Mia Zifkin
Chicago,IL
Summary
Results-driven business development executive specializing in strategic partnerships and experiential programming within the wellness and hospitality industries. Proven track record of building multi-market platforms and securing long-term contracts, enhancing brand visibility, and generating significant revenue growth through innovative client-focused solutions.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & CEO
Firefly Wellness & Fitness
01.2017 - Current
- Founded and scaled a concierge wellness and experiential company delivering customized programming and activations for corporate, commercial real estate, residential, hospitality, and private client markets.
- Led business development, sales strategy, strategic partnerships, client acquisition, sponsorships, programming, operations, financial management, and overall company growth, building a multi-market wellness platform serving clients throughout Chicago and nationally.
- Built and managed relationships with leading organizations including Hines, CBRE, Tishman Speyer, BMO, RMK, Magellan Development, Clune Construction, Insight2Profit, and other corporate, real estate, hospitality, generating recurring contracts, experiential projects, and long-term partnerships.
- Developed customized wellness strategies, recurring programming, large-scale experiences, retreats, brand activations, and community engagement initiatives from concept through execution, enhancing client retention.
- Secured and managed multi-year client relationships, expanding accounts through recurring programming, tenant engagement, events, and additional wellness services.
- Identify new revenue opportunities and partnership models that allow clients to integrate premium wellness and experiential offerings while minimizing internal staffing and operational requirements.
- Created large-scale wellness event for 200+ participants, integrating ticket revenue, sponsorships, brand partnerships, wellness providers, and experiential activations.
- Direct client relationships from initial outreach and contract negotiation through implementation, account growth, retention, and long-term partnership development.
- Developing sponsorship and partnership models generating four-and five-figure brand opportunities, including sponsorship packages ranging from approximately $1kto $30k+ for experiential wellness initiatives.
Brand Director
Sculpt Therapy
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Led brand strategy, business development, marketing, strategic partnerships, and community engagement for a growing wellness and medical aesthetics practice.
- Directed marketing campaigns, promotional initiatives, events, and digital strategy that increased visibility, engagement, and revenue.
- Developed referral and partnership channels with complementary businesses, providers, and community organizations, expanding brand reach and facilitating new client acquisition.
- Partnered with ownership to strengthen the customer experience, refine brand positioning, and identify opportunities for business growth.
- Supported clinic operations and sales strategy while enhancing team development and ensuring HIPAA-compliant customer experience standards.
Wellness & Engagement Director
Arch Amenities Group
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Developed and directed wellness, fitness, and resident engagement programming for luxury residential properties, creating differentiated amenity experiences designed to strengthen resident satisfaction and community.
- Managed instructors, wellness practitioners, vendors, and strategic partners, overseeing scheduling, budgets, communications, and programming execution to deliver high-quality wellness experiences.
- Collaborated with property management and leadership teams to develop programming strategies that improved resident experience and boosted engagement with building amenities.
- Created experiential programming, workshops, events, and community initiatives that aligned with property objectives, enhancing resident satisfaction and community involvement.
- Supported marketing and leasing initiatives by positioning wellness and lifestyle programming as a value-added component of the residential experience.
Owner
Firefly Kitchen, Events & Catering
Chicago, Illinois
01.2012 - 01.2020
- Helped grow Firefly from an emerging catering concept into a multi-channel restaurant, catering, and events business generating more than $2 million in annual revenue.
- Led business development, sales, proposal development, contract negotiation, venue sourcing, client acquisition, and vendor management across corporate, social, nonprofit, and private events.
- Established and nurtured referral partnerships with venues, event professionals, corporate clients, and community organizations, generating a reliable pipeline of new business.
- Executed weddings, corporate events, nonprofit galas, fundraisers, and private events from initial inquiry and proposal through planning and execution.
- Oversaw client relationships throughout sales and event lifecycle, ensuring alignment between revenue goals and exceptional customer experience.
Marketing & Business Development Director
Exhale Spa Chicago
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Led business development, strategic marketing, partnerships, corporate sales, membership growth, and guest acquisition initiatives for Exhale Spa Chicago.
- Identified and cultivated new business opportunities, resulting in expanded revenue streams across corporate, hospitality, residential, and lifestyle channels.
- Built strategic partnerships with brands and organizations including Lululemon, Free People, Carbon38, Kimpton Hotels, Thompson Hotels, Viceroy Hotels, NBCUniversal, Yelp, Adobe, LinkedIn, Gympass, and other corporate and hospitality partners.
- Collaborated with regional and corporate leadership to develop and implement go-to-market strategies, enhancing local marketing, community outreach, and client acquisition and retention initiatives.
- Developed corporate wellness programs, experiential events, referral partnerships, cross-promotional campaigns, and community activations designed to generate revenue and expand brand visibility.
- Represented brand through strategic partnerships and community engagement, strengthening brand presence at events and enhancing relationship development efforts.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre
Columbia College
Chicago05-1999
Skills
- Business development
- Client development
- Sponsorship development
- Brand strategy
- Experiential event design
- Community engagement
- Operational strategy
Core Expertise
- Business Development
- Strategic Partnerships
- Revenue Growth
- Brand Strategy
- Experiential Marketing
- Sponsorships
- Client Development
- Hospitality & Wellness
- Event Production
- Account Management
- Community Engagement
- Team Leadership
Timeline
Brand Director
Sculpt Therapy
01.2022 - 01.2023
Wellness & Engagement Director
Arch Amenities Group
01.2021 - 01.2022
Founder & CEO
Firefly Wellness & Fitness
01.2017 - Current
Marketing & Business Development Director
Exhale Spa Chicago
01.2016 - 01.2020
Owner
Firefly Kitchen, Events & Catering
01.2012 - 01.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre
Columbia College