In Conversation with Amber Härkönen
Tell us about your background:
I am a textile developer and business development manager with a passion for creating circular opportunities in the textile and fashion industry. Starting my career as a fashion designer, I worked with a broad range of apparel types, brands, and retailers in Canada, recognizing the need for more socially responsible solutions in the fashion industry. This led me to New York City in 2011, where I pursued textile development at the Fashion Institute of Technology, specializing in luxury textiles from mills in Italy and the USA. An internship at Loro Piana evolved into a full-time position, leading me to a 7-year tenure at Hickey Freeman Tailored Clothing.
At Hickey Freeman, I championed the integration of environmentally sustainable and socially responsible textiles, along with innovative fibers, into the luxury segment. Inspired by the made-to-measure men’s suiting industry and the rise of second-hand fashion, I founded Hi Goose Studio. This venture offers a curated vintage and second-hand shopping experience for women, featuring VIP Private Shopping Sessions tailored to their personal needs, fostering a relaxing and eco-conscious shopping environment, much like the made-to-measure experience.
My journey led me to Renewcell, a next-gen raw material innovator, where I served as the Circular Business Manager for North America. Leveraging my network and experience, I educated and advocated for the adoption of CIRCULOSE®—a 100% recycled textile feedstock replacing virgin wood pulp—in the fashion and home textile value chain.
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
I wish I had known that we can create opportunities for ourselves within our roles at any given company. There was absolutely no thought to sustainability at the companies I worked for previous to moving to NYC. My academic career at FIT gave me the confidence I needed to bring my passion for sustainability to the forefront of the work I did at Hickey Freeman. While we focused on luxury textiles first and foremost, throughout the years I was able to develop closer relationships to mills who used traceability technology in their value chain, animal-friendly farming processes and eco-friendly finishes and with the support of the marketing department, we were able to capitalize on these innovations and market them in both B2B and B2C capacities.
Best career advice you've ever received?
Progress over perfection and done is better than perfect.
What leadership qualities are important to you?
Personal integrity is crucial; a leader must stand by their beliefs and words, even if they are proven wrong and ultimately choose a different direction. Your team will follow you if they trust your word.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
Finding mentorship. As a professional woman, while I have found champions throughout my career, finding mentors to elevate and encourage has been an ongoing challenge. While it's difficult to admit, I believe many women feel this way.
And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?
I love my Rains backpack, it's perfect for NYC; compact, waterproof, holds everything I need and I get a ton of compliments!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-h%C3%A4rk%C3%B6nen/
Website: https://higoosevintage.com/
Instagram: @higoosestudio @theflyingshuttle
