Dress for Success: Inside Argent with Founder & CEO Sali Christeson

Image courtesy of Sali Christeson.

What we wear can shape how we show up in the world, especially at work. For the past 10 years, Argent has sought to redefine women’s workwear through thoughtful design, functionality, and confidence-building style. 

Image courtesy of Argent.

Founded by CEO Sali Christeson, the brand has become known not only for elevated, functional fashion but also for championing women in the workplace through storytelling, community, and thoughtful design. 

Image courtesy of Argent.

In conversation with Husstling Around Town, Christeson reflected on Argent’s evolution, the future of women’s workwear, and why confidence at work begins long before stepping into the office. 

Image courtesy of Sali Christeson.

Rachel Huss: What makes Argent different from other companies in the fashion industry? 

Sali Christeson: Argent was founded with the goal of creating a product that truly catered to working women in a way that I felt wasn’t happening in the market. It comes from both my corporate background and understanding the consumer because I am her. 

I saw an opportunity to create something different in a category that has historically been male-led. From a product perspective, we offer style, quality, accessibility, and versatility while modernizing workwear to meet the needs of today’s working woman. 

Beyond products, we’ve established ourselves as a resource for women. Since day one, our mission has been about removing barriers and giving women the tools they need to succeed. We want to facilitate connection and community that extends beyond the brand itself. As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, consistently showing up for women has really established our uniqueness. 

Image courtesy of Argent.

Rachel Huss: How has the company evolved since its founding? 

Sali Christeson: The thing that has remained constant since day one has been the mission. Argent has always aimed to be a resource for working women.

The business began with product, but I always saw an opportunity to leverage the power of a brand to inspire change. In the early days, we went through a brand evolution, and building an apparel company takes time. It took us years to really nail it. 

I’d say we fully landed on the right brand identity around 2021. Since then, the product, retail experience, and overall brand presence have evolved significantly. In many ways, the vision has exceeded what I originally hoped it would become. 

None of that happens overnight. It happens over time, with care and consistency. 

Image courtesy of Argent.

Rachel Huss: Right now, conversations around work are incredibly relevant. Between unemployment, economic uncertainty, and how difficult it can feel for younger women to break into careers they are qualified for, how does Argent support women navigating today’s workforce? 

Sali Christeson: I grew up on a farm in South Carolina, and I didn’t see many examples of women in professional careers besides motherhood - which I want to say is the hardest job I do. Without representation, it was difficult to imagine what a career could look like. 

That became a catalyst for starting Argent. I wanted to infuse the brand with the stories of real working women and celebrate ambition through authentic storytelling. 

Whether through our podcast, editorial series Work Friends, or the women we feature, our goal is to continue sharing stories that help women and girls believe they can truly be anything. 

Every woman we feature has overcome challenges. Resilience is a common thread, and continuing to build awareness through storytelling is what helps women fight for what they deserve. 

Image courtesy of Argent.

Rachel Huss: How does Argent incorporate its mission and vision into its products and overall customer experience? 

Sali Christeson: Because we are deeply connected to the consumer, we design with her in mind and with the goal of streamlining her day-to-day life. 

There are thoughtful details built into the product that genuinely enhance the experience of work, subtle things that men’s clothing has traditionally had, but women’s often has not. From interior blazer pockets to sleeves designed to stay in place, these details are intentionally designed to improve everyday life. 

Fashion can be empowering. We know women are often judged by what they wear, but clothing can also become a tool. When you look great, you feel great, and you carry yourself differently.

Why not make workwear something that helps women feel confident and authentic rather than something that feels like a uniform? 

At the end of the day, we want women to feel powerful. Workwear should feel exciting and confidence-building. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMHJo9oXpYQ

Video Courtesy of Argent.

Rachel Huss: Through Argent’s storytelling and editorial content, you spotlight women across industries. What advice would you give to students and young professionals who want to start their own business? 

Sali Christeson: The number one thing is conviction in your end goal and what you are building. It cannot be a quick way to make money or an afterthought idea. You have to be fully committed because entrepreneurship is incredibly hard. 

Personally, I pursued the corporate path intentionally. I earned my MBA and worked across banking, finance, technology, and operations because I wanted a holistic understanding of business before starting my own company. 

That path looks different for everyone. Some founders launch successful companies from their dorm rooms, while others gain experience first. The important thing is understanding yourself and how you learn. 

I also think it is especially important for women to protect their power. Women are often quick to give it away, and the world is quick to take it. Having confidence in yourself and developing thick skin early on is essential. 

Image courtesy of Argent.

Rachel Huss: As Argent celebrates its 10-year anniversary, what does the future of the company look like? 

Sali Christeson: Our vision is to be the go-to resource for working women. 

We will continue evolving alongside the modern working woman and expanding our offering. Success for us is about impact. Growth allows us to invest more deeply in what we care about most: gender equity. 

Image courtesy of Argent.

As Argent enters its second decade, Christeson’s vision remains clear: build more than a clothing brand. Through thoughtful design, storytelling, and community, Argent continues to

create a space where women feel equipped not only to dress for work, but to step into it with confidence. 

Beyond fashion, initiatives like Argent’s podcast and editorial series Work Friends reinforce the brand’s larger mission of championing women through honest conversations around ambition, resilience, and success. By spotlighting women’s stories and creating space for connection, Argent continues to evolve alongside the women it serves, proving that workwear can be more than functional. It can be empowering.