Mikey Koffman
Founder of L.A. Fashion Weekend
L.A. Fashion Weekend is based on the business of fashion. We utilize our platform to engage buyers, media and retailers with contemporary women’s brands.
Meet Mikey.
With an uncompromising entrepreneurial spirit, Endless Road Entertainment founder, Mikey Koffman, is an LA Native who launched her career in public relations bi-coastally, with renowned fashion brands, DA-NANG, Stitch’s, and Joe’s Jeans, from inception to becoming household names. Koffman found her passion lied in producing, whether it be runway shows, news segments, photo shoots, product launches, or managing talent. She loves building and creating from the ground up. Known as the “go-to guru” for elite companies creating one-of-a-kind luxury experiences that engage end users, such as, Martin Lawrence Galleries, Porsche, Ford, Nobu Hotel Las Vegas, Caesar’s Palace, Coca-Cola, Wella, Aveda and Disney, to name a few. Koffman has garnered international attention as an original cast member of Showtime’s, The Real L Word, hosted her own fashion segment, T.G.I.F., (Thank God It’s Fashion), on KTLA and as the Creator and Executive Producer of Los Angeles Fashion Weekend, Endless Nights Concert Series, Palm Springs Fashion Weekend, Fashion Splash, The L.A. Fashion Awards and Malibu Fashion Weekend. She has been featured on numerous national segments and publications for her expertise in all things production.
What inspired you to start your company?
I’m a producer at heart. I love creating experiences for people. I can visualize a clothing line, an event, a magazine, and it’s something that comes naturally to me. I started my my own fashion business because I think clothing lines are a great vehicle when it comes to building a brand. The events I create around fashion are really because I want everyone to succeed and I want there to be a space—a platform to showcase the ingenuity and creativity that so many amazing female designers bring to the table.
Can you share a significant challenge or obstacle you've faced in the industry and how you overcame it?
The biggest obstacle I have faced is the internal struggle of not always remembering to prioritize myself. I have a passion for supporting and uplifting others, but that often comes at a personal cost. I genuinely love being there for my team and enjoy the work I do, which makes it difficult to slow down and take time for myself.
What advice would you give to your younger self or to our younger generations who are looking to break into the industry?
My advice would be find amazing mentors, people you respect. I will laways hire someone with experience over education, surround yourself with your tribe. You need people around that you can trust.
Many women in business face the challenge of balancing personal and professional life. How have you managed to navigate this balance as a female entrepreneur?
I find both of those things to be incredibly challenging. I think my answer to this is that I’m a work-in-progress just like most of us. It’s a daily commitment to just take it one day at a time.
What strategies do you use to maintain your personal identity outside of your role as a business leader?
I make time for snowboarding, tennis and spending time with my friends. Keep a life outside of your business is crucical to maintain balance on a daily basis.
How do you measure success for yourself outside of traditional metrics like revenue or growth?
I think different people measure success in ways that I don’t subscribe to. I feel the need to strive on an ongoing basis. Imposter-syndrom is a real thing for some of the most successful people in the world. I am not alone in this, to be sure. But, if I’m being honest, I think everyday is a chance to do better.
Fashion is often seen as a female-driven industry, yet leadership roles are still male-dominated. How has your experience been as a woman in a leadership position, and what changes would you like to see?
Competition is not gender-specific, in my mind but I understand the disparity. I think women have to uplift other women. It’s crucial for us to pivot and champion women in ways we haven’t. We’ve done so much and there’s so much we still have to do. What’s interesting as a competitive person is that while I like to succeed, I also know that when we support each other, we all win.
We believe in sharing the love. Tell us about other brands you are loving right now!
I am loving Zadig & Voltaire, Adidas (I’m obsessed with a tracksuit, as you know) Michael Kors, Gucci. I LOVE working with emerging designers helping them learn from my experiences.