In SVEND, I live out my deep love for craftsmanship, honest materials, and my fascination with Danish architecture and cultural heritage, primarily from the years 1950 to 1970. My leather workshop came about by coincidence, as I think it does for many mothers. After my first maternity leave, I discovered a new need, a small and functional changing bag with room for only the essentials. I made it at home from leftover full-grain leather, and from there it quickly developed. I made bags for friends and family, showed them on Instagram, and suddenly I had a small business.

Because SVEND started by chance, I did not simply leap into life as an entrepreneur. I regret that today, as my momentum at the time was different. Instead, I had both full-time and part-time jobs and became a mother for the second time while sewing bags from our apartment. However, those years were not wasted. They made my purpose with SVEND clearer. I want to offer my customers true craftsmanship in quality materials that last a lifetime.

I have come a long way since then and now spend my days in my leather workshop, which has recently moved out of the garage and into the former Vridsløselille Prison in Albertslund, Porten.

After becoming a mother, it became very clear to me that the hours I do not spend with my family must be spent meaningfully for my own sake and not for others. Those are the hours where I can develop professionally, creatively, and as a woman, and that framework is something self-employment can give me.

The feeling of leaving a meaningful mark on the world, whether by inspiring others through craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, or by knowing that those who bring SVEND into their homes are choosing products created with care and consideration.

For almost three months, I have had a workshop outside my home. But only a few weeks ago it struck me, as I put my lunch in the refrigerator: "I have a workplace, a real workplace." I was transported back to my first internship at a Danish fashion company, where the feeling of stepping into a universe and creating your own working life truly hit me, and something I have probably longed for ever since. That was a very special moment.

And when a customer reaches out after receiving a bag, cushion, or mat and expresses great joy, I am reassured that I am on the right path in my working life.

Knowing that I thrive best here, in what I have created myself. And it would never be a failure if my adventure does not succeed as a livelihood. It will always be a success that I dared, tried, and did it.

During my second maternity leave, I decided to invite myself for coffee with self-employed women I found inspiring, to gain greater insight into their working lives and into creating a working life of your own. It gave me an incredibly valuable network. I also try to remember that it is always allowed to ask. If they say no, I have lost nothing. If they say yes, I have gained everything.

When we are open and honest with one another, we can find so much help, advice, and strength. But it also takes time to find the right people, where there is mutual value.