Spencer Nikosey the Man Behind KILLSPENCER

KILL SPENCER'S HQ IN ATWATER

As we began to think about who would be perfect to speak on the importance of staying consistent and true to one’s vision, we immediately thought of Spencer Nikosey the man behind KILLSPENCER. Spencer Nikosey has built his business from the ground up and has remained consistent and true to his vision since day one. So when we asked him if he would like to join the conversation, he kindly said yes and allowed us to visit his new headquarters in the Atwater Village neighborhood of Los Angeles. 

 MFP: What inspired such a macabre name?

Nikosey: The name KILLSPENCER was written on a wall in big red letters at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena in 2006 in the Sinclair Pavilion. At the time I was trying to figure out a brand name, and when I saw the name I knew it was unique. I looked it up on go-daddy and Killspencer.com was available, which was rare back then so I immediately snatched it up. The name really doesn't mean anything, but what we do and how we do it is everything.

 MFP: Fast fashion, the trend of buying cheap and almost disposable items is something that has been alive with us for quite a while now. What are your thoughts on the wave of people who are moving away from this wasteful trend and investing in brands like KILLSPENCER?

 Nikosey: Less but better. I surround myself with quality experiences, quality people, quality food, and quality possessions. I don't have a lot of things, but what I do own is the best of the best, and I take it with me around the world and back.

 MFP: Some might say KILLSPENCER is fairly new as you only have approx. 8 years since day one, but others might say you are well established by now, regardless of this: what do you think has been some contributing factors that not only has made you successful but also stand-out from other leather/travel goods brands?

 Nikosey: Consistency is everything. Since day one, we have been designing, manufacturing and shipping the best products we can possibly make all over the world. We use the best leather, the best zippers, military spec components, all expertly handcrafted in our own state of the art manufacturing facility. We started in the Downtown Los Angeles Arts District, continued to grow our business in Silverlake and now reside in an amazing 7,000 sqft Headquarters in Atwater Village where we design, develop, manufacture, and ship every single Killspencer product all across the world. We also have an amazing showroom there which is by appointment only, and you can schedule a visit by contacting Orders@Killspencer.com. We absolutely love having people check out our show room where you can purchase all of our newest products right out of our Atelier, freshly made. You can’t fake quality, and you can’t fake longevity. We’ve been around for a short 8 years, but we will be around for many years to come.

 MFP: Do you keep track of trends?

 Nikosey: I don't follow trends. I don't care about what anyone else is doing. We have our goals and dreams and we are going to continue to follow our own path. I have an internal compass that guides me and I’m learning that the more I follow my heart and my instincts the more successful I am.

MFP: Can you share insights on your typical client? KILLSPENCER's client base? Who are they and how do you cater to them?

 Nikosey: We have an amazing roster of customers most of which are loyal repeat customers and who help spread the brand. We are exclusive and don’t want to sell to everyone. We love our customers and they have an authentic experience with us. Most of our customers have the ability to purchase anything they want, and they choose to purchase a Killspencer bag over some of the other luxury names because we resonate with them. We are understated luxury, we are the best of the best without being flashy, we know we make an amazing product and our customers know too. Its a really special thing. Its a quiet respect. Humble quality.

 MFP: What exciting products are currently available? What is soon to drop?

 Nikosey: We just launched our first Killspencer Dog Collection which has been in the works for years. We’ve been making custom dog accessories for our customers for a long time now and because so many more people have been requesting it over the years, we decided to launch a Collar, Leash, and Harness, all of which can be custom monogrammed with your pets name on it. We just finished our first Porsche Seats for a Vintage right hand drive Porsche 356 with master Porsche builder Rod Emory, just released our first Killspencer Home Collection with the most comfortable Floor Pillows and Throw Pillows and that is just what we released within the last few months. There is so much more to come!

 MFP: And finally, can you give any insights/hints at something that is not dropping anytime soon but you are very excited to be working on?

Nikosey: I’ve been working on something for about 5 years now and I am extremely excited about it, because its the single product that I have make that I literally use and handle all day long, everyday for years. Its something I have been issued multiple patents for and have multiple patents pending, and its something I hope becomes apart of all your customers daily lives too. Aside from our Utility Daypack, Utitliy Special Ops Backpack, and Utility Backpack, this product is my best work to date.

 A man with a vision that has kept consistent allowed us to understand how his success came about. Spencer has obviously learned important lessons that can help anyone in the pursuit of success. We cannot wait and see what this creative mind thinks of next.

 Interviewed by Eff Ulloa | Photos by Adrian Martin