ties back to my family business, we have remained true to the notion of if it speaks to us that’s all that matters. In the end, it will resonate with others and you will find your people. Some people have been waiting for that one voice especially.

10. What responsibility, if any, do you feel comes with having an audience that looks to you for                   inspiration?

My goal has always been to take adventurous and eclectic pieces and blend them with accessible classics in a digestible manner for those looking to branch out. A real and dedicated focus on self expression through intriguing color combinations inspired by many facets of my life like jewelry design, travel, family, childhood, nature, and much more. I want others to experiment, to use their closet like I used the store.. as my personal color theory lab. To bring some approachable fun to getting dressed everyday, now is the time! Not when my next holiday, date, gala, birthday etc. Everyday brings a multitude of opportunities and possibilities when you least expect it and funny enough your presentation through you look is actually your initial introduction and potential conversation starter. As trivial as it seems, when you think about it, it carries a much deeper significance. I want all to feel their best. Invoking true confidence through self expression. Rejecting rules while taking notes from the classics.

“Finding those small owned businesses in and outside the country and sharing them in hopes to connect people with brands around the globe. Like a sense of worldly
community while also supporting small.”

11. How do you protect your taste when you're constantly surrounded by trends?
       LOOKING AHEAD

Being innovative and creative while acknowledging tastes of the hour without being tied to those trends. My devotion to self expression and inspiration is to always look inwards and my environment around me through family, Fly High Little Bunny, traveling, nature. You have to remind yourself… do “I” like that or do I think that others will.

12. How do you hope Fly High evolves over the next decade & your own platform alongside it?

Carrying the significance of small owned into future generations. Maintaining our DNA of quality, community, conversation, giving back while modernizing through building more of an online presence and introducing others to a vast unknown world of jewelry. Allowing jewelry to be the vehicle in which people can shine, that token you give on meaningful occasions, and a small but impactful sense of individualism. I hope to be the driver into the future while always staying true to our heritage and makeup.

13. As our newest Tastemaker, what kind of impact do you hope to leave through Fly High & your            platform?

To always invoke individualism. To find enjoyment in experimenting.

“I’m Emily Reaves with fly high little bunny im a jewelry designer and fashion enthusiast.”