Meet Jonathan Reyes and Payton Gifford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Reyes and Payton Gifford. 

Hi Jonathan and Payton, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
What happens when a chef and an apparel product developer go on a camping trip together? They come out of it with the idea to start an apron company! We did just that. It started as a dream to create, and slowly became reality. We knew right away that we wanted to make aprons that showcase a person’s unique style; ones that are made to fit you comfortably. If you can’t be comfortable, how can you create? 

I, Jonathan, was raised (not grown) in Denver Colorado. I am a lover of food and all things fizzy. I’ve worked all my life in this industry. I started out as dishwasher and I fell in love with the industry. 

When I’m not in the kitchen you can find me traveling, in breweries, wineries, and distilleries, exploring restaurants and farms. I wouldn’t be here without collaborating with my friends and mentors. 

Payton is my sister-in-law, she is a lover of the food a binge watcher of cooking shows, and a mix of outdoorsy and princess. Although she doesn’t work in the food industry, she loves traveling, shared plates, and a healthy pour of Txakoli. She is a huge believer of being comfortable in your clothing. Payton went to Mullen high school in Colorado, then Colorado State University for a degree in Design and Merchandising with a business and textile focus. She then managed a boutique in Fort Collins called GG Boutique for years before her current adventure. 

Both of our parents are based out of Denver as well, so we feel very close to the Denver community. 

As any small business starts, we rely on our family, and roll up our sleeves for the hard work it takes. We first chose our name, website platform, and target market. I then put some hard use to many different aprons to figure out what we loved and what we wanted our line to be like. Then, we partnered with a factory that sent many different fabric options and we got to work choosing design. 

Then – the true magic happened. Our friends and family supported our first apron launch, we couldn’t have done it without them. We now have a few aprons, a T-Shirt, and LOT of ideas of how to integrate that feeling of “belonging” in the kitchen while still standing out with your apron, your safety net. 

We are just about 2 years into this journey and we are growing and learning every step of the way. We both live the nomadic life but spend a lot of time in Denver as both our parents and much of our friends are there. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As far as starting a business goes, it has been pretty smooth. It was difficult at first with Covid closures halting the ability to get into the business centers to apply for business licenses, learn about business tax filings, and more. Because the small business centers were closed, it took a lot of elbow grease and online searching for how to do every step of it on our own, it took months to get all the paperwork settled with each entity. 

Then, sourcing became difficult, we have a goal of finding a factory in our close neighbor Mexico, but many of the factories there were having to close due to Covid outbreaks, and could guarantee product to be completed. Additionally, materials cost has been on a steady rise, so it has taken great creativity to keep costs down. 

But overall, all of these challenges have seem to become “normal” in a way with the current climate and we have utilized many “on the way to our day job” car calls to get the knitty gritty details worked out. 

Like we have said before, so many family and friends have helped us get up and running and we can’t thank them enough. The fact that we have a full up and running website with great product, and very exciting chef features is beyond where we imaged we would be 2 years ago. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Jonathan- I am a chef, I’m known. for being a fair boss to the restaurant team, I’m known for people wanting to work for me because I am a patient and thorough teacher and leader. When I first hire someone, I tell them “I would never ask you to do something that I myself would not do,” I love what I do because I can be myself. I wanted to be a rockstar, not as a kid but as a young adult. I found my lyrics in my food instead. I love cooking Latin food lately. Mainly because its flavors I grew up with and forgot about them as soon as I left home. It’s funny how things come full circle. I wear these aprons 12 hours a day. I want them to be comfortable and durable and sexy. I understand most people in the kitchen are creative…we want to look good too. To be honest, my Instagram @eljonathanreyes shows a little glimpse into the creation I try to put into each day. 

We are a business ran by a woman and a person of color, and want that to be a part of our voice too. 

Payton- My work consists of connecting with factories to get apparel made. I am unique in that I take the time to choose factories that I can gain a connection with the family that owns them. There are some truly amazing families all over the world that own factories, that treat the small 50-piece orders with the same respect as the 50,000-piece orders. They are hard to find, but once a relationship is established, making clothes becomes more than just making clothes. A family is supported, a vision is supported, confidence is instilled in the customer wearing it, and the owner of the factory who chose to work with me sees the impact the final product makes. It is so much more than just a business transaction. 

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Jonathan- I’m obsessed with Malcom Gladwell, his books his podcast. I just finished reading “What you do is who you are.” by Ben Horowitz a gret book about business culture… a lot of hip hop in it too. 

Payton- I’m currently knee deep in a few baby/child apps at the moment, I have 8-month-old twin baby girls so they are the priority when I am not at my “Day job” or working on Vintage 86. Second on my “playlist” is just about every blog and video of the PCT (pacific crest trail) thru hikers. My husband and I are planning a thru-hike of the Trans Catalina Trail, and eventually sections of the PCT. watching the other hikers on their journey is inspiring to be more connected to the land and to yourself. 

Pricing:

• $60-$70

Contact Info:

• Email: vintage86aprons@gmail.com
• Website: vintage86.com
• Instagram: @vintage86aprons
• Facebook: Vintage 86 aprons

Image Credits
Codi Gifford