Welcome to an insightful journey with Minx New York, a vibrant streetwear brand founded by Despina Kotsis, a passionate entrepreneur with a love for art and a vision for originality. In this interview, we delve into the creative inspirations, symbolic depth, and entrepreneurial challenges that have shaped Minx New York’s unique identity in the fashion industry. From the brand’s iconic pigeon symbol to its empowering slogan “Spread Your Wings,” get ready to explore the mind and motivations behind this innovative streetwear label.
Can you tell us about your personal journey and how it led you to start Minx New York?
I started Minx New York my senior year in high school, 2018. I always knew I wanted to start a clothing brand from a young age, art was my favorite subject in school, but as I got older I started to see more of the streetwear hype which mesmerized me! I also was a huge fan of hoodies myself, so I what better way than to be a streetwear brand but put my own spin on it. Originality is key.
What inspired you to choose streetwear as the focus of your brand?
We are living in a streetwear generation! Streetwear may feel casual because of the type of clothing it falls under, but the look of streetwear pieces have such an aesthetic which makes it look like upscale and “luxury”, despite them being more much comfortable. Also, who doesn’t love a good hoodie or crewneck?
Could you elaborate on the symbolism behind the pigeon in your brand’s identity and slogan, “Spread your wings”?
The pigeon is the symbol of Minx New York because in New York pigeons are everywhere. I was so stunned at the fact that including myself, we as people have a natural tendency of scaring the birds away for fun when they do nothing to harm us. I then realized even though we are much bigger than the pigeons, the little birds spread their wings and fly away from us wherever they want in this world. I want people to realize that we are all like the pigeon, and that in life we all have own “set of wings”, and if we spread them we are able to live a life full of endless opportunities! Hence the slogan, “SPREAD YOUR WINGS,”I want people to not only look good in Minx New York, but to feel good in their lives. Life is way too short not to follow your dreams. The only thing getting between you and your dreams is fear.
When choosing the name “Minx” I also wanted a name that not only sounded cool, but stood for something. I read that “MINX” was a word used in Shakesperan times to describe a young, flirty, women with class. I loved the ring to that and thought I was a Minx myself, so thus MINX NEW YORK was born. 😉
What sets Minx New York apart from other streetwear brands?
The symbolism behind Minx New York makes it stand apart from other streetwear brands as well as my designs. Each of design of mine tells a story. Most streetwear brands today are very minimalistic, but Minx New York’s designs are art, full of color, and stand out. I try to come out with different collections as well. Minx is also based off my Greek culture which you can see through a lot of my work. I am very proud of my Greek culture and heritage and want to represent that through streetwear.
Running a business, especially in the fashion industry, can be challenging. What are some of the biggest obstacles you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest obstacles I face is time. I run this whole business myself and work a complete other full time job, and before that, I was a student. I design, market, PR, etc. Sometimes I do wish I had a team, but the bliss of being an entreprenur is that you are your own boss, and that nobody can tell you what to do. For me, this is a mentality I always had, since a young age. I was a natural born leader, never a follower. Working in the fashion industry is also very difficult, but you need to not only make your brand stand out, but be willing to put in the work. If you do not have passion for what your doing, and have that drive, then you won’t make it far. You need to push yourself to your own limits.
As a female entrepreneur in the fashion industry, what unique experiences or challenges have you encountered, and how have they shaped your journey?
Covid was definitley a huge challenge I had to push through. I had to stop my business for 2 years, and this hurt me. I felt like all my hard work was completely erased. Two years gone of where I could of seen my brand grow and dream come true. I knew in the long run though was that I was going to get back on track because this was what I wanted, my passion, and what makes me happy. These challenges shaped my journey because my whole mindset has changed, and it makes me understand that nothing in life is impossible, it is your imagination that keeps you from pushing your limits.
Your brand has been featured in various notable platforms like Teen Vogue and St. John’s University, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, etc. Could you share any strategies you’ve used to gain exposure and recognition for Minx New York?
Be passionate about what you do but also make sure you do it in a way that makes you stand out. Minx New York is a project that I started, that I will always continue to work on. People will start to realize you and your work. Strategies would be to use social media to your advantage, but also speak to people and network about what you do.
Collaboration seems to be important in the fashion industry. Are there any collaborations you’ve done or would like to pursue in the future?
Collaboration is huge in the fashion industry and has helped artists become discovered. I would love to do a collaboration with Minx New York and an artist. My dream would probably be to collab with Gucci on some streetwear pieces. I also would love to do a collab with Jerry Lorenzo or the brand Kith. It would be a dream to do a collab for any artist honestly, collaborations spark new ideas.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those looking to break into the fashion industry?
Be original. Stay Focused. Find your passion that sparks that flame. Be delusional.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for Minx New York, and how do you plan to continue making an impact in the fashion world and beyond?
My goals for Minx New York are to bring it to the city where dreams are made of NYC. I want to open a store in the city with my streetwear pieces and also have my. greek culture incorporated into the store through music and food. I plan on making an impact in the fashion world because I am proud to represent all the woman designers in the industry, I am proud to represent my Greek community, and I want to inspire people to live life and follow their dreams.
