Circular economy economics
Sasha Titchkosky, co-founder and CEO of Koskela, has carved out a unique path in the furniture industry by focusing on sustainable practices for collaborative spaces. With a background as a lawyer, and then a pivotal role at the Australian Stock Exchange, Titchkosky’s journey is a powerful example of the impact of pivoting towards one’s passions.
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When do I jump from the corporate ladder?
Originally dreaming of a career with Médecins Sans Frontières, Titchkosky's trajectory took a turn when family influence steered her towards law and economics. Her professional journey meandered through legal firms and the ASX, where she was involved in significant corporate transitions, particularly the demutualisation of the exchange. However, it was her insights into corporate cultures and operations that sparked her eventual move away from the corporate ladder towards entrepreneurial ventures.
Starting a business with family
The inception of Koskela was a combination of professional discontent and personal partnership. Meeting her future husband and business partner, Russell, who was an interior designer passionate about furniture, catalysed Titchkosky's exit from the corporate world. Together, they identified a gap in the market for quality, reasonably priced furniture that straddled the line between high-end and mass-market offerings.
Sustainable practices from the start
From its beginning, Koskela was committed to sustainability, a vision embedded deeply by Titchkosky and her partner. They faced initial challenges in finding local manufacturers who shared their vision, but persistence led to partnerships that aligned with their commitment to local production and sustainable practices. This foresight into the importance of sustainability has positioned Koskela as a leader in the space, particularly as global consumer consciousness shifts towards more environmentally responsible products.
Sustainable growth?
Titchkosky’s leadership has seen Koskela grow steadily, focusing on sustainable scalability rather than rapid expansion funded by debt. This approach mirrors strategies seen at Paper Moose, where creativity and sustainability drive business decisions. Under her guidance, Koskela has become not just a furniture company, but a pioneer of sustainable practices in the industry.
What are the opportunities around sustainability?
As the conversation around sustainability grows, Titchkosky acknowledges both the challenges and opportunities in educating consumers and corporate clients about sustainable choices. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the value of local supply chains, further aligning with Koskela’s business practices and highlighting the benefits of their long-term strategic decisions.
BCorp Certification journey
Reflecting on her journey, Titchkosky emphasises the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the strategic foresight needed to lead a company like Koskela. Her story is a compelling narrative of transformation from a corporate role to leading a company that not only markets sustainable products but also practices what it preaches, influencing the industry towards greater sustainability.
Sasha Titchkosky’s journey with Koskela serves as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business leaders alike, demonstrating that business success and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. Both Koskela and Paper Moose are proudly BCorp-certified businesses.
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