A Standing Ovation

Have you ever thought about starting your own business? You know, that moment when you wonder what it would be like to own a coffee shop, a small boutique or maybe even a restaurant. What a sweet idea, but as that thought progresses in your mind, you end up killing it by thinking of everything involved… I have. Many times. I have dreamed of my own little boutique, a little brick and mortar store that would only sell things I like, or maybe a bakery. But it has always come down to all the other stuff surrounding that dream. The rent, the endless work hours and having to find the products for my little store, and pricing and everything else involved. The part that we also call work.

I believe in small businesses, and I believe in women. Strong, modern women. To top it off, I admire anyone and everyone whom is willing to take a step into the eventful, exiting world of entrepreneurship.  The world where one day you’re on top of the world, and the next you are ready to call it quits, as the teeniest of a step may sometimes feel like an enormous leap, when stepping out of your comfort zone into the great unknown.

Last week I had an opportunity to join the celebration of a small business taking its first small steps on the road of hopefully becoming something great. Countless hours of planning and hard work had taken place behind the scenes before the event, but it was time to celebrate these two women. Two gorgeous Finnish ladies whom had decided to grab a sturdy hold of their dream, to work hard and to make it come true. And there it was - Finnpeaks. Jitters and champagne, the opening night. Nordic design. Nordic design that wasn’t just Nordic and pretty, but also sustainably produced using recycled materials. Nordic design that wasn’t just Nordic, pretty and sustainable, but also useful and user friendly. To me that was amazing.

Sari and Johanna, the two women behind Finnpeaks share the same story with so many others in this area. The story of immigrating to a new country with a spouse that already has their dream job, leaving behind ones’ career, the safety of everything you know and having to start over. New language, new culture, new friends. It takes a lot of courage to re-establish oneself. To start over. I took that leap over 15 years ago myself.

So, I’m sitting here admiring Sari and Johanna’s work. Actually, I’m ready to give them standing ovation for what they have done. I’m excited and exhilarated to see what hard work and determination can do. I cannot wait watch them grow and flourish. You go girls!

Finnpeaks is currently looking for local retailers for distribution. 

The Vilikkala home bags are made out of recycled plastic bottles. Not what you would expect when you see the felt bags. Neither would you think you can machine wash them and iron them. For me it was instant love, and I saw these bags as awesome closing gifts. Three sizes, multiple colors. The dark gray, 6-gallon bag got a home from our powder room, and the green bag is going to go on our front patio to be used as a planter. Yes, can be used as a planter too.

6 gallon Kotisäkki 

Be&Liv is a company established in Helsinki 2012. It’s formed by a group of designers with a burn to create something fresh and new. It’s a bit of a puzzle as every product is packaged flat to conserve room and energy. Light weight, airy designs for everyday life. I’m totally looking forward to using these design products in staging as they are just stunning. 

Petals Fruit Bowl by Janne Uusi-Autti (Photo, courtesy of Be&Liv)