Biography of Hedvig Alexander: Founder and VP of Powered by People -Entrepreneur
Hedvig Alexander: A Journey of Empowering Artisans
Hedvig Alexander, a dynamic entrepreneur and former captain
of the Danish army, has built a remarkable career with a deep focus on social
impact. With a Master’s degree in International Relations from Yale University,
Hedvig has always been driven by a passion for supporting global artisans and
helping them access international markets. Her entrepreneurial journey led her
to become the co-founder of Powered by People (PBP), a digital platform
dedicated to connecting small-batch and handmade brands with global buyers,
offering them the tools, resources, and financing they need to thrive.
From Military Leadership to Social Entrepreneurship
Hedvig’s journey into the world of social entrepreneurship
was shaped by her diverse experiences. Having served in the Danish army, she
developed leadership skills that would later serve her in her entrepreneurial
ventures. After leaving the army, Hedvig pursued her education at prestigious
institutions, earning her Master's degree from Yale. Her time at Yale and
Harvard University further honed her understanding of international relations,
public-private partnerships, and economic development, all of which played a
role in her later initiatives aimed at empowering artisans globally.
Far & Wide Collective: A Marketplace for Artisans
Before launching Powered by People, Hedvig founded Far &
Wide Collective in 2013. The marketplace aimed to connect exceptional artisans
from around the world with buyers across North America. Through Far & Wide
Collective, Hedvig built a network of artisans, helping them to showcase their
handmade products to a global audience. Her goal was not just to sell beautiful
goods, but to provide a platform that would offer artisans financial stability
and access to international markets.
Biography of Hedvig Alexander: Founder and VP of Powered by People#digital platform for small-batch, handmade products#startup#age#net worth#Hedvig
Supporting Artisans Through Innovative Tools
Hedvig’s work with Far & Wide Collective wasn’t just
about connecting buyers and sellers; she was deeply committed to empowering
artisans with the tools and resources they needed to succeed. She launched
initiatives like the Artisan Toolkit, a resource that helped artisans develop
their businesses by offering practical advice on marketing, pricing, and
scaling operations. These efforts demonstrated Hedvig’s commitment to ensuring
artisans not only had a platform but also the knowledge and support to grow their
businesses sustainably.
Transition to Powered by People
In 2019, Hedvig co-founded Powered by People (PBP), a
platform designed to revolutionize the global wholesale industry. PBP connects
independent makers from around the world with international buyers, focusing on
small-batch, responsibly made products. With over 700 artisans across 70+
countries, PBP aims to provide artisans, many of whom are women-led businesses,
with access to global markets and the necessary digital tools to scale their
operations while maintaining ethical and sustainable practices.
Leveraging Technology to Empower Artisans
Powered by People leverages cutting-edge technology to
simplify the wholesale process for artisans. The platform enables makers to
showcase their products digitally, manage their inventory, and manufacture
goods efficiently. By using innovative tools, PBP makes it easy for artisans to
reach retail buyers, ensuring that they can scale their businesses and grow in
an increasingly digital world. This technology-driven approach has played a key
role in the success of PBP, allowing it to meet the growing demand for
ethically produced goods.
Global Reach and Impact
Since its launch, Powered by People has grown to become a
truly global company. Hedvig and her team have strategically located members in
North America, South America, Africa, Europe, and South Asia to provide
real-time support to their artisan partners. With over 3000 maker partners
spread across more than 100 countries, PBP’s global network continues to
expand. This extensive reach allows PBP to make a lasting impact on artisans
worldwide, providing them with the tools, resources, and financial support they
need to succeed in a competitive marketplace.
Supporting Women-Led Businesses
A key focus of Hedvig’s work is empowering women-led
businesses. Many of the artisans on PBP’s platform are women entrepreneurs, and
Hedvig has worked tirelessly to ensure that these women have the resources they
need to grow their businesses and access new markets. By fostering a global
network that prioritizes gender equality and fair employment practices, PBP is
helping to create a more inclusive and sustainable global economy.
Commitment to Ethical Practices
One of the core values at Powered by People is a commitment
to ethical and sustainable practices. Hedvig’s work has always focused on
ensuring that the products showcased on the platform are responsibly made,
respecting both the artisans and the environment. PBP’s dedication to ethical
production aligns with the growing demand for sustainability in the global
marketplace, helping artisans create products that are not only beautiful but
also socially and environmentally responsible.
Building a Community of Makers
At the heart of Hedvig’s work is the community of artisans
she has helped build. Through Powered by People, Hedvig has created a thriving
community where artisans can connect with one another, share knowledge, and
grow their businesses together. The platform fosters a sense of collaboration
and support, ensuring that makers have access to a network of like-minded
individuals who are all committed to sustainability and ethical business
practices.
A Lasting Legacy of Impact
Hedvig Alexander’s journey from a military leader to a
social entrepreneur has had a lasting impact on the global artisan community.
Her work with Far & Wide Collective and Powered by People has empowered
thousands of artisans, helping them access international markets and grow their
businesses. Through her continued dedication to ethical production, sustainable
practices, and empowering women, Hedvig is shaping a future where artisans can
thrive and contribute to a more conscious and purposeful global economy.
Timeline for story
2013: Hedvig founded Far & Wide Collective to connect
artisans with North American buyers.
2019: Co-founded Powered by People (PBP), a digital platform
for small-batch, handmade products.
Ongoing: PBP empowers artisans globally, with a focus on
women-led businesses and ethical practices.
