Three Things I Wish I Had Known in My 20’s: Toni Hacker

Toni Hacker, is the creative director behind two of the hottest handbag brands on the market, Hayden Harnett and Campos Bags. She started Hayden Harnett in 2006 with her now husband, Ben Harnett and the brand quickly developed a cult following.

Earlier this year she launched Campos Bags with legendary handbag pattern maker, Roy Campos, fulfilling a dream of creating handbags that are made in NY with leather and materials sourced from NY. Both brands can be found online at HaydenHarnett.com and Camposbags.com as well as retailers such as Shopbop.com and Anthropologie.

This uber cool indie designer and Brooklyn resident shares three things she wished she knew in her 20’s.

Trends definitely do not work for everyone. Wear what works for you and never force a look. When you look back at photos of yourself in your 20’s you want to look like you, not an era.

Start saving (for real) and pick up as much financial education as possible. I think many women skip this decade in their personal financial planning due to tighter finances coming out of college, but it’s critical to start planning as early as possible for your future.

Travel. Indulge your sense of wonder AND wanderlust. It definitely gets more difficult to get away and explore the world for yourself when more adult responsibilities come along. ‘I wish I’d gone to work more…’ said nobody EVER on their deathbed.