Today we’re sitting down with Erin Gabrian Kane, owner and creator of Flyvines and learning more about her and her business. Flyvines recycles old fishing line to create braided lanyards, bracelets, coasters, dog leashes and sunglass retainers. We’re excited to host this smart and savvy businesswoman and hope you enjoy the interview.
Camo is the New Black: How did Flyvines start?
Erin Gabrian Kane: Flyvines started about six years ago, my business partner is an Outfitter, and was looking for a simple lanyard for his clients to use on the Missouri. After picking up some fly line and braiding it, the Flyvines lanyard was created. For the first year, it was developing the bracelets/lanyard/sunglass retainers and giving samples to the shops and guides to see their feedback.
CITNB: When did Flyvines become a fulltime business?
EGK: For the first couple years, Flyvines was in the development stage and we had to give away product to create a buzz, and perfect the product. Around 2010 is when there was a decision to focus on the company and try to develop the brand and expand our markets. It was not until the beginning of 2014 when I quit my full time day job and committed to Flyvines, I knew it was needed and I had to make a decision to either hire someone to run the business or do it myself. Best decision I made!
CITNB: Who braids for Flyvines?
Erin and her husband with one monster fish!
EGK: At Flyvines, every piece of product is handmade, so we had to find a work force who could create a good quality item, we found that stay at home moms were the perfect fit for us. We pay them per piece, so if they have something come up with the kids, they are not feeling the pressure of trying to balance too much, but they tend to take pride in their work and like the extra income that Flyvines provides them. My business partner and myself can still bust out product faster then most if needed!
CITNB: How do you market Flyvines?
EGK: When Flyvines first started, our goal was to provide a number of key shops, and guides, with Flyvines so they could wear it and others would see the product and that would spread the word, and it worked! After Flyvines became a popular item on the river, it was hard for the shops to not want to sell it since they knew all of their clients wanted them. After that initial growth, we became a vendor of Orvis and overnight, our product was in a large retail store all across the country and we began getting orders from every part of the country, so they kind of did our advertising for us. In the last year, we have focused a lot of time on attending trade shows, rendezvous, and corporate events. The more people see our product, and our name, the more the brand of Flyvines spread. We also work a lot with non-profit organizations, such as Casting For Recovery, and that also helps people become aware of our product. Traditional advertising was not something that would work for our company.
CITNB: Wow, I am impressed by your entrepreneurship! Do you have any advice for others looking to start a business?
EGK: I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur, but it hit a point where I was over working for someone else, and having my life revolve around their schedules, which is what happened in my previous jobs. I am also a person who feels that if you are not always learning in your current job, it is time to move on to something that forces you out of your comfort zone. Owning a business presents a new challenge every day…every single day… I sometimes want to hit my head on the wall because I have no idea how to deal with some of the issues that owning your own business presents, but that is why I love and enjoy it.
CITNB: Do you have a favorite fly fishing story?
EGK: My favorite fishing story is probably the fact that I met my husband, who was a guide, in Helena when I was going to school. I wanted to learn to fish, and the first day he took me on the Missouri, I was so offended, and annoyed, that he was teaching me to cast on shore, I just wanted to get in the boat and go! I quickly realized once we got in the boat why learning before you get on the river is way easier for the guide. The day he taught me to row was also a pretty funny day…
CITNB: Is there a particular river you love to fish? Why?
EGK: I personally have always loved the Bitterroot, besides the beauty of the Bitterroot valley, I like that you can wade fish and also take a boat, and it seems to change every year, so it keeps us on our toes.
CITNB: Where can we buy Flyvines?
EGK: You can go to our website www.flyvines.com and order directly though us if you are looking for a certain color combo. I also encourage people to go to their local shops and pick their own out, if your shop doesn’t carry it, make sure you touch base with us so we can work with them. We are also in a number of outdoor stores and even grocery stores and such around the country!
CITNB: Thank you Erin for taking the time to share your Flyvines story, we’re so excited about the product and you are inspiring. See you on the river!
Go Erin Go! Love seeing my fellow Carroll girls (and Montanans) in the headlines!