How Mike Amiri Built a Luxury Fashion House From a 30k Investment in Himself
Aug 14, 2023
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Designer Mike Amiri shares his remarkable journey of building a luxury fashion house from a $30k investment. He discusses his early days growing up in Hollywood, handcrafting clothes for musicians, reaching over $300 million in annual revenue, managing cash flow in the apparel industry, and balancing business and family. They also explore the impact of the lockdown, future vision for the brand, supporting undiscovered talent, and their creative ambitions outside of fashion.
Mike Amiri strategically chose high-profile wholesale accounts to ensure brand exclusivity and control distribution, propelling Amiri's growth.
Mike's leadership style emphasizes creativity and collaboration, seeking input from diverse perspectives to drive continuous growth.
Mike's unwavering belief in his creative vision and betting entirely on himself empowered Amiri to become a successful luxury fashion powerhouse.
Deep dives
Building a Luxury Fashion House from the Ground Up
Mike Amiri, founder and creative director of the luxury brand Amiri, shares his journey of building a successful fashion brand. With a strong focus on creativity and art, Mike's vision is rooted in California's Hollywood culture. Starting with a small collection, he strategically chose the best wholesale accounts to ensure brand exclusivity and control over distribution. Despite initial challenges, Amiri's denim, specifically the MX1 Moto Jeans, became a hit and propelled the brand forward. Mike's leadership style emphasizes working hands-on with his team and preserving the brand's culture. He emphasizes both creativity and business strategy, always striving for continuous growth.
Balancing Creativity and Business Savvy
As the creative director and CEO of Amiri, Mike faces the challenge of wearing multiple hats. He must balance his creative vision with the practical aspects of running a business. While he makes decisive decisions about the brand's direction, he also knows the importance of soliciting input and considering different perspectives. Mike values his family, especially his wife, as sounding boards for his ideas. Additionally, he seeks insights from both his team and individuals outside the industry. With discipline and a focus on building a strong brand, Amiri has successfully navigated the wholesale paradigm and scaled its operations while maintaining its unique aesthetic.
From Concept to Luxury Fashion Powerhouse
Amiri's journey started in a basement, where Mike crafted his vision of a luxury fashion brand while grappling with financial constraints and personal responsibilities. By strategically selecting high-profile wholesale accounts and focusing on select products, notably the MX1 Moto Jeans, Mike ensured steady growth and maintained the brand's exclusivity. He carefully managed the relationship between creativity and profitability, scaling production and expansion while preserving the integrity of Amiri's designs. Mike's leadership centers around leading by example, fostering a strong company culture, and hiring individuals who align with the brand's values and exhibit a willingness to learn and grow.
The Power of Conviction and Audacious Dreams
Mike's success in building Amiri stems from his unwavering belief in his vision as a luxury fashion house. He displayed utmost conviction in the brand's potential, even during its humble beginnings in a basement. Mike's audacity allowed him to bet entirely on himself, refusing to entertain any doubt or second-guessing. By selling his team on the grand vision and instilling unwavering confidence in the brand's future, he fostered a sense of empowerment and drive within the organization. This unshakable commitment to his creative vision, combined with a strong sense of purpose and an ability to learn and adapt, propelled Amiri to its current position as a successful luxury fashion powerhouse.
Maintaining Conviction and Surrounding Yourself with Like-Minded Individuals
It is important to have unwavering conviction and a clear vision when starting and growing a business. By steadfastly pursuing your goals and not allowing distractions or doubts, you can attract and retain like-minded individuals who believe in your vision. These individuals will provide invaluable support and motivation during the challenging and lengthy journey of entrepreneurship.
The Balance Between Self-Funding and Seeking Support
When starting a business, self-funding provides a sense of control and allows for strategic decision-making. However, as the business grows, there comes a point where seeking external support, whether in the form of investments or partnerships, becomes necessary to fuel further expansion. It is crucial to weigh the pros and cons of self-funding and considering collaboration in order to strategically manage the challenges and opportunities that arise.
For more stories rooted in the spirit of perseverance, check out Tres Generaciones Tequila: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
On this week's episode of IDEA GENERATION, designer Mike Amiri takes us on a journey from his early days growing up in Hollywood, to releasing his first capsule collection, to launching his flagship brand, AMIRI. From handcrafting clothes for musicians, to reaching over $300 million in annual revenue, Mike Amiri's journey is truly remarkable... and it all started with one idea.
Special thanks to our partners at Tres Generaciones for bringing this podcast to life. More about Tres: https://www.tresgeneraciones.com/
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