‘My passion for entrepreneurship and starting Miiko Design dates to childhood. My grandfather started as a young stallholder, and through his perseverance expanded the business into a shoe shop. My father followed in grandpa's footsteps, and us children became part of the business at an early age. We would spend quite a bit of time in the shop’s back room, trying on new shoes and bags. The smell and feel of high-quality leather still bring back childhood memories. The entrepreneur's lifestyle shifted to play, often with the sewing machine whirring, and I occasionally strolled as a peddler in the neighbourhood. Our father passed away at a young age, leaving a legacy of customer appreciation and a strong sense of confidence and courage to do your own thing. We siblings were born with a strong spirit of coming together.
My mother's family lineage of artists and teachers inspired me to study visual arts. The most inspiring moments were when creativity was unleashed. A broad knowledge of materials was left waiting for the future. It was a long way to become a visual arts teacher, until the pieces fell into place during the Protomo course at Aalto University in 2013. Bubbling creativity began to be transformed into products. Products that are down-to-earth, stylish and made of genuine natural materials. Miiko’s start was boosted by extraordinary enthusiasm and a strong belief in his own doing. New steps were taken humbly, but determinedly. Success soon began to require talented siblings, each of whom has their own important role to play in Miiko.
Miiko design products are manufactured responsibly in the hands of Finnish professionals. From the beginning, Finnishness has been our core value. Today, we would not be here without our skilled partners. High-quality materials, insightful design and professional manufacturers have opened a wonderful path. Our materials are mainly made of durable domestic birch plywood, high-quality deer skin and soft wool. In our products, the wild northern nature meets Scandinavian design language in an irresistible way. Our passion is to create domestic classics that will remain throughout generations. We want to continue to offer quality products and reclaim our place in Finnish design and our family's entrepreneurial chain’.