Becoming an Artistic Entrepreneur in Finland: Bong’s Journey in the World of Art

In the heart of Finland, where the air is crisp and the language unfamiliar, a captivating artistic journey unfolds. Meet Huyen, fondly known as Bong, a spirited artist whose story weaves through challenges, resilience, and the transformative power of creativity.

Moving to Finland: Navigate the Uncertainty with Art

As Bong landed in the land of a thousand lakes in the summer of 2019, the challenges unfolded. Leaving behind a successful career as a hotel manager, she ventured into the unknown terrain of Finland, guided by the compass of love to be with her husband.

The Finnish language danced beyond her grasp, and the climate felt like an alien embrace. The unfamiliar language and climate posed hurdles, but Bong turned to her childhood passion: drawing. Sketches became her lifeline, helping her navigate the complexities of this new adventure.

Bong’s home studio where she creates her art

“Since I was a little one, I’ve always been into drawing. And during the most challenging phases of my life, I’d go back to my sketches. Drawing became my lifeline, helping me figure out this whole Finland adventure.”

– Bong

Doodling Dreams into Reality: The Birth of Stickers and Postcards

Day after day she would lose herself in her sketches. As 2022 came to a close, an idea – turning her doodles into stories, captured on stickers and postcards. Her personal sanctuary was now being shared with the world, a testament to resilience and the power of creativity.

Yet, language remained a barrier. Bong, not a communication expert, decided to let her art speak for itself. In early 2023, she took the plunge into the digital realm, opening a small online store. Her hope was to connect with kindred spirits who could feel the emotions woven into her artwork. For Bong, art was a universal language, capable of transcending linguistic boundaries.

Bong’s original postcard

“I firmly believe that art transcends language barriers.”

– Bong

Starting a business is a daunting task, and Bong, a newcomer in the vast world of online art, felt the familiar pangs of doubt. The fear that it might not go anywhere, the worry that nobody would support it – emotions that resonate with every budding artist and entrepreneur.

The road ahead holds dreams of dedicating herself fully to art. Bong, who never underwent formal art schooling, draws inspiration from animated films, children’s books, and a myriad of artists. Her unique style emerged not from textbooks but from practice, a love for the craft, and a perseverance familiar to all explorers in a new land.

Artmu: A New Opportunity in Difficult Times

Life in unfamiliar territory can be hard. In August 2023, Bong found herself on the verge of surrender. She shut down her web shop as not a single order came through. The artistic path seemed unsustainable in the chilly Finnish landscape. Exhausted and hopeless, she took on various jobs to sustain her passion.

Bong at her first in person selling event

Crafting Joy: Bong’s Adorable Escape

Bong’s art is a celebration of the coziness of solitude in an unknown environment. What was once an escape is now an inspiration for other artists. Her success in stickers and postcards has given her the confidence to expand her vision to ceramics, hoping to one day make earrings and pottery bowls.

Continuing her artistic journey, she leaves us with this advice:

“Just dive in and pursue what you love. I believe that, at some point, money and support from others will naturally find their way to us.”

– Bong

Bong is exploring to make earrings by polymer clay

Follow Bong on Instagram (@art.bongsdiary) and check out some of her pieces below! ❤️