From idea to global luxury fashion brand in 5 months (Decision Maker)

Out of his workshop in Los Angeles, Spencer Nikosey turned his design vision into a thriving luxury leather goods company – KILLSPENCER. Starting out not knowing the first thing about assembling a leather bag, all the way to shipping orders globally within five months.

00:00 The Process
01:47 Origin Story
06:07 Initial Success
07:45 Focus & Passion
10:00 Experimentation
12:46 Leadership
13:35 Balancing Art & Business
15:19 Diversification
18:19 Advice to Self

An industrial designer by training and Art Center College of Design graduate, Spencer didn’t want to compromise on the craft and quality of his products by outsourcing production overseas, so he built his own factory, hand making every order with his team of artisans in America for over a decade.

In charting the ascent of KILLSPENCER, a key element to its success has been its unwavering commitment to independence and creative freedom, a principle that resonates deeply in today’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Spencer’s vision of merging innovative design with an uncompromising dedication to quality has not only set KILLSPENCER apart in the luxury leather goods market but also serves as an inspiring blueprint for modern business strategy. This adherence to core values, combined with a strategic approach to brand development, showcases how KILLSPENCER continues to innovate while staying true to its ethos. The company’s ability to operate with complete creative autonomy, while sustaining a business model grounded in artisan craftsmanship and independence, offers valuable lessons in balancing artistic integrity with commercial success.

A unique entrepreneur and creative professional, Spencer balances his need for constant experimentation by laser focusing on research and development, creating iconic products that sell year after year.

Constantly branching out into new categories, KILLSPENCER has a deep catalogue of premium leather briefcases, backpacks, duffle bags, weekender bags, daypacks, purses, baseball hats, wallets, keychains, iPhone cases, pouches, laptop cases, dog collars, leashes, accessories, and sporting goods (baseballs, basketballs, boxing gloves, speed bags, heavy bags, footballs, baseball bats, tennis rackets, tennis ball pouches, tennis racket cases, basketball nets, baseball gloves).

Recently KILLSPENCER has dived into automotive design with KILLSPENCER Racing, crafting fully custom leather seats, steering wheels, and interiors on cars like 964 Safari Porches and other unique vehicles.

Spencer always strives to maintain the heart and artistry of his company above all, not allowing himself to be distracted by propositions of investors looking to interfere with the core of his mission.

With a long queue of custom order requests from world famous athletes, musicians, artists, and race car drivers, Spencer gets to build what he wants, when he wants, with whomever he wants. While his team of master craftspeople execute made-to-order production of his classic catalogue of premium leather good.

KILLSPENCER is business that operates on its own terms, and it’s working.

Visit the shop at Killspencer.com

Visit us at Frankson.com

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Executive Producer & Creative Director: Rodrick Silverman
Cinematography: Ryan Chin & Mclean Kotas
Theme Music: Tyler Burton

#designer #entrepreneur #strategy