In Conversation with Milena Encheva

Tell us about your background:

My career has been shaped by a passion for building products, brands, and meaningful partnerships at the intersection of fashion, business, and innovation.

Over the past two decades, I have worked across product development, merchandising, business operations, brand building, and entrepreneurship, gaining a unique perspective on what drives growth in the fashion industry. My experience spans the entire product lifecycle-from concept and development to sourcing, manufacturing, go-to-market execution, and business strategy. Working across multiple functions has taught me that successful businesses are built not only through great products, but through strong relationships, strategic partnerships, and collaboration.

One of the most transformative experiences of my career was founding Minnoji, a contemporary apparel brand carried by leading retailers including Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue, and major department stores throughout Japan. Building a brand from the ground up gave me firsthand experience in every aspect of growing a business-from product development and production to sales, marketing, wholesale relationships, and strategic growth initiatives. It reinforced the importance of resilience, adaptability, and relationship-building as key drivers of success.

I have always been drawn to opportunities that bring people, ideas, and businesses together. Whether collaborating with retail partners, manufacturers, cross-functional teams, or industry stakeholders, I enjoy building connections that create value and support long-term growth.

As the fashion industry continues to evolve, I am particularly excited by the convergence of fashion, technology, and business strategy. AI, automation, and digital tools are transforming how brands operate, connect with customers, and create value. Having spent years working within the operational realities of fashion businesses, I see tremendous opportunity to bridge traditional industry expertise with innovative solutions that improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and unlock growth.

My work centers on business and product operations, strategic partnerships, and helping organizations identify opportunities for growth. I am especially interested in working with companies that are reimagining the future of fashion, lifestyle, and consumer brands through innovation, technology, and community. I believe some of the most impactful ideas emerge when diverse perspectives come together around a shared goal.

What excites me most about this stage of my career is the opportunity to combine my experience as a founder, operator, and brand builder with my passion for collaboration and innovation. The most meaningful opportunities in my career have come through relationships-with mentors, partners, customers, and colleagues-and I remain committed to continuous learning, building community, and creating partnerships that drive lasting impact.

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

I wish I had known that careers are rarely linear. Some of the most valuable opportunities come from taking risks, staying open to new possibilities, and embracing unexpected pivots rather than following a perfectly planned path.

Best career advice you've ever received?

Invest in relationships before you need them. The strongest careers are built not only on expertise, but on trust, collaboration, and the connections you cultivate over time.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

Authenticity, empathy, accountability, and curiosity. I believe the best leaders build trust by being transparent, lead by example, and create an environment where people feel empowered to contribute and grow. I also value leaders who remain open to new ideas and are willing to adapt as industries and circumstances evolve.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

One of the biggest challenges in my career was building and growing my own brand. As a founder, I was responsible for every aspect of the business, often making decisions with limited resources and incomplete information. The experience taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of balancing long-term vision with day-to-day execution.

How do you define success in your career, and how has that definition evolved over time?

Early in my career, I defined success by external milestones-launching products, growing a brand, and securing partnerships with leading retailers. While those achievements remain meaningful, my definition of success has evolved. Today, I see success as continuous growth, creating meaningful impact, building strong relationships, and contributing to work that excites and challenges me. Success is not only about what you accomplish, but also about the people you work with, the value you create, and the opportunities you help build for others.

What are your top networking tips for building strong connections in your industry?

Focus on building genuine relationships rather than collecting contacts. Be curious, listen more than you talk, and look for ways to provide value before asking for anything in return. Consistency is also key-follow up, stay in touch, and nurture relationships over time. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my career have come from connections that started with a simple conversation and developed through trust and mutual support.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/milena-encheva-b01a7067

Website: https://www.minnoji.com/

Instagram: @milena.encheva