There are entrepreneurs in my family and my desire for entrepreneurship has always been strong and it did not disappear when I went bankrupt on my first attempt. I got a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Design in London and when I returned to Finland, I continued my studies in order to become a head cutter. Shortly after, I fulfilled long-standing dream of starting my own knitting business, with which I struggled financially. It triggered a lot of stress and health problems, and I finally decided that continuing the business was not worth it all. I thought money matters were secondary, but my sanity and health are something I do not want to lose.
I spent four years paying off the company’s debts while working as an employee, and that time signified a period of financial and mental recovery to me. Although I really enjoyed my job, I knew it would not be enough for me. I had gotten a taste of entrepreneurship and it was clear to me that it is what I want to: to make my own decisions, to trust my own intuition and to leave a unique imprint, with my own values.
I had gotten a taste of entrepreneurship and it was clear to me that it is what I want to.
As I was born in Rovaniemi, I had been thinking of returning to Lapland, and I moved to Äkäslompolo five years ago. I continued to do salaried work, but I kept planning what my own company would look like. After finding suitable business premises, the pieces fell into place and in 2019 I founded my own shop, Alava Shop.
My business plan is still fresh, and the concept allows for the operations to be quickly expanded and modified as needed within certain limits. The agility of a young company has proven to be an advantage, for example during corona. When I went bankrupt, I developed tools for myself, which I can use to stay up to date on the company’s finances, anticipate changes, navigate even during difficult times and maintain a peace of mind. While I do sometimes experience stress nowadays, it’s not at all the same fear of being left with nothing.
I feel that skilled entrepreneurs know how to use their working time well and focus their efforts on the right actions.An important lesson for myself has been internalizing that I do not have to work 24/7 to be a good entrepreneur. The idea that alert and successful entrepreneurs do this is, in my opinion, outdated and does not increase wellbeing. I feel that skilled entrepreneurs know how to use their working time well and focus their efforts on the right actions. If all the planning is not ready at the end of the workday, it probably won’t make the company fail.
