Milan Mulders from FBYMM: 'Work hard in silence, let success make the noise'

The Brabant brothers Mick (23) and Milan Mulders (25) founded Fashion by Mick and Milan (FBYMM) six years ago. With brands in their portfolio such as Balenciaga, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Palm Angels and Louboutin, they arrange the most exclusive items for their clientele. They take personal shopping to a higher level and count football players such as Cody Gakpo (PSV), Edson Álvarez and Lisandro Martínez (Ajax) and rapper Boef among their clientele. MASTERS talks to one of the brothers, Highflyer Milan. Text: Mical Joseph
Image: FBYMM

How did FBYMM start?

“I was studying and Mick was in high school and did 4HAVO. We had a preference for more expensive brand clothing and a passion for football, so we made a nice combination: reaching the football industry without being football players ourselves and completely relieving the customer of all worries. We started FBYMM with this approach. Mick and I posted a Balenciaga shoe on Instagram, after which we received a request from former PSV footballer Jetro Willems. The two of us rode by train to the PSV training complex and after Willems' order, more players followed. That's how the ball literally started rolling…”

Which footballer would you still like to have in your customer base?

“To be honest, I don't have a specific player anymore, because Mick and I met Ronaldo two years ago after the Ajax-Juventus match. We had a chat and were given Ronaldo's shirt. After this meeting I realized that he is only human and not much different from an 'ordinary' person. That's why it doesn't matter to me which footballer, DJ, artist, etc. is in our customer base. We treat every customer equally!”

FBYMM not only has football players in its roster, but also DJs and artists. Who should we think about then?

“In fact, every rapper in the Netherlands has purchased an item from us, but Broederliefde and Boef are returning customers. In addition, the American rapper French Montana ordered shoes from us a few years ago. It is indeed true that a large part of our customer base consists of footballers, DJs and artists, but everyone can contact us, regardless of profession.”

What is your personal USP?

“We really understand the customer. Mick and I always think from the customer's perspective and are discreet. We never place ourselves in the center of attention and are really there purely and solely for our clientele. I sometimes notice that certain people in the entourage enjoy hanging out with football players, DJs or artists. Because of this fascination they forget their own mission and purpose, which I find sad to see.”

You are brothers; how do you complement each other?

“Mick is more progressive, more creative and takes more risks than I am. On the other hand, I am more into taking care of things, customer contact and arranging things in the background.”   

What can the older generation of entrepreneurs learn from you?

“Look further than your nose. A few years ago, the more experienced personal shoppers and others in retail felt that Mick and I didn't understand the industry so we weren't taken seriously. People thought that we wanted to quickly raise money to buy, for example, a big car or a Rolex. This has never been our motivation, we only want to supply the most beautiful items for our customers. We use older entrepreneurs as examples and listen to a lot of podcasts about the older generation of entrepreneurs.”

Who is your mentor or source of inspiration in the field of entrepreneurship?

“I think the way Bas Smit portrays himself as an entrepreneur is very good and innovative. This is because I think he can communicate with everyone, regardless of background or religion. In the meantime, he also communicates with major entrepreneurs and at the same time with the general public. I respect this.”

What is your motto or quote?

“Work hard in silence, let success make the noise.”

What is the biggest entrepreneurial risk you have taken so far?

“Mick and I started without investment capital. We started with our father's credit card. He said: 'Everything will be written off at the end of the month, so make sure those written-off shoes costing 400 euros have been sold before then.' This meant we had a deadline and Mick and I had to sell the item. We felt the pressure. Of course, this situation only involved one product, but there were more and more, which sometimes naturally caused the necessary tensions and risks.”

Where will you be in three years?

“FBYMM will have created over 100.000 followers and an even bigger brand name by then. Mick and I are thinking about merchandise, even more marketing and an even larger customer base.”