From Study Partners in Smart and Sustainable Design to Business Partners – The Story of Sael Studios
Sara Keskitalo and Elisa Vasenius found kindred spirits during their design studies and became entrepreneurs in the ceramics industry together. The company began as a theoretical business plan developed as a part of their thesis.
Elisa graduated from the Finnish Älykäs ja kestävä muotoilu programme, and Sara from Smart and Sustainable Design programme in December 2024.
-The first time I saw Elisa was in a laser-engraving class. She had bright green hair and I noticed she had Discord open on her laptop. I had the feeling we’d become friends.
Sara recounts the pair’s first meeting.
During their studies the classmates carried out numerous collaborative projects. Theoretical teaching was partly remote, but the practical ceramic work took place at HAMK’s Visamäki campus. Their similar interests and the naturally flowing way they worked together also led Sara and Elisa to undertake their thesis together.
The friends produced a ceramic product series as their thesis, drawing inspiration from Finnish mythology. Sara’s pieces were inspired by the fire-fox, the creator of the northern lights, and Elisa’s were themed around the swan of Tuonela. The thesis also included a theoretical study of a company called Sael Studio. Sael comes from the entrepreneurs’ first names which, in Old Norse, means success and good fortune.
Images of sketches and finished prototypes from the thesis Designing and Manufacturing the Ceramic Mythology Collection.
A leap into entrepreneurship soon after the publishing of the thesis
Sara and Elisa handed in their thesis in December, and Sael Studios was founded in March. They chose Lahti as the location, due to a shared circle of friends and support networks in the area. From within their own friend group they have found a social media manager for the studio as well as interns.
We had such a good concept ready and received a lot of support and encouragement from Sara’s mother, who is an entrepreneur. We did detailed calculations together with her, and we came to the conclusion that it was worth giving it a go.
Elisa and Sara talk about the early days of the ceramics studio.
Ceramic products made by Elisa and Sara. Sael Studios is located in Jokimaa, Lahti.
The ceramicists have busy working weeks. Sometimes the days are spent with their hands in clay, molding clay, glazing or firing pieces. At other times they are occupied with routine tasks, such as buying packaging materials and preparing for sales events. The studio also runs popular hand-building courses where customers can create their own pieces.
HAMK helped in finding ways to implement sustainable values
Sael Studio’s core values are sustainability and eco-friendliness. During the studies, using recycled clay and other principles of sustainable design became familiarized. The same tools used for school are still use and the practices taught were easy to adopt in day-to-day life as business owners.
-We don’t throw anything away; everything is used. Any parts we can’t produce ourselves we order from other Finnish entrepreneurs. We don’t merely prioritise environmental friendliness; we want to create timeless products that stand the test of time and use.
Dare to dream
The entrepreneurs collectively say they have been naturally creative since childhood and have enjoyed hands-on work. The most important steps towards the present have been education, networking, and applying for a start-up grant to secure the start of the business. In addition to the qualification, school left them with important contacts, and the studio’s own kiln was sourced through a former teacher.
-This is a dream job for both of us. At least we’ll never have to regret not having tried. In the future we dream of expanding our business, for example with an online shop and larger venues for courses.
Smart and Sustainable Design
In our Smart and Sustainable Design degree programme you learn to take into consideration the challenges of sustainability in modern design. You learn to use different production techniques and materials in practise so you can design more sustainable products and services that fit to our future’s needs.
During your studies you develop as a designer in real working life projects. You often work in teams and will get skills that you can apply in working life.
As a designer you will specialise in fashion, glass or ceramics. In your chosen studies you will deepen your knowledge based on your interests. You can complement your design skills for example by choosing studies from international fashion business or sustainable business.
