While backpacking together in 1996 on Annapurna Range in Nepal, the 10th-highest mountain in the world, couple Jeff and Lynn Mills came up with the perfect store name: Flying High Foot Path Trading.
“We thought of that when we first started buying in Nepal,” said Lynn. “That’s where we first bought some stuff, in Thailand, but we really started our business in Nepal.”
The Mills had been traveling and backpacking the world together — stopping in 13 countries over the span of two and a half years. The couple met in college and soon fell in love, and got married in Nepal. The countries the two visited include Thailand, Vietnam and Japan, indulging in all kinds of cultures and experiences.
After traveling abroad, the Mills decided to pioneer a business: wholesaling international products in the United States.
“The store actually came about in 2016 when we were wholesaling and doing shows, and we never, ever thought we wanted a store,” Lynn said. Flying High often participates in retail shows, where they showcase the store’s best items. “But the economy was kind of flat for a lot of years, and sales were going down. So we needed to think of a way, you know, to make more money.” Now, you can visit the Flying High store’s permanent location in Logan Square.
Beyond being life partners, the Mills also have a healthy co-owner dynamic.
“I do all the buying for the store and for the shows, and he does all the buying from Nepal for wholesale,” Lynn said. “Jeff and I are like a yin yang; his strengths are my weaknesses, and my strengths are his weaknesses.”
There’s something for all the funky, nomadic spirits at Flying High. The store ranges from wholesale clothes to backpacks, accessories and curated vintage finds. Many of these products are authentic, hand-woven hemp from retailers in Nepal.
“I think when people come into the store, you know, they’re very surprised by the assortment of purses, accessories and records … not a lot of shops would have this kind of curation,” said Jeff.
Flying High is also a well-established small business serving the Chicago area. During the COVID pandemic, the store faced some financial adversities due to its mandated closure. However, the store made it through with the strength of their community.
“The pandemic, we survived it,” Lynn said. “But there was one interesting thing that happened – a girl, without our knowledge, made a video of our store and put it on TikTok. It blew up and became viral.”
The video attracted customers from near and far — business was booming once Flying High opened its doors again as a retailer in Logan Square.
Another key success of the business is its remarkable personality and presence. From the moment you walk into the store, you are enticed with the store owners’ hospitality. Having a welcoming attitude and love is emphasized at Flying High.
“Welcoming people – that’s something that’s important. Feeling safe when you come into a place, it doesn’t matter what your skin color is, your faith, your sex or gender identity. It’s fine with us,” said Jeff.
The store has one employee: Gabrielle Pichardo. Pichardo came across the company coincidentally as a local in Detroit. She enjoyed everything the store had to offer and catered to her needs as a small-business owner herself. Pichardo now sells her handmade earrings, necklaces and other artworks at Flying High.
“With any small business, the relationship construct is really close,” said Pichardo. “I’m so grateful for all the opportunities Flying High has brought me. Jeff and Lynn are amazing people.”
Flying High has visiting dates at DePaul, where Lynn will set up an assortment of the store’s products in the Student Center at the Lincoln Park Campus.
This academic year, you can visit Lynn Mills on the following dates: March 5, April 8, May 8 and June 3. All students who visit on these dates receive a 25% discount off all items.
“I love coming to DePaul,” said Lynn. “It’s nice to put our name out there, and have [students] react. They buy, they come back, and they love the store.”
Header by Sophia Johnson
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