Today, as a part of our Behind the Seams with A.K. Rikk’s series, we would like to introduce you to the latest addition to the Merchandising Department, Ryan Horton! He’s in charge of handling visual displays so it’s easy to shop and understand a line. Find out how he fits into our family in his Behind the Seams interview.
What is your favorite part of working at A.K. Rikk's so far?
The chemistry and communication that each member brings every day motivates me not only in the store but through my overall lifestyle as well. It’s truly awesome to work with such a fun and supportive group of people.
What have you learned this week at work?
I’ve learned how crucial weekends are for retailers during the holiday season. This year with Christmas and New Year’s both falling on Saturdays, it will affect retailers worldwide. That’s something I didn’t know going into the meeting this week. It’s pretty much a guarantee that you will learn something new in every team meeting.
What is your favorite brand?
I think Stone Island is an amazing brand. The variety in that one brand is pretty cool and I’m really intrigued by the tech work such as heat-reacted clothing and accessories.
However, my favorite brand that I didn’t know about before working at A.K. Rikk’s is Casablanca. Casablanca takes a street look to Parisian silk. Casablanca’s designer was a 2020 LVMH finalist so the trust is in Casablanca for beautiful clothes if you are going somewhere sunny!
When you're not at work, what could we find you doing?
You can find me working on my friend’s brand called Smooth that we started in 2018. It’s a clothing brand that focuses mainly on snowboard and skateboard gear and screenprinting. Our Instagram is 18smooth18.
What’s the best meal your mom cooks?
My favorite meal that my mom cooks is probably lasagna but I truly do love all of my mother’s pastas. When I know it’s pasta night, I know I can’t miss it.
What is your power color? Meaning, what color do you wear most or gravitate towards or seem to feel the best in?
I’m mostly in earth tones but I feel powerful in royal blue. I have a few pieces that are a bright royal blue that I love wearing. When I wear these pieces it’s usually on specific days where I feel the world needs more bright colors in it or I feel the need to brighten the world.
What changes have you made to become more environmentally friendly?
I have started to bring a 18smooth18 tote bag to the grocery store instead of grabbing plastic bags. It not only relieves me of not using any of the plastic bags but it’s a great way to get the name out there too!
If you were able to relive a day in your life, which day would that be and why?
Either the first day I traveled to Europe or the first day I went to Lollapalooza. Those were two days I remember that I knew I was experiencing something different and completely new in my life. Those feelings of experiencing something you never have before have some magic.
Who was your childhood actor/actress crush?
I was a Disney kid so I was all about Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens. I’m not even sure if I liked Wizards of Waverly Place but I always ended up watching it for Selena Gomez.
This concludes our Behind the Seams interview. The next time you stop into the store and find it organized, easily shoppable and visually pleasing, we have Ryan to thank for creating a welcoming atmosphere and helping us properly show off all our luxury collections.