We had the good fortune of connecting with Dylan Demery and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dylan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I started fly fishing, I started small with a cheap rod-and-reel combo. I didn’t want to spend a bunch of money if I didn’t like it. As I grew to love the sport, I wanted to buy waders and boots. I was shocked at the lack of women’s fly fishing gear in local stores or online. I didn’t know where to find what I needed to do this sport I was falling in love with. That’s when “She’s Fly” was born. I thought, “If I can’t find what I need, why don’t I make a store that has what I need? What everyone needs?” I shared the idea with my two co-founders, Emily and Jaclyn, and they enthusiastically began to build upon it, sharing their experiences, brainstorming how this thing could work… and we decided to take the journey together.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
She’s Fly® is really dedicated to providing quality, affordable gear and services to create comfortable, confident anglers regardless of race, gender identity, or experience. We want to create a safe space for people to learn and love this sport like we do. I am very proud that we are growing organically and are starting to be recognized for what we offer and our customer service. I feel like we’re helping people feel comfortable enough to get out on the water and that’s such a wonderful place to be!
We are still very new and self-funded, so I’m proud that we are making enough in sales to pay down what we owe each month. I work full-time in the corporate world so this hasn’t been super easy, I’m working nights and weekends to get this going. I try to keep up a good routine with friend and family visits, walks with my puppy, and some limited time on the river.
I’ve mostly learned to not be afraid to ask for advice. People can be very helpful and supportive if you let them. You also need to keep an open mind and know that change is inevitable so be flexible.
I hope people see the passion I’ve put into this business! It comes from my heart as fly fishing was a way to help me heal after my husband passed away. I want to share this sport with others so they can see the benefits that come from getting out in nature and doing something mindful.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In Fort Collins, we would definitely need to see a show at the Mishawaka in the Poudre Canyon, it’s my favorite venue in the state. I’m a CSU Ram so we’d go to a football or basketball game as well. Odell’s is my favorite brewery and it’s never a bad time to hang out on their patio. I love walking along the Cache La Poudre Trail in Old Town. There’s also free mini golf in a neighborhood near Old Town (lightningminigolf.com). My two favorite restaurants are Little on Mountain and Rare, so we’d plan some time to check those out. I love catching a live show at the Aggie as well.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Aside from my awesome co-founders, Emily Anderson and Jaclyn Fitzgerald, I’d also like to give a huge thanks and shout-out to these women-owned businesses in the fly fishing industry that really supported and mentored us through this process and still do so today: Miss Mayfly
SaraBella
Damsel Fly Fishing
Zen Tenkara
Liarflies
Uncharted Outdoorswomen
Website: www.shesfly.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shesflyfishing/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShesFlyFishing/