Story Flashback: The rise of EFFY, a gay pro wrestler who overcame the odds — and slurs — to craft a lucrative personal brand

Wrestling is much like cannabis in that everyone has an opinion. For everyone who loves EFFY, or a particular cultivar, there is someone who is going to shoot it down. Cannabis seems to have a strong streak of not caring about detractors' opinions. That isn't so much the case in wrestling, but it is with EFFY. I and many others admire Taylor's ability to stick to who he is. Through that ability, and clever marketing, he's connected with an array of fans--even if they aren't the kind of person you might expect to be shouting "Daddy" at a man in fishnets and a pink spiked leather jacket.

Andrew WardMarch 7, 2023story flashback, effy, business insider

Story Flashback: Meet the couple behind the 'Oddities' flea market — a traveling shop selling the world's spookiest antiques

I got to speak with Ryan and Regina Cohn in 2021 as the couple transitioned from the all-digital pandemic era to their first events back in front of the public. I knew a good bit about Ryan before pursuing the article. But I didn't know much about Regina besides a broad summary of her work in the fashion space. After speaking with them, it became clear that the two have formed a dynamic Obscura duo. Ryan quickly praised Regina for creating a more structured business and a feminine perspective to Ryan's collection and selling.

Andrew WardFebruary 28, 2023ryan and regina cohn, oddities flea market, story flashback

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