Frankly, my parents didn’t know what to think. After fifteen years, their long awaited bundle of joy arrived and was, in their words, from the very beginning, “precocious and a bit of a pill.”

Let me explain.

At seven, while other kids were chasing baseballs, I was channeling Tattersall.

At nine, I declared my love for all things gold and avocado, convincing my mom to give it, like peace, a chance. (My Dad never forgave me for that undulating sea of shag.) Luckily, in the years since, my own home has been featured in national magazines, decorating books and is often a top pin on Pinterest – so, I did redeem myself.   

Growing up, I was always the go-to-guy for the latest looks, the chicest dorm room ideas and hippest parties. Looking back, spotting the next run away hit was second nature to me. Like runners who can accelerate in an instant, leaving only dust behind, or a gymnast who can effortlessly leap, flip and twirl, I had a gift. An intuitive sixth sense, an eye for what was cool, new and ahead of the curve.

I still do.

- Brad Ray, our founder and top trendslator regularly relies on his seasoned insight and interpretative skills to both inform and form breakthrough strategy and action for brands across the globe.