Alex Helander Leads the Way in Sustainable Fashion and Mentorship for Impactful Entrepreneurs
Tell us about your venture/work!
My work focuses on providing consulting and mentorship for businesses and individuals in the Fashion, Beauty, and Consumer Products industries. Through Fashion Mentorship, I help small businesses and startups develop strategies for branding, marketing, and sustainable product development. I also work as a personal stylist tailoring custom clothing solutions for men in the Manhattan and tri-state area. I teach courses on technology, retail, and communications at Parsons, empowering the next generation of fashion leaders to think critically and creatively about the industry’s future. My mission is to spark growth, challenge convention, and lead the charge toward a more responsible and innovative future in fashion and business.
How long have you been working on your venture? Why did you decide to work on something impact related?
I’ve been actively building my consulting business and teaching career over the last several years, transitioning from corporate roles to a more entrepreneurial path. Fashion and consumer goods can lead the way in sustainability and ethical business practices. Working in supply chain, manufacturing, and sustainability, I’ve seen firsthand the need for systemic change—and I want to be part of the solution to do better by guiding others.
How did you find out you wanted to take an entrepreneurial path? What was the first fundamental shift that happened to you as an early impact entrepreneur?
I discovered my entrepreneurial path through a combination of curiosity and the desire to create meaningful change as a kid ideating and problem solving a variety of DIY projects in my parents’ basement. Many of my ideas and projects didn’t work out, but the time I invested in each idea was the same whether they worked out or not and that built resilience and patience. There were two professional shifts. Travelling the world to various apparel manufacturing, industrial laundries and textile sites for work and seeing the huge amounts of waste and pollution and coming to the realization there has to be a better way. Realizing that my corporate experience could be repurposed to support small businesses and startups, I saw an opportunity to not only help businesses grow but also to integrate sustainability and innovation into their operations. Leaving corporate fashion to pursue teaching and consulting was a leap of faith, but it solidified my belief in the power of resilience and adaptability.
What do you enjoy most about being an impact entrepreneur? What are the main challenges?
I love the opportunity to connect with individuals and businesses committed to positive change. Seeing my clients or students succeed while building sustainable practices is rewarding. However, the challenges are real—balancing multiple roles, navigating resource constraints, and staying updated in fast-evolving industries requires constant effort and adaptability. But those challenges also drive me to keep learning and innovating.
What advice do you have for early-stage impact entrepreneurs about using their time and relationships to prepare for this kind of career? What would you say to your younger self?
Time and relationships are your most valuable assets. Build a strong network of mentors, peers, and collaborators who share your vision or can challenge you to think differently. I have two quotes that I use often; “Your network is your net worth” and “Don’t let school get in the way of your education.” Keep building your network and keep a growth mindset. Don’t hesitate to experiment and learn from failures—they’re part of the process. To my younger self, I’d say: Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Every step, even the difficult ones, shapes your journey in meaningful ways.
Anything else you would like to add?
I believe the more we incorporate tech into our personal and professional lives, the more we need to be flexible and adapt, which means continually learning and leveraging more of our soft skills. Lastly, balancing various roles keeps you sharp, opens unexpected doors, and builds resilience. For those navigating this dynamic landscape, showing up with curiosity, flexibility, and determination will always set you apart.
Click here to connect with Alex on Linkedin