? OUR FOUNDER OF THE WEEK — Every Tuesday, Founder of the Week looks at how a successful member of Egypt’s business or startup community got their big break, asks about their experiences running a company, and gets their advice for budding entrepreneurs. Speaking to us this week is Mohamed Shamsi (LinkedIn), co-founder of MYS Fashion Co.

My name is Mohamed Shamsi and I am the co-founder and creative innovation director at MYS, and the business development manager at Mohamed Yasser Shamsi for Ready-made Garments. I graduated from fashion marketing at the London College of Fashion at the University of the Arts London. It influenced my understanding of branding by exposing me to some of the biggest global fashion houses, letting me learn from some of the best minds in the industry.

I started my career on the factory floor with my father. He used to tell me: “You need to know the product before you get into the industry.” So I spent my time getting to know how the product was made, understanding the processes and every stage of production, and getting to know the people whose craftsmanship makes it all possible. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for the process, and has become the foundation of my work at MYS.

Launching this business felt inevitable. My family has been producing shirts for over 45 years, manufacturing them for many different international brands in Italy, Germany, the US, and France. We knew it was time to introduce the same quality garments to the local market — there was a clear gap to fill, and filling it would mean Egyptian professionals wearing the same quality shirts seen in Milan, London, and Paris, proudly made by Egyptian craftsmen.

We're not a general fashion brand. MYS is specialized, and focuses on one product — shirts. Behind it is a story between a father and a son, the classic and the modern. My vision and my family’s expertise is what gives us an edge over our competitors. We have a story to tell, and a heritage to stand on. We control everything from the fabric to the trims and the final finishing.

One of my biggest achievements has been expanding our manufacturing reach internationally. Within the last two years, we were able to introduce 20 new clients and 10 export markets — 80% of our production capacity now serves international brands.

In five years, I see MYS expanding into new markets, specifically the GCC, specifically the UAE and KSA. We want to have launched a bespoke arm as well — personalized services like made-to-measure, monogramming, and digital shirt customization. We’re also looking into brick and mortar stores, where my father’s retail experience will play a key role.

The challenges we’re facing have taught me the importance of flexibility, planning, and resilience. We’ve been relying more on local materials than imported ones to help balance the challenges around currency fluctuations. We've implemented new systems to improve our efficiency, lower our headcount, and improve our productivity. We’ve learned to make sure we're calm and proactive at any time and most importantly, be adaptable. We're not made of stone — staying proactive and responsive to our environment is a core part of our vision.

One thing I would like to change about the industry is consumer awareness. I would like to help the business professionals who wear our garments understand not just what goes into making a quality shirt, but why Egypt deserves recognition as a leader in the readymade garment industry — why we have a huge advantage over our competitors, the logistical advantage our geographic location lends us in exporting, and our access to some of the finest raw materials and skilled craftsmanship.

The most rewarding aspect is knowing that MYS gives back. We're the first clothing brand to ever partner and cooperate with the Egyptian Clothing Bank (ECB) — a project we are launching soon. We will be donating part of our revenue to ECB, working on projects that center accessibility, and donating or distributing shirts to those who need it. On a personal note, I still get the same excitement every time I see an order notification — the feeling never gets old.

Work-life balance is something I’m inexperienced at, and something I’m struggling with currently. I am pouring my focus into the business — I’m passionate about it and obsessed with its growth. But I’ve just started working with a life coach to get some guidance — it’s something my fiancée will be happy for me to figure out.

If I wasn’t leading MYS, I would find myself in sales and marketing. It's something I'm good at — I've always loved connecting with people and selling my ideas to them. I wouldn’t call myself the brain behind the business — I’d say I was at the most one-third of it, with my father being the other two-thirds. But give me any client and I'll find a way to sell them the shirt. That's what I do best.

If I could speak to my younger self, I’d echo my father’s advice: Spend more time with your people, listen to them, and learn from them. Leadership starts with understanding your people, your product, and your purpose. If I could go back, I'd do more of that first.

If I could give new entrepreneurs one piece of advice, it would be to know everything about your business — every single verticality. Get involved in everything, and stay endlessly curious. Leadership isn’t about being behind a desk — it’s about walking the floor, getting to know the people around you, and earning their trust. If people don’t know you, they won’t believe in your vision.