Meet Arturo Reyes | Artist, Designer, and Stylist

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

Hi Arturo, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
There wasn’t really a “thought process” when starting a business. I basically grew up in flea market called Melrose Trading Post. Every Sunday, my family and I would set up a both, and sell vintage jewelry and furniture. So right from get go, I was already influenced by the commotion of business. At age 12, my parents taught me to never be afraid of taking risks. After hundreds of different business ideas, I’ve landed on creating a clothing brand that thrives on sustainability.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I don’t really like to contribute to the problem, which definitely sets me apart from everyone. Shari Elf taught me that you can’t spell trash without art. That you can make art out of anything, without really overthinking. After 6 years of working under her wing, I dove into sewing. Creating new life to clothes that people tend to throw away. I tell everyone to at least sew once in their life, starting off with a simple pillow case is such a rewarding experience. Thats exactly how I started. From there I just didn’t look back, and took off into the world of sewing. My brand takes stuff from thrift store, and rework them with bleach to give it a new meaning. It is almost like seeing a flower bloom in front of your eyes. The artistry of sustainability runs through my clothes, and it makes me feel amazing. Starting neither hard or easy, but a huge lesson that it has taught me is that patience is a virtue.

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?
Where I live isn’t primarily a city, but a town. Joshua Tree is fundamental by just being weird. Weirdness is normal here, which is amazing. I definitely would start them off by taking them to the national park. You get a sense of peacefulness, nothing beats that. Then I’d take them to my FAVORITE restaurant, The Natural Sisters Cafe. Their wide selection of vegetarian meals are to die for. Even just thinking about them makes me hungry. After that, we would stroll down to Art Queen and the World Famous Crochet Museum (which I manage and work btw). Both of them are the definition of Joshua Tree, in my opinion.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow, I’d make a novel if I could shout out everyone who has made me who I am. I definitely have to put my family to the forefront. Their dedication to fully support their kids is priceless, and I would not trade that for the world. It is hard to work without a purpose, and they give me one. There is my family, and there is a group of collectives (my team) that inspire me everyday. Two of the few are Lady Gaga and my closest muse, Playb0ydez. Both of them made me appreciate the arts of music and poetry. Through them I have learned that making money isn’t sustainable, but making a difference is.

Website: reyesxcollection.myshopify.com

Instagram: @reyesxcollection

Other: Other instagram are @artxrey (personal)