Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Manukyan.
Gabriel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
A full service custom garment decoration (screen printing & embroidery) & sign shop. After about a year of doing commercial work only, we got bit by the vending bug. The Red Sox won the World Series in 2004 & we sold a humorous design referencing the long awaited win. We made a killing with the shirts. It was then that we began developing a side business designing and selling our own ideas. With the very healthy souvenir market in the city, there was room for new ideas and exploited a void in the market. First we took advantage of the weekend fairs where the city of Salem rents spots in the downtown area to independent vendors. We did this at different locations until we were able to obtain a prime outdoor spot on a busy corner of the city. Our time at the private property was a success but eventually the deal had come to an end. It was a new beginning and the timing was right to establish more permanent roots in the city. It was then that we formed a partnership with a friend’s women’s boutique, Addicted fashions.
The Back room was born:
We partnered with Yana & Alex, a couple who were friends and clients of GORILLA. They were looking to relocate their business to downtown Salem. Luckily an ideal location on the Essex street pedestrian mall opened up and it was as a perfect opportunity to share the space. We set up the nearly hidden shop in the back area behind the boutique, aptly naming it The Backroom. Being that our spot was out of view and many of our customers are tourists that brought its own unique set of challenges. We had to get creative to get people in thankfully we were also able to set up our tent out front on the picturesque Essex street outdoor marketplace. This time more successfully without any extra fees and setting up as frequently as we wanted. Here we learned a new system of indoor and outdoor storage and display.
Flying Monkey:
Our fate changed again a couple of years ago. As Salem continued to grow so did we but this time not without difficult decisions. A new hotel was moving into our building and we had to relocate. With enough persistence and a little bit of luck we were able to acquire a space right across the street. But with the move came downsizing, as the space could not accommodate the two businesses. We had to make the difficult decision to go our own separate ways and branch out on our own as a solo retailer. With our new location, we are no longer in “the backroom”. We have stepped out from the back and into the bright light of our new window lined front space. We re-envisioned ourselves as flying monkey and it felt like a natural evolution. We wanted our new branding to be witchy, wicked and relate to my original business, so using the witch’s wingman was an appropriate pick.
Our goal with Flying Monkey is to offer quality product with little markup. Making most of our products gives us full control of cost and we are able to pass the savings onto the customer. We also have the opportunity to experiment with designs and processes without the risk of minimum print runs and the high cost of special effects. With these benefits, along with the love and pride in our city, we offer visitors from around the world and the neighborhood quality gifts and apparel to a keep a little piece of Salem magic with them.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
What began as a side project for GORILLA during the slower business months (sept, Oct) became a labor of love and eventually success. During the long weekends and holidays spent under pop tents on the streets of Salem, we had hoped one day to open a brick and mortar shop. Hard work and persistence paid off allowing us to reach that goal 5 years ago. One obstacle that comes to mind is the price war for the lowest t-shirt sold in Salem. It was once a distraction, but I can honestly say we now focus on winning our customers with creativity. As we enter our second season, we are settling in and spreading our wings as flying monkey. Thus far, each mutation has been a learning experience. We are looking forward to many more exciting improvements and projects as we continue to morph our in-store and online presence.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
What we are known for, besides the more humorous and rude shirts in town, is our most popular design, with the words, “I GOT STONED IN SALEM” was introduced around 2009/2010. The idea for the shirt was in my notes for a year or more as I thought it too racy and not funny enough to deem printable. I eventually gave in and glad I did. I can’t print them fast enough. It’s still my best seller since the debut.
My goal is to continue to expand the offerings beyond t-shirts and hoodies. I’ve started making enamel pins and iron on patches and would like to get more toys. I’m always experimenting with printing techniques to bring more interest and value. Printing techniques and solutions for my clients at gorilla can spawn ideas to use in flying Monkey. It’s an ever growing project that enriches the relationship between both businesses. We are a small, family-run business. It takes a team to make it happen and for them I am very grateful. It’s really all inspired by a love for the city. From the quaint cobblestone streets in the quieter seasons to the excitement of a packed store in October with a sea of people outside, we love it all! Having grown up here, it’s still never gets old. There is a magic in the air here that’s undeniable, we pull from it every day and hope to give a little back to it too.
My aim is to offer one or more things that set us apart from the competition. A fair price for quality goods & thoughtful designs that have the customers’ interest and attention at the forefront. I can say with confidence that our designs are the most unique in town. We are inspired by the good, bad and sometimes ugly side of Salem’s past and present. The history of our city being as contentious as it is, it’s not hard to see how one would come up with a dark or controversial t-shirt that people want to buy. The spirit of Salem is in our designs. We try to make something for every customer. We have fun with it and look at things with a sense of humor even if it’s not always shared by everyone in town. Besides sometimes making trouble in the neighborhood, I think we accomplish a great response from our customers and that’s the most rewarding part.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in Peabody Massachusetts with a dedicated drawing and craft regiment. I went to catholic school 1st grade through high school. I feel fortunate to have gravitated towards art because it made my choice for vocation slightly easier. After high school, I studied fine arts printmaking at The Rhode Island School of Design. I learned various printmaking techniques & took a semester focusing on industrial design. At RISD I was exposed to other like-minded and not so like-minded artists and creators. Meeting and knowing more artists was where I learned most. The various backgrounds they came from and witnessing their aspirations had the most value and continues to reward me years later.
Pricing:
- T-Shirts – $16
- Hooded Sweatshirts – $26
- Zip Up Hoody – $46
- Phases Foil Tank Top – $20
Contact Info:
- Address: 196 Essex Street
Salem, Ma 01070 - Website: flyingmonkey.store
- Phone: 9787457755
- Email: flyingmonkeyshop@gmail.com
- Instagram: @flyingmonkeyshop
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/flyingmonkeyshop/
- Twitter: @flyingmonki666
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/q56IxjChUD
- Other: gorillasalem.com
Image Credit:
Gabriel Manukyan
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
