Bold Journey Interviews Our Mentor Alex Helander
Building Resilience Through a Lifelong Commitment to Learning: Meet Alex Helander
Resilience isn’t just a trait; it’s a skill honed through life’s challenges. For Alex Helander, it’s been a constant companion on a career journey spanning decades, industries, and continents. From his early experiments with DIY projects to becoming a multifaceted leader in fashion, sustainability, and academia, Alex’s story is one of growth, curiosity, and adaptability.
A Love of Learning as a Foundation for Resilience
Alex’s resilience was cultivated early on, inspired by a childhood spent exploring and experimenting. “Trial and error taught me problem-solving and how to persevere through failure,” he explains. This mindset became the backbone of his professional life.
After starting his career at Ralph Lauren, overseeing quality control across the Western Hemisphere, Alex spent 30 years traveling the globe, mastering roles in supply chain, manufacturing, sales, and sustainability. Each challenge became an opportunity to adapt and grow. “The fast-paced, ever-changing world of retail fashion fueled my curiosity and fortified my resilience,” Alex says.
Expanding into sustainability and academia, Alex embraced roles outside his comfort zone, teaching at Parsons and FIT while championing circular economy initiatives. Each pivot sharpened his adaptability and deepened his commitment to embracing the unknown.
The Story Behind Fashion Mentorship
From a global upbringing in Lima, Peru, to helping companies tackle challenges in branding and product development, Alex’s career has always been about connecting ideas and people. Today, Fashion Mentorship, helps startups, small businesses, and students achieve their goals in the fashion and consumer goods industries.
Fashion Mentorship supports:
- Aspiring students building portfolios for top-tier fashion and art schools.
- Creative professionals launching or growing brands, seeking guidance in sustainability, product development, and fashion business management.
- Small business owners and startups developing branding, marketing strategies, and sustainable solutions.
For Alex, collaboration is key. His ideal clients value mentorship, are open to feedback, and are eager to succeed. “If you’re passionate and driven, we’re here to help you thrive,” he says.
Key Traits for Success in a Changing World
When asked which qualities are essential for thriving in today’s fast-evolving industries, Alex shares three:
1. Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
“In a world that’s constantly changing, you have to be willing to upskill and stay ahead,” Alex advises. He emphasizes the importance of trade shows, conferences, and networking to stay informed.
2. Consistency and the Power of Small Steps
“The compound effect of steady progress pays off over time,” Alex says. “It’s simple in theory but challenging to execute, and the results are always worth it.”
3. Networking with Intention
“Your network is your net worth,” Alex explains. He believes in building meaningful, reciprocal relationships over time. “Focus on how you can help others rather than what they can do for you,” he advises.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re a student aspiring to attend a top fashion school, a creative professional launching a brand, or a small business owner seeking strategic guidance, Fashion Mentorship offers tailored solutions to help you succeed.
Visit [Fashion Mentorship](https://fashionmentorship.com) to learn more or connect with Alex on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhelander1/).
Empowering the next generation of leaders in fashion, beauty, and sustainability—one step at a time.
