Q: Could you tell us a little about yourself and your role at LUMI?
I hold a Master of Arts degree from the University of Art and Design Helsinki (now Aalto University), where I majored in fashion design. After graduating, I spent ten years abroad, including working as a bag designer for Ralph Lauren in New York.
Today, I’m the co-founder, designer, and CEO of LUMI. My responsibilities range from product design to brand strategy, product lifecycle and circularity, online store updates, marketing, and financial administration.
Q: How was LUMI founded?
While living in New York, my business partner and I visited Finland and came across the Huopaliike Lahtinen factory, which produced our first LUMI products from snow-white felt and vegetable-tanned leather. We introduced the collection to boutiques in New York and quickly secured our first stockists. Soon after, we began exporting to Japan.
The name LUMI came naturally — the products were white as snow and made in Finland. As we grew and attended trade shows around Europe, more retailers joined, and we gradually transitioned from felt to leather. In 2007, we moved to Helsinki and opened LUMI’s first store in the Punavuori district.
Q: How would you define LUMI as a brand? Do you have an iconic product that best represents you?
LUMI stands for Nordic aesthetics, timeless design, vegetable-tanned leather, and using the most ecological materials possible.
Our most iconic product is the Supermarket Bag — a shopper that’s been in production for over 20 years. This autumn, it’s made a comeback, especially among younger customers. For the first time in years, we’ve introduced new colours to the range.
Q: What inspired LUMI to join resale and promote circularity?
Circularity and ecological thinking have been at the heart of LUMI from the beginning. We’ve always used vegetable-tanned leather, avoided unnecessary packaging, and introduced a collection made from recycled plastic and surplus leather. We’ve also offered a repair service since 2018.
Resale was a natural next step in our circular journey.
Q: What do you value most in the collaboration between LUMI and Ninyes?
The ease, speed, and reliability. When someone buys a Preloved LUMI product through Ninyes, they can trust the quality.
Q: What’s your best advice for selling pre-owned LUMI items?
LUMI has a loyal customer base — many people remember specific collections and styles from years ago. Some even search for discontinued items. So don’t hesitate to send in your LUMI piece to Ninyes — what no longer serves you might be a long-sought treasure for someone else.
Q: What’s your personal favourite from the LUMI collection?
That would be Kiara, named after my daughter. It’s a small but surprisingly spacious bag, perfect for both everyday use and special occasions.
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