From Google to the Workshop: Fulfilling my Dream

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the idea of creating something tangible—something that brings beauty and joy into people’s lives. Ever since I was a girl, I always enjoyed all sorts of creative hobbies, such as sewing, knitting, woodworking and painting, and I’d continued doing these things for fun as an adult. After spending more than 15 years at Google, immersed in the fast-paced world of tech, I decided it was time to follow that dream.  

A painting of mine, alongside a fun lamp I made out of a Mexican tortilla press

 

A Bold (and slightly scary!) Leap from Tech to Craft  

My years at Google were incredibly rewarding. I worked with brilliant people, tackled exciting challenges, and learned to think outside the box. But as time went on, I found myself craving a different kind of creativity—something hands-on, something personal. The idea of working with materials, textures, and colours kept calling to me.  

So, I made a life-changing decision: to leave the corporate world behind and pursue a more tactile, artistic career. It wasn’t an easy choice, but I knew in my heart it was the right one for me.  

 

A painting that reminds me of the importance of going your own way

 

Learning the Tools of the Trade  

Starting over in a completely new field was as exciting as it was daunting. I enrolled at Helsinki Design School to study interior design, where I learned about creating cohesive, beautiful spaces. To complement this, I dove into joinery at Axxell, immersing myself in the art of woodworking and craftsmanship.  

These experiences taught me not only the technical skills I needed but also how to approach design with intention. Every line, every joint, every shade of colour has a purpose—and this philosophy has become the cornerstone of Life in Colour.  

Covered in sawdust at joinery school

 

The Birth of Life in Colour  

With Life in Colour, my goal is to create pieces that go beyond function to bring joy, personality, and inspiration into your home. Colour is a powerful way to express emotion, and I’ve designed each piece to combine bold hues with timeless forms, offering a fresh take on modern interiors.  

Every piece in the collection is made with care, and each of them is completely unique.  

 

A Team Effort  

This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of my husband, Mikko. From helping with the technical side of launching an online store to being my constant cheerleader, he’s been there every step of the way. Starting a business has its challenges, but having someone in your corner makes all the difference.  

My husband Mikko and me enjoying an afternoon coffee in London, where we lived up until 2023

 

Looking Ahead  

Launching Life in Colour is just the beginning. I’m excited to share this adventure with you and hope my story inspires others to follow their dreams, no matter how big or unconventional they may seem.  

I’d love for you to explore the collection and join me on Instagram where I’ll continue to share more updates and inspiration. Here’s to creating homes—and lives—filled with colour, joy, and meaning.