My story
On the first day of May 2020, it was 25 years since I first opened the door to Bisarri at Uudenmaankatu 14. I had been working at a consulting firm in Espoo as a project secretary. The new shop was located next to Otava's stone castle, right by bus stop number 14.
In the early years, I participated in many fairs, even though there weren't as many antique events and fair organizers as there are today. I attended fairs as far as Oulu and Vaasa a few times a year, in spring and autumn. This way, my customer base expanded throughout the country.
Some customers have been with me since the early years. Some visit more often and others less frequently, but all have stayed in my memory in their own way. A year ago, I met a couple who had created their wedding gift list at my shop over ten years ago. Even though I hadn't seen them in the meantime, the meeting brought back pleasant memories. I have also had the honor of getting to know many Finnish designers; Juurikkala, Olin-Grönqvist, Sarpaneva, Still, Von Fieandt, Vennola, Orvola, Kokko, Ishimoto, Koskinen and Toikka.
I have moved a few times over the past 25 years, but have always stayed in the Punavuori-Hietalahti-Eira area. The area is vibrant and distinctive, which is why I have enjoyed being there.
The Japanese began to take an interest in Finnish design in the early 2000s. This also revolutionized my world. In 2005, Japan's MEK made a major Finland publication about old items. I was involved in organizing the photo shoots and the materials to be photographed. These became the Tori publication, which was produced in several issues. It featured Finnish designers, vintage items, and shops. Since then, more and more publications and magazines have followed.
The internet has changed the sale of vintage items and has required me to change as well. My first website was created in the early 2000s and the online store in 2014.
The year 2020 is a year of change. The coming years will show the new direction of commerce. I hope I can continue to run the shop for many more years, even though retirement age is just around the corner.