My Why

The most commonly asked question I get is, "Why did you name your business High Cotton?". For the longest time, I struggled explaining this. It was like I knew why in my head, but I was not sure it made sense out loud. 

Five years ago, I graduated college with basically no idea what to do next. I decided to enroll in graduate school, because that seemed like the most logical way to avoid adulthood. One day my parents took me to Caddo Valley Flea (fun fact : you can still shop HC there today), and I was instantly hooked on flea markets. I remember that feeling of pure joy and excitement. I knew I had to get myself a booth. 

I did my flea market research and realized that all the "cool" booths had a name. What would I name my booth? A question I asked myself for weeks. I wanted it to be short and easy to remember. One afternoon, I heard the Alabama song "High Cotton". For some reason, that phrase "High Cotton" stood out. I did some research and learned that the phrase was used by farmers. When the crops and profits were high... that is known was "walking in high cotton". I got to thinking about how a farmer must feel when the crops were profitable. I imagine that they feel joy and excitement to see the fruits of their labor. I thought back to that day in the flea market with my parents. I thought about how excited I am when I stumble into an old dresser that needs love. I thought about how my heart is full of joy picking vintage goods with my parents. I thought about how much I enjoy creativity and design. That was it. High Cotton. 

To me, High Cotton is a feeling. It's that feeling that warms your heart when you do something you love. It's a feeling that everyone needs. Maybe your High Cotton feeling is hiking, sewing, baking, hanging out with your kids, running, or eating guac (this is also a passion of mine). Whatever gives you that magical feeling... you need to follow it. You MUST follow it!! 

Our Caddo Valley Flea Market booth several years ago. I wish I could find a picture of the very first booth set - up! 

High Cotton started out as a collection of home decor I was ready to part with and vintage! VIntage is where it all began, and we try to always have several vintage items in each booth!

For about a year, we had a location in Magnolia, Arkansas! I loved this booth! Mainly because of the huge white wall that my dad installed for me! Sadly, the flea market closed. 

We also had a location in Camden for a while! The Magnolia and Camden flea markets both closed around the same time. At this time, I was so sad to see 2 booths close at once. This ended up being a blessing, because this is when I started to dream up an online shop!

Amity Trade Days. This was the first time we set up as show vendors!  I was hooked! We now attend a few vintage shows yearly! 

If you made it this far WOW I love ya!

Talk soon, pal!

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- Carly