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

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 the next level and count soccer 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, high-flyer Milan.Text: Mical Joseph
Image: FBYMM

How did FBYMM begin?

"I was a student and Mick was in high school doing 4HAVO. We had a preference for somewhat more expensive brand clothing and a passion for soccer, so thus we made a nice combination: to reach the soccer world without being soccer players ourselves and to completely unburden the customer. With this approach, we started FBYMM. On Instagram, Mick and I posted a Balenciaga shoe after which we received a request from former PSV soccer player Jetro Willems. The two of us rode the train to the PSV training complex and after Willems' order, more players followed. Thus the ball literally began to roll..."

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

"To be honest I don't have a specific player anymore, this because two years ago Mick and I met Ronaldo after the Ajax - Juventus match. We had a chat and were given Ronaldo's shirt. After this meeting, it occurred to me that he is also just a human being and is not much different from an "ordinary" person. That's why I don't care which soccer player, DJ, artist et cetera is in our customer base. We treat every client equally!"

FBYMM has not only soccer players on file, but also DJs and artists. So who should we think of?

"Actually, every rapper in the Netherlands has bought an item from us at one time or another, but Broederliefde and Boef are repeat 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 clientele consists of soccer players, DJs and artists, but everyone can come to us, regardless of profession."

What is your personal USP?

"We really understand the customer. Mick and I always think from the client's point of view and are discreet. We never put ourselves in the center of attention and are really only there for our clients. I sometimes notice that certain people in the entourage think it's cool to be around soccer players, DJs or artists. Because of this fascination, they forget their own mission and goal, which I find unfortunate to see."

You are brothers; in what do you complement each other?

"Mick is more progressive, creative and takes more risks than I do. In contrast, I am more of the unburdening, customer contact and taking care of things in the background."

What can the older generation of entrepreneurs learn from you?

"Looking beyond 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 we were looking to raise money quickly to, say, buy a fat car or Rolex. This has never been the motive for us, we just want to deliver the most beautiful stuff for our customers. We have older entrepreneurs as role models and listen to a lot of podcasts about the older generation of entrepreneurs."

Who is your teacher or inspiration in the entrepreneurial field?

"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 anyone, regardless of background or religion. Meanwhile, he also communicates with the big entrepreneurs and at the same time with the general public. For this I have respect."

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 with no investment capital. We started with our father's credit card. He said, 'At the end of the month everything will be charged off, just make sure that those charged-off shoes of 400 euros are sold before that.' Because of this, we had a deadline and Mick and I had to sell the item. We felt the pressure. Of course, this situation was only about one product, but it became more and more, which of course sometimes caused 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 bigger customer base."