Uncle Miles and Pride Month

I once had this uncle — well, technically my ex’s uncle — named Miles Cahn. He passed away several years ago, but his memory hasn’t faded one bit. What made Uncle Miles so special you ask?

Uncle Miles was a remarkable man in every way, not to mention that he founded Coach Leather. Yep! The iconic American brand we all know.

So, in honor of Pride Month, I want to share one of the many ways Uncle Miles inspired me — always as a person, but also as a business owner.

On November 4, 1969, Uncle Miles took out what was likely a very expensive full-page ad in the New York Times — a public letter to President Nixon protesting the Vietnam War. 

What chutzpah!

Uncle Miles told me he knew it would bother some customers, but he believed so passionately that it was “the right thing to do”.

So when we opened Fishs Eddy nearly 40 years ago, I didn’t hesitate to speak up and celebrate Pride Month…AT THE STORE! It was the 80s, and this wasn’t such a popular thing to do at that time, as you can imagine.

Of course, DUH! Uncle Miles didn’t have to change my mind about supporting the LGBTQ community. But he did show me that a business can express a point of view too. Because that’s what makes this country great!

USA! USA!

Over the last few years I’ve noticed that a lot of these larger brands have started putting flags and rainbows in their windows. 🤔 Funny, most wouldn’t have done that 40 years ago. I’m glad they’ve finally trickled out of the closet to support 😏.

But Fishs Eddy? We’ve always been gay. And that’s just one of the many Fishs Eddy things that I am PROUD of.

RIP Uncle Miles ♥️ 👜

I miss you,

Julie