Meet Emily Fleur | Bigfoot Researcher & explorer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Fleur and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When it comes to Bigfoot research and merchandise, I knew there was a gap in the market, which inspired me to start my organization. I became interested in Bigfoot when I was just a young girl, and I did everything I could to learn about this subject. I read scientific journals, collected books on the subject, and watched every documentary I could find. However, as a young woman, I found it difficult to understand the scientific language used in resources supporting the existence of this animal, as well as the field gear necessary to search for evidence. I started The Forest Fleur in an effort to educate people about Sasquatch, making science easy to understand and digest. Along with my research, you can find merchandise that is home-friendly, unique and made with Bigfoot’s habitat in mind! My newest collection is a complete field gear assortment, including a collapsible bucket, evidence-marking flags, and a tape measure bracelet. My organization is funded completely by souvenir sales, and all profits go towards my research.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For the past 5 years, I have been studying Sasquatch, an unrecognized species that inhabits not only the forests of North America, but the entire world. I know these animals exist and my goal is to study them in the field. As a young girl, I visited Whitehall, the Sasquatch capitol of NY. There, I began my research into the mystery surrounding this species. The gears in my head were turning; “What is this creature? How many are there? How do they remain so elusive?” These were just a few of the questions buzzing around in my head. After speaking with a knowledgeable curator, I was able to take home a unique souvenir from the local museum. This experience would later inspire me to create a place where research and merchandise meet. I knew that there weren’t many home-friendly or functional Bigfoot products out there, which for me, meant I had to create my own! My most recent collection is designed to help you venture out into Bigfoot territory, cast a footprint, and document evidence. One of the biggest challenges I faced with designing this collection was functionality. In order to find Bigfoot evidence, you really need to head out into very remote parts of the wilderness. Bringing along 5 lbs of plaster is bulky enough; I wanted to produce a field gear line that was lightweight, portable and easy to use on the go. Finally, the idea struck me: a collapsible bucket! Thus, the collection was born. All of my products are eco-conscious and shipping materials are either recycled or compostable, as to respect the habitat of Bigfoot.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The absolute best pastime in any state is Bigfooting, of course! Grab some field gear from my site, head to the hardware store for some plaster, and pick a location where few people venture. Bigfoot research is exciting, refreshing and motivating. After all, not everyone spends their free time searching for an undiscovered species! Field work gives us time to really connect with nature, observe our surroundings with an attuned ear, and appreciate the wildlife in the area. If you do happen to find a footprint, you’ll have brought home the best souvenir in the state!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Starting a venture as big as Bigfoot itself is a huge undertaking. The subject of Bigfoot is often criticized, mocked and brushed aside by both the public and the scientific community. When I began this journey, I was so fortunate to have some incredibly inspiring mentors by the names of David Brogna, Shannon Maher, and Noelle Smith, my former professors at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Despite being mocked by many for starting an organization surrounding an animal that is said not to exist, my professors always encouraged and believed in me. I am beyond fortunate to have had such a strong support system throughout the beginning stages of The Forest Fleur. Because of these individuals, I have the confidence it takes to make a difference in this world. I want to thank my wonderful mentors, my incredibly supportive family, my team at The Forest Fleur and my partner, for always believing in me…and Sasquatch for that matter!

Website: www.theforestfleur.com

Instagram: @theforestfleur

Twitter: @theforestfleur

Facebook: The Forest Fleur

Image Credits
Connor Anderson Sophia at Mohr.art