Nina Briance
CEO & Founder,
Cult Mia
From banking to boutique: Building cult mia and fashion's future
In this conversation, Mark Pearson interviews Nina Briance, founder of Cult Mia, an independent luxury fashion marketplace. They discuss Nina's unique journey from investment banking to fashion entrepreneurship, the importance of timing in business, and the lessons learned from industry leaders. Nina shares insights on building a two-sided marketplace, adapting to market changes, and balancing creativity with business acumen. The conversation also highlights the significance of Fashion Month for emerging designers and the challenges they face in a competitive industry. In this conversation, Nina discusses the evolving landscape of fashion, particularly the impact of Fashion Month, the importance of sustainability and inclusivity, and the role of technology in enhancing the customer experience. She emphasises the need for independent designers to focus on robust business models and shares insights on the future vision for Cult Mia, including international expansion and community building. Nina also reflects on her motivation as an entrepreneur, the challenges of work-life balance, and the core values that guide her business practices.
"Your team is buzzing and that's what kind of makes momentum happen."
"I saw a gap in the market."
"Timing is really important for entrepreneurs."
"Fashion Month serves as a huge inspiration for us."
"Sustainability continues to be at the forefront of luxury fashion."
"It's becoming the baseline expectation."
Takeaways from this episode
- Nina Briance's journey from investment banking to fashion entrepreneurship is unique and inspiring.
- Timing is crucial for success in the luxury fashion market.
- Learning from industry leaders can help shape a successful business strategy.
- Innovation doesn't always mean creating something new; it can also mean improving existing concepts.
- Prioritising efforts and focusing on strengths is essential for entrepreneurs.
- Building a two-sided marketplace requires careful planning and execution.
- Adapting to market changes is key to sustaining growth in business.
- Effective marketing strategies can help emerging brands stand out in a crowded market.
- Balancing creativity with business acumen is vital for success in the fashion industry.
- Fashion Month provides unparalleled exposure for emerging designers. Fashion Month is still relevant but brands must adapt.
- Sustainability is a baseline expectation for luxury shoppers.
- Independent designers need strong business models to succeed.
- Cult Mia aims to be a leading independent luxury marketplace.
- Community support is crucial for emerging designers.
- Motivation comes from seeing the impact on designers' lives.
- Work-life balance is a continuous journey for entrepreneurs.
- Positivity and trust are essential in business relationships.
- Future growth includes expanding product categories and B2B opportunities.
