Behind the honored brand stands one determined woman
Rina Hansen is not one to leave anything half done. It took the Danish designer, Ph.D. , and former executive of Danish and International luxury houses 11 years to persuade the former owner of the heritage glove company RHANDERS, to sell the business to her. The company had been a family-owned business since the official founding days in 1811. In order to acquire it, she did not only have to prove her business prowess but moreover her persistence, loyalty, and above all, her love for the brand.
Today, Rina Hansen, wife and mother of twin girls, has made it her life mission to revive the brand, document its history, and ensure that the unique craftsmanship skills are passed on to new generations, while also developing new outstanding designs that adds contemporary luxury to the classic range of gloves and small leather goods.
Having studied at University of Arts London and Copenhagen Business school, the entrepreneurial CEO combines her unique aesthetic talents with her profound knowledge of the business of fashion and luxury goods.
Still, growth and international recognition is not enough for the idealistic Rina Hansen. Sustainability - in regards to the environment, employees and the local culture - is at the heart of everything she does. And so, in 2020 she created the basis for an alternative climate compensation, when she bought a local forest and committed to plant more trees and buy new forest areas as the company grows.
“Safeguarding RHANDERS, it’s unique heritage and craftsmanship has become my life mission. It’s not an easy one. But I was raised to walk the talk, put in the hours and lead by example. Luckily, I love every part of the process - from designing and creating prototypes to renovating the stores and working the spread sheets.
I’m a very hands-on person, I believe in the power and joy of creating and crafting beautiful and purposeful things with your very own hands. And most importantly, I don’t do it alone; my loving family, my incredible team, and our precious local community supports the endeavors that goes into protecting and innovating RHANDERS – reviving the outstanding heritage brand. A brand that we all can be proud of.” says Rina, owner and CEO of RHANDERS.
Written by author and journalist Sine Gerstenberg.
Photos by Shini Park and Peter Nørby