Emily Hikade, Founder & CEO of Petite Plume
Petite Plume, founded by Emily Hikade and renowned for its premium sleepwear, has recently unveiled the Made for Change initiative, a charitable program dedicated to empowering women and girls. The initiative starts with stellar inaugural partners, including Être Girls, founded by Illana Raia, Every Mother Counts, founded by Christy Turlington Burns, and Ladies of Hope Ministries, founded by Dr. Topeka K. Sam. These collaborations underscore the commitment to mingling crucial social support with community engagement.
Emily Hikade's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and compassion. From high-threat missions for a U.S. government agency to the creation of Petite Plume in East Africa, her story is one of unwavering dedication and a deep sense of duty. Her personal experiences, including the birth of her first son and a near-death encounter, have shaped her commitment to humanitarian causes, making her an inspiring figure for all.
Made For Change is not merely an extension of Petite Plume's brand philosophy but a heartfelt initiative that resonates with Hikade's journey and her long-standing commitment to humanitarian causes. This initiative will allocate 40% of sales from a specific collection towards supporting these partner organizations. Each partner brings a unique focus—empowering young girls through mentorship, aiding women post-incarceration, and enhancing maternal health care globally.
As Petite Plume expands her business into new home textile categories like beddings and table linens, Hikade's vision for a broader social impact remains clear. With Made For Change, Emily Hikade and Petite Plume set a new standard for how businesses can incorporate social responsibility into their operations. They demonstrate that meaningful change often starts with the courage to embrace a new direction.
Chan: What is an example of your mission as a CIA officer?
Hikade: An example of my mission would involve meeting a known terrorist associate who has information that could protect American lives. This is one of our most important missions.
Chan: What is your superpower?
Hikade: When working with someone from an extremist group, it's important to remember that everyone has a story. People aren't born with the desire to hurt others, often due to a lack of education or poverty. My superpower is compassion, and by listening with sympathy, we can learn and collect better information. Showing empathy towards others can lead to a deeper understanding of their situation and motivate us to help find solutions.
Chan: Your journey could make a great movie. Which celebrity would play you?
Hikade: Gal Gadot
Chan: Why did you start with pajamas?
Hikade: I believe in creating a safe and comfortable home for my children. Initially, I saw a gap in the market and wanted to fill it. But upon reflection, I realized that it was also because being at home gave me a sense of security and comfort that I couldn't find elsewhere.
The Made For Change Collection
Chan: Could you kindly explain to me the reason behind starting Made For Change?
Hikade: I am deeply passionate about this project. We are developing a social impact platform that supports women and girls at every stage of their lives. We have partnered with Être Girls to mentor and boost the confidence of teenage girls. Through Ladies of Hope Ministries, we empower women post-incarceration by providing opportunities to improve their lives.
During my travels, I have witnessed many women giving birth in terrible conditions without proper medical care. Every Mother Counts supports women worldwide with maternal healthcare, especially in areas where resources are scarce.
If I had to focus on one guiding principle since the beginning, it would be impact. Initially, I thought that working in government agencies like the White House, State Department, and CIA would enable me to have the most impact. While I'm very proud of my role in the government during that time, the private sector provides me an opportunity to make a significant impact. One of the reasons I decided to reveal my identity, even though I didn't have to, is that I can inspire people and use my voice more effectively in the private sector.
Chan: Your advice to a startup?
Hikade: Be fearless, trust the universe, and you will be precisely where you are supposed to be every step of the journey.
