Doing home and handicraft differently - Kaarnavilla!
Kaarnavilla does things differently.
The idea of a Finnish product online store was born in the everyday conversations of two handicraft enthusiasts, us, Päivi and Jesse. We have always valued Finnish production and entrepreneurship, but our experience was that somehow this combo should be branded more fittingly.
We explored online stores serving the market for Finnish-designed or manufactured products. However, we felt that something was still missing. We had the idea that we could do something differently, perhaps even better, and at the same time something that was not yet in the market.
We wanted to build an online store with a single unified brand even if there were numerous manufacturers.
We wanted each product in the online store to meet the values we set for our online store.
We wanted the customer not to have to ponder for a moment whether the product is genuinely Finnish.
We definitely did not want a traditional market stall, but a place of design, elegance, and modernity.
We still had to come up with a suitable name for the online store. The name was pondered for several days. One day, the right one was found:
“Maybe a name that combines both home and some handicraft material... Kaarnavilla! Would that be descriptive? It would be like a cabin, and at the same time, a material! And bark - it describes wood well!”
This is how the idea of Kaarnavilla - Home of Finnish products, was born.
Kaarnavilla store at Kalevantie 8, 20500 Turku
In the world of entrepreneurship
Starting a business is akin to embarking on a journey into the unknown. It's a path that demands determination, resilience, and an unwavering belief in one's vision. Every entrepreneur begins their journey with a spark of inspiration, a dream to create something meaningful and impactful. However, the road to success is rarely straightforward, and challenges inevitably arise along the way.
In the world of entrepreneurship, adaptability is key. As Päivi and Jesse discovered in their pursuit of Kaarnavilla, the ability to pivot and change direction can be a defining factor in overcoming obstacles and seizing new opportunities. Flexibility allows entrepreneurs to navigate uncertain terrain, adjusting their strategies and approaches as circumstances evolve.
Image by Kaarnavilla of Lasten asusteet ja tarvikkeet
Entrepreneurship is an ongoing learning experience. No matter how well-prepared one may feel at the outset, the journey is characterized by constant growth and development. Each setback and triumph offers valuable lessons, shaping the entrepreneur and their business in profound ways. Success is not guaranteed, but those who persevere with passion and determination are often rewarded in unexpected ways.
Moreover, entrepreneurship is inherently collaborative. While the entrepreneurial journey may begin with a singular vision, it is sustained and enriched by the support of others. Networks, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs provide invaluable guidance, encouragement, and perspective. Building meaningful connections within the entrepreneurial community fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, amplifying the potential for success.
Ultimately, the entrepreneurial journey is as much about the process as it is about the destination. It's a voyage of self-discovery, innovation, and relentless pursuit of one's aspirations. While the path may be fraught with challenges, each step forward brings the promise of new horizons and the opportunity to make a lasting impact. As Päivi and Jesse's story illustrates, the entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering belief in the transformative potential of one's dreams.
Image by Kaarnavilla of Korttikotelo
Value-Based Operations
Kaarnavilla's operations are strongly guided by values. Our values are closeness to nature, quality, Finnishness, and tranquility. The value base of the online store emerged naturally when two like-minded entrepreneurs contemplated what things should guide our operations.
When the idea of the online store became clear, suitable product suppliers were needed with whom the world of values would meet. Now, in 2024, there are already nearly 80 Finnish companies involved.
Only products that are suitable for the Kaarnavilla brand are chosen from the suppliers' products - for the customer, the online store appears according to a single brand, even though there are numerous different entrepreneurs involved. The customer gets products from Finnish producers from the same place with one postage fee. The product range covers a wide range of products for babies, children, and adults alike.
Cooperation with Other Entrepreneurs Creates Substantial Synergy Benefits and Opportunities
In Kaarnavilla, our suppliers do not just deliver products, but together form the Kaarnavilla family. And yes, tears come to my eyes when I think about how many entrepreneurs trusted us and joined a new online store even before its opening!
From the beginning, we wanted to do many things differently than "normally" in Kaarnavilla. For us, cooperation with suppliers is much more than just selling products. For us, these lovely entrepreneurs are a community we want to hold on to because we greatly appreciate the work that Kaarnavilla's suppliers do for Kaarnavilla. Without suppliers, there would be no Kaarnavilla.
We entrepreneurs do not see each other as competitors but as a network whose power acts as a springboard for all of us towards success!
Image by Kaarnavilla of Kasvien keskellä-viikkolehtiö
Today, we are actively involved in entrepreneur networks as well. We are proud to be members of both Suomalaisen työn liitto and Suomen yrittäjät, Varsinais-Suomen yrittäjät and Turun yrittäjät.
About the authors
Päivi and Jesse are the entrepreneurs behind Kaarnavilla. They work with more than 90 companies to maintain Finnish production and entrepreneurship, making sales online, as well as in a brick-and-mortar store in Turku.