about

My name is Heidi, and I have a deep love for traditional Finnish crafts. I was born in Helsinki, and my grandmother has roots in the Karelia region. During the years I spent in Lapland, I had the opportunity to learn and master Sámi traditional crafts. Currently, I focus particularly on leatherwork, sewing, embroidery, and weaving.

While passing down Finland’s traditional handicrafts, I find great joy in combining these techniques to create new styles. Craft-making brings immeasurable joy and energy to my life.

As for my academic background, I studied fashion and textile design at the University of Turku, specialized in katazome dyeing techniques at Kyoto Seika University, and gained experience in pattern-making and branding through a study abroad program at the Amsterdam Fashion Academy. Additionally, I had the valuable opportunity to work as an assistant designer intern at Mina Perhonen.

Later, I took courses at the University of Queensland on “Innovation through Design Thinking and Creativity” and “Effective Leadership” to further expand my knowledge.

As a director at an organization dedicated to the development of Nordic crafts, I have collaborated with various companies and institutions across Japan and beyond, including Nuno Haku, Dieci, Check & Stripe, Nature, Favor, Iittala, NHK, Nest Robe, Walnut, Bunkamura, the Kobe Fashion Museum, and the Nordic Museum.

For further information please reach me here.