Lavli was founded in 2012 and has already gone through many changes in its short lifetime. The name 'Lavli' comes from the English word, 'Lovely'. This is simply because its mission is to provide customers with everything lovely.
The story of Lavli began on the opposite side of the world, in Australia, long before (in a way) the company was founded. After experiencing some serious health issues, I had to make big changes in my life. Holistic wellbeing got an entirely new meaning. While living in in Australia I discovered the brand, Lorna Jane, which had taken sports fashion to a new level. But it was the brand's 'MOVE, NOURISH, BELIEVE' lifestyle concept that inspired me the most. A few years later, in 2012, Lorna Jane had started to expand the market outside Australia. Lavli was one of the first LJ distributors with exclusive rights to Finland.
During its first years, Lavli focused on launching the Lorna Jane brand in Finland. I was running an online store and organised a lot of pop up shops and wellness events. A few years later, when Lavli already had a loyal customer community, the idea of opening Lavli's own lifestyle concept store was born.
In 2016, my big dream "Lavli living room" opened its doors in downtown Helsinki.
Lavli living room concept store combined shopping, training & events. It included a Lorna Jane shop, boutique training classes, inspiring lectures, wellness events, functions for customers and private functions, temporary art exhibitions, tea bar, work space and lounge to chill out and gather.
As well as consumers, Lavli living room also offered companies wellness services and spaces for rent. For entrepreneurs, it offered a market place to sell their products or services.
The concept was absolutely loved by the customers and collaborators. Lavli living room was creating a real buzz in media and social media. The store WOWED customers and it actually generated happiness and good feelings. I consider that to be my biggest WIN & REWARD ever.
Unfortunately Lavli Living Room had to be closed after just one year. Even if the customers love your product or concept, it is sometimes not enough. I made a huge mistake with the location and my budget and timeframe were too optimistic. I had no other option than to close the store. I experienced a breakdown in all three areas of my life: financially, emotionally and physically.
To survive required STRENGTH, PERSEVERANCE and a LOT OF PATIENCE – and most of all, SUPPORT from my family and friends, something I will never forget.
Entrepreneurs are all too often left alone when times get tough. Most people disappear. Banks and society "abandon" the entrepreneur in trouble. This happened to me.
Against all odds, Lavli and I are both still up and running.
During these years, I couldn't afford to just rest and recover. After all, I had huge bank loans to pay. I have worked hard; done several marketing projects and worked as an outsourced CMO and consultant. Lavli's online store served its Lorna Jane customers until the end of 2018 and I also opened retail channels for Gaiam, an American yoga brand. Additionally, I completed a Masters in Digital Specialist Studies, complementing my skills in strategic change management, customer experience and digital marketing. 2020 I started partnership with Kamppi shopping centre. I was Kamppi's social media partner for 3,5 years. Besides content creation I produced various live events (to mention a few: Kamppi 15 years celebration, Kids days, Kamppi Talks, Wellness day). Futhermore I produced Kamppi's monthly Instagram lives.
Lavli was finally free from all the debt in december 2022. I did it, I survived! It was time to party! 🎉
I believe that everything we experience (both the good and the ugly) has a meaning and a life lesson. My past experiences has definitely demonstrated that - and in so many ways. I have learned so much, not only about business but also about myself. I'm still figuring out what is that I would like to do next, but one thing is sure. I will continue to be true to my values and support fellow small business owners, always when only possible. We need to cheer those willing to take risks and encourage their dreams and visions, despite the obstacles that get in their way.
Lavli's next steps are still a big question mark hanging above my head. But I'm not in a hurry. I have learned that everything happens in its own phase. Time will tell what kind of story it will be.
So, let the new LAVLI chapter begin. You are most welcome to join the ride!
"Sometimes on the entrepreneurial journey chapter number nine ends up being just the beginning. And your hero product turns out to just be a sidekick, paving the way for a stronger, bigger, braver world –changer." (Risk & Resilience, Lisa Messenger)