II Inspiration Lunch: Big Changes and Bankruptcy

Monday, 05 May 2014
Photo: finst.ee Photo: finst.ee

One nice Monday afternoon, some nice people gathered for an inspiration lunch in the Artis Cinema in Tallinn at the invitation of the Finnish Institute and Creative Estonia. The topics of discussion this time were bankruptcy and big changes. The creators of the successful Finnish design brand KAKSITVÅ and the editor-in-chief of the magazine Muusa, Tanel Veenre, told their stories.

Should a successful brand terminate its activities?

The creators of the popular design brand KAKSITVÅ are Piia Keto and Marja Kuusinen, who were both flatmates and friends. "Double trouble", as they call themselves. "We've always been very adventurous and fun-loving," said Piia. "We've spent a lot of time together, and in 2005 we created our own design brand KAKSITVÅ, which designs accessories and offers design services to companies."

The design duo said that in Finland it's rather difficult to get your goods into stores if you're a local brand – you often have to approach them via other countries. The accessories of KAKSITVÅ are eye-catching and based on a sustainable way of thinking whereby materials are reused as much as possible. "Our brand gained popularity quickly," added Marjo. "150 people turned up to our first few fashion shows, but our latest ones have attracted as many as 800 people."

Continue reading on the Creative Estonia website! (in Estonian)

Inspiration Lunch is the name given to the series of discussions for creative entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the sector that is being held in the Artic Cinema this spring. The Finnish Institute, along with Creative Estonia, the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Estonia and the Tartu Centre for Creative Industries, is organising three discussions at which Nordic and Baltic entrepreneurs can share their inspiration and experience. We want to share our successes as well as the lessons we've learnt from storied that didn't end so well. Participants can compare views and give and receive advice on the best ways of making it onto the international market.

The last Inspiration Lunch will be held today, 12 May, at 11.30 in the Artis Cinema. We will be focussing on the role of agents in the creative economy. All of the events start with a joint lunch at 11.30 and continue with a discussion from 12.00 to 13.30.

Marit Hohtokari will speak about the Sillanrakentajat Programme which focusses on training creative economy agents and managers: who needs this programme and why, and what impact it has had on the creative economy in Finland.

Jenni Moberg is the founder of the company 0.7 design which helps design-focussed small companies break through onto foreign markets – so far mainly Japan and Russia. More than 100 brands have gone abroad with her help. Her book about the work of creative economy agents entitled "From the Cellar to the World" was published this year. It is possible to buy the book at the event.

Estonia is being represented by the dazzling Helen Sildna (Tallinn Music Week/Musiccase).

Participation in the Inspiration Lunch is subject to a fee and requires registration.


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