March 1, 2012, marked the official launch of JohnnyFly.com, and with it, the beginning of an exciting journey. Starting out solo, John launched the website with a collection that reflected his own creative passions. The first products included T-shirts and clothing featuring graphic designs personally crafted by John, as well as custom wooden phone cases, lasered in-house with unique designs that echoed his love for all things automotive, retro, and musical.

Later that year, the brand expanded to include leather belts and other small accessories. These products carried the same spirit—designed and created by John, and inspired by his interests in vintage cars, electronics, and music. It was a labor of love, fueled by creativity and the desire to offer something different, and it resonated with customers who were looking for authenticity and uniqueness in their fashion choices.

After years of research, trial, and error, 2013 marked the birth of Johnny Fly’s first eyewear collection. The initial lineup, small but mighty, consisted of frames like the Sprocket, WayFlyer, and Turbo. Each design was crafted to blend timeless style with functionality, offering a unique look that stood out from the crowd. This was more than just another accessory—it was a new way for people to express their individuality. The eyewear collection quickly became a defining piece of the Johnny Fly identity, opening doors to what the brand would become.

In 2014, Johnny Fly took another step forward, this time inspired by John’s personal quest for the perfect laptop bag. Frustrated by his inability to find a vintage-style bag that could carry all his modern tech, John took matters into his own hands. This sparked the development of a unique line of leather bags and accessories, blending old-world craftsmanship with modern practicality. Every piece was sustainably made, dyed, and tanned without harsh chemicals, staying true to the brand’s commitment to responsible design. The leather collection was a hit, further establishing Johnny Fly as a brand with substance and style.

By 2015, Johnny Fly had completely taken over John’s home. There was no room untouched by the business—bathtubs filled with packing material, nightstands stacked with sunglasses parts, and inventory scattered in every corner. It was time for a change. Reluctantly, John made the leap to a small office with a warehouse component. What seemed like more space than the brand would ever need quickly filled up as the company grew. During this time, Johnny Fly shipped nearly 10,000 products to over 55 countries—a testament to the brand’s expanding reach and loyal customer base.

In 2016, Johnny Fly took to the road. With one employee and a tight-knit group of loyal supporters, John began testing the waters of brick-and-mortar retail through pop-up markets. This journey led them to various locations, experimenting with different cities and audiences. The standout moment came with a 45-day holiday pop-up store in Birkdale, a bustling shopping district in Huntersville. This experiment was a success, providing the team with invaluable insights and setting the stage for something bigger.

After the success of the Birkdale pop-up, the search for a permanent home for Johnny Fly began. The brand had become so popular that customers started showing up at the warehouse, eager to shop directly. This prompted John to find a proper retail location, and soon enough, the perfect spot was discovered in one of Charlotte’s most vibrant neighborhoods—NODA. On July 19th 2017, the flagship store opened and would become the heart of the brand, where Johnny Fly’s products, stories, and values could truly come to life.

With the flagship store firmly established, Johnny Fly entered a period of innovation and growth. These years were marked by expanding the product line and fine-tuning the brand’s identity. John continued to push the boundaries, introducing new collections that embraced the latest trends while staying true to the core values of craftsmanship and sustainability. The team grew, and with it, so did the brand’s reach—expanding into new markets and gaining even more loyal followers. Innovation wasn’t just about new products; it was about refining every part of the customer experience, from design to delivery.

As the world changed in 2020, so did Johnny Fly’s approach. The pandemic accelerated the need for a more dynamic online presence, leading to significant innovations on the web. Johnny Fly’s digital storefront became more than just an online shop—it became a fully immersive experience where customers could connect with the brand no matter where they were. At the same time, the brand expanded its physical presence with the opening of a satellite store, offering a new space for customers to experience the collection firsthand.

The years between 2021 and 2024 have been defined by relentless research and development. Johnny Fly launched an impressive array of new frame shapes, many of which have since become fan favorites. Frames like the Figure, 7Thirty7, Fame, Fortune, Kirk, Hughes, Riker, Longitude, and Laforge are now staples of the Johnny Fly lineup, each offering a unique style and fit. These years also saw the brand continue to innovate in lens technology, combining fashion with function in ways that set Johnny Fly apart in the eyewear industry.

Looking forward, Johnny Fly is just getting started. With a few new frames already in the works and an ongoing commitment to integrating the latest technologies, the future promises to be just as exciting as the past. Whether it’s new materials, improved designs, or innovative retail experiences, Johnny Fly will continue to push boundaries and redefine what it means to wear eyewear.