I am Paula Malleus, the founder and head of sewing and designing at Remake, a company specializing in upcycling. Remake is an eco sewing shop that repairs, transforms and reproduces the clothes and accessories wanted by customers from recycled materials.
I ended up in entrepreneurship because it was the only way to do what I wanted to do: clothes from recycled material. In 2007, there were not many jobs available in the textile and fashion sector, so when returning from maternity leave I saw entrepreneurship as the way to go. We founded the company together with my friend Pia Leikas and over the years we grew a team. They later headed in their own directions. I’ve been left running Remake alone several times over the years, but this latest change in 2019 made me stop and think about what I should do in the future.
I ended up in entrepreneurship because it was the only way to do what I wanted to do
Definitely the best thing about entrepreneurship is learning something new, and noticing the development of your own skills. Even though I have been making clothes since I was little – and for 24 years professionally – I still feel that I am developing all the time. At the same time, of course, the joy of customers and my team members also delights.
My best tip for other aspiring entrepreneurs is not to do it alone! Also decide in good time what sort of a business you are aiming for: do you want to make money or do you just want to be able to do your own thing on your own terms. If this had been clearer to myself, I would probably have been less stressed for many years and achieved more with my work. Clarity is key.
Companies have the opportunity to reform society.
Despite all the adversities and challenges I have faced over the years, I still feel that entrepreneurs and companies are of paramount importance for Finland. Through entrepreneurship, and in particular small businesses, new innovative operating models can be created that would not necessarily be created by larger companies. Companies also have the opportunity to reform society. But, most importantly, entrepreneurship creates an opportunity for me to live a life that looks exactly like me.
Learn more about Remake at remake.fi.
