To say Amy Flurry has had a storied carrier is to put it lightly. The former editor, recognized for her discerning point of view, authored Recipe for Press, a book in which she shares editorial insights with creative entrepreneurs, co-founded the Paper-Cut-Project and, most recently, has taken over the world of interiors, speaking nationally on the subject. Never without her plain black notebook and pen to capture thoughts and ideas, the Athens, Georgia resident and world traveler is on a consummate hunt for her next source of inspiration.
Among Amy’s most impressive feats (a subject which doesn’t even make her bio)? She’s taken on over 20 interns in the last decade alone, stewarding their careers, teaching them the importance of effective communication and, in essence, imparting on them the benefit of a mentor/mentee relationship. I’m lucky enough to call Amy Flurry one of the inspirations behind Born on Fifth.
1. Have you had any memorable mentors? If so, how did you meet? What advice have they shared that’s stuck with you?
It wasn’t so much a mentor relationship, but Elizabeth Schulte Roth, former editor in chief of Atlanta Peach magazine, invited me to be a part of her small editorial staff. She took me to lunch and, sensing my uncertainty, told me that this was going to be good for me and was a huge opportunity. She knew how to put together a team and that mattered to me as much as the gig. I took the position and was given more opportunity to pursue the stories that interested me and more pages to fill than at any other publication in my career. She gave me the creative freedom to pair and produce the article with visual stories as well. She knew how to get the best out of me and she took risks on my ideas. It was challenging but those years, under her direction, contributed wildly to my professional growth and confidence.
2. You’re a strong mama, a savvy strategist/style expert and have always have taken on interns, teaching them invaluable lessons. What advice can you share with women looking to “make it” in the fashion world.
Be an exceptional observer, grow passions outside of your work, listen well but contribute to the conversation too and, perhaps most importantly when you’re just starting out, get the work done that no one wants to do. This gets noticed.
3. Best restaurant in New York City?
Raoul’s in Soho. Classic French bistro with a tarot card reader almost permanently installed upstairs by the women’s restroom.
4. Favorite store on Fifth Avenue?
Cartier. It is a jewel of a building (the mansion was built in 1905) that sits in the shadows of St. Patrick’s Cathedral but along a strip of skyscrapers. It is easily distinguished by the Cartier red awnings. I had the pleasure of meeting with a few of Cartier’s creative team there a few years back when we were discussing a Paper-Cut-Project collection for the House.
5. Last thing you do before bed?
Take our dog outside one last time, turn to the moon, take a deep breath, letting it shine on my face! Then it’s the usual ritual.
Amy Flurry's top picks
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