Signed By McFly

Here’s how support from Community Capital New York (CCNY) helped Mugzy strengthen his business credit, achieve financial success, and elevate his vision for Signed By McFly.

Building Black Excellence
For nearly 12 years, Mugzy, the founder of Signed By McFly, has been on a mission. With a natural love for fashion and a desire to create something bigger than himself, he launched his clothing brand to fill a void he experienced firsthand. “At first, it was about creating what I couldn’t find or afford,” Mugzy recalls. “But eventually, it became about leaving a legacy—a story that would live longer than I will.”  (Instagram)

Signed By McFly is not just a fashion brand; it is a testament to creativity, resilience, and the power of community. Mugzy’s pieces, inspired by heritage, futuristic visions, and the rhythms of daily life embody his unique artistry. But behind the art lies a business journey faced with challenges—and fueled by determination to build within the Black community.

Scaling Business with the Right Lender
Like many entrepreneurs, Mugzy quickly realized that passion alone couldn’t sustain a business. Financial stability was a cornerstone he needed to build, brick by brick. In the early days, he maxed out his first credit card with a $1,000 limit just to get started. “I tell people all the time, treat your business like school,” he says. “Those first years are about learning, making mistakes, and growing.”

To turn his vision into a sustainable business, Mugzy partnered with Community Capital New York (CCNY). CCNY provided vital loan capital, business guidance, and support and tools to improve his business projections and financial literacy. Mugzy reflects on how much this partnership helped him refine his goals and strategy: “It’s always difficult to navigate business growth as a creative. I think it’s not just about numbers—it’s about supporting people who are committed to their craft.”

Erika Fermin, CCNY’s Senior Loan Officer, became a critical partner in his success. “She genuinely cared,” Mugzy says. “Erika wasn’t just someone I worked with—she was someone I could count on. We talked almost every day, even on weekends, and she made sure I had the resources I needed. That kind of dedication is rare, and it made a huge difference in shaping my business.”

CCNY also helped Mugzy in developing a clearer understanding of financial planning, equipping him to navigate challenging times in the retail industry. With CCNY’s support, he acquired the skills to balance creativity with business strategy, and securing thee sustainable growth of his brand.

Building Legacy and Community
As a Black entrepreneur, Mugzy has faced unique challenges, including confronting stereotypes and the expectations for discounts. “I’ve worked hard to be where I’m at, and my business deserves the same respect as any other,” he says.

Committed to uplifting others, Mugzy uses platforms like his annual fashion shows and McFly Fest to spotlight emerging Black brands and models, fostering collaboration and growth within the community.

With a vision of creating lasting Black institutions, Mugzy dreams of an ecosystem where entrepreneurship thrives on loyalty and purpose. “We need to think about legacy,” he says. Through Signed By McFly, he has turned his brand into a movement that represents resilience, creativity, and the power of community.

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With loans from $10,000 to $150,000 thousand, CCNY can help you secure a small business loan for working capital, equipment expenditures, business debt refinancing, and more. Contact us to learn more.