Feature 006: Raedirectsstuff
“Better to risk than regret when it comes to your dreams.”
FLÜNCE made history as the first-ever runway show of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley, creating a space where fashion, art, and creative community could all come together under one roof.
More than just a runway, FLÜNCE was built to give local creatives a place to connect, collaborate, and be seen while highlighting the talent already growing within the RGV.
Behind the vision is Creative Director Raelyn Lopez, who created FLÜNCE after realizing that some of the most meaningful opportunities came from the genuine relationships she and her friends built with one another.
In this interview, Raelyn reflects on what it took to bring FLÜNCE to life, the people who helped shape it, the challenges behind the scenes, and what she learned from taking the risk to create something new for the Valley.
The Fresh Start Interview: Raedirectsstuff
Q) What inspired you to create FLÜNCE ?
Raelyn: For years, I had always wanted to make a showcase, but to be honest with you, the full idea came to me when I took a look at my friend group. A lot of us were going to events, hoping to find connections that would give us opportunity, but when we found each other, that’s when the real opportunities came.
I was tired of seeing all of us get screwed over when we all we want is to have genuine work relationships with other artists. So I made a room that hopefully replicated the same energy as we put into each other, trusting others would pick it up.
Q) Who were the people around you when you were first building FLÜNCE, and how did their support shape the beginning of it?
Raelyn: It was my husband & my best friends. If I didn’t have their support, then FLÜNCE wouldn’t be here at all period. All of us were going through some crazy canon events when this was happening so I appreciate them so much for still putting their best foot forward with me.
Q) What scared you the most about starting something of your own, and how did you move through that fear
Raelyn: It’s funny because I’m used to starting a lot of things on my own, but the big difference with this one was budget. However God is good, and he happened to send me really great people and opportunities to help me with that.
Q) Was there anything you had to let go of (fear, perfectionism, expectations, or an old version of yourself) in order to move forward?
Raelyn: For sure expectations and procrastination. There was a building I was stuck on for the longest time that I wanted to have this event at, but God dealt me better cards with the San Benito Cultural Arts Museum. And for sure procrastination, because a lot of the background stuff I was doing on my own. So I got burnt out a lot.
At some point, though I told myself that it was stupid and not only am I depending on this, my friends are too, and the last thing I wanna do is let us all down. So I had to learn to manage my time a lot better.
Q) What has creating FLÜNCE taught you about yourself?
Raelyn: How much I love matchmaking, in the friendship & team sense of course. There’s always a person in a room that feels like they don’t belong because they don’t think they’ll find a connection there, but at FLÜNCE I had the ability to fill a room full of nothing but that.
Q) What has been one of your favorite or most meaningful moments since starting FLÜNCE?
Raelyn: Seeing a lot of the friends I made from the start of my career to NOW meeting each other and becoming friends as well. It’s like a crossover episode! Not to mention all the people that came up to me saying how excited they are to pick up something they loved again because they want to participate next time.
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Q) What would you tell someone who has an idea or dream they love but is scared they aren’t ready to start?
Raelyn: Ask yourself what you’re scared of and why you think it might stop that dream from being real. Once you’ve bulleted down and took a close look at all the reasons why, treat it like an open book test and start learning how to bring about a solution. Whether that’s gaining a skill or making a new mutual connection. Lock in. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Better to risk than regret when it comes to your dreams.
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There is still so much more waiting for FLÜNCE. With a watch party coming this October, plus more events, creative experiences, and runway shows on the way, this chapter is far from over. Keep an eye on @weareflunce for everything coming next, and follow Creative Director Raelyn at @raedirectsstuff for more of the vision, creativity, and story behind it all.
Credit for Flunce photos: Ig: @fol.photos