YEDaily: Eran Elfassy

Eran Elfassy is Co-Founder, Owner and Co-Creative Director of Mackage, a specialized outerwear company that he felt needed something a little more edgy and distinct when he joined the brand. Find out what propelled his company to be featured in some of the world’s largest department stores and endorsed by the most recognizable celebrities in today’s YEDaily…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am a founder, owner and co-creative director of Mackage.

Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
Actually I joined the family business founded by my older brothers while I was still in school. The company was always specialized in outerwear but I felt that there was a need for something more edgy. Teaming up with a long-time friend, Elisa Dahan, we launched Mackage with a vision. Our vision was to create a full brand of coats that were sexy, young and fashion-forward. Most of all, we wanted to create something that people would be proud to wear and never want to take off.

There were two things that inspired me in my career path. First, I started working in the Chabanel area at a very young age where I was exposed to many successful businesses and dreamt of one day having my own. Secondly, seeing my older brothers work for their outerwear business specializing in missy coats created my passion for leather and gave me the inspiration to establish Mackage.

mackageWhat is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Owning a company is not as simple as it looks; beneath all the perks, there is a lot of hard work that is put into it. My favourite part has to be the design process, but I definitely don’t get to do that all day. The most challenging part is ensuring that every season we put out is better than the previous one. There is a lot of involvement that goes into it.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I would love to grow the company into a complete lifestyle brand that would include accessories, handbags, everything!

What does success look like to you?
Success to me is always one step ahead. I would never put myself in a comfortable position. I have goals for myself and for my business, but accomplishments are just the small rewards of something that can always be bigger.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Definitely at the beginning, when we realized that our dream was quickly becoming a reality. For example, opening accounts with big internationally renowned department stores like Barney’s, Saks and Holt Renfrew, was a huge milestone in the growth of our business. Dressing some of our favourite celebrities and other famous people was also a big accomplishment.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Make your dream your career. Do what you love doing most every day; if you check your watch more than four times a day, you are definitely not in the right place!

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
We support a variety of charities. Most recently, one of my brothers and I donated computers, game consoles and a whole bunch of other toys to a big youth center to which we have a personal connection. We used to hang out there as kids and are happy and grateful to be able to give back to our community.

What to you is notable?
The people that I admire and look up to are notable for their vision, accomplishments and character.

BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
I had my time being a BlackBerry user; I just recently switched to the iPhone because honestly I got jealous of all the cool apps. I still think BlackBerry is better for emails, but iPhone is great for everything else.