On summer mornings, mist hangs over the open spaces of Ostrobothnia. While admiring this view, the idea for the name Utua was born. Ten years ago in October, Piia Vähäsalo founded a bag brand that draws on the Finnish soul landscape, and which has been accompanied by nature and love of the homeland from the company's first breaths to this day.
The power of colors and materials
Piia Vähäsalo's multifaceted story as Finland's first female rescue director and a career that ended in the shadow of a serious illness, received a new chapter at the request of her sister, when Terhi Vähäsalo asked Piia to design the first bag collection for Sievi Shop.
Piia's own philosophy of life and love of color were then and still are clearly felt in each bag. She also wants to offer others the opportunity to express themselves through color, which is reflected in Utua's vibrant collections.
Over the years, the collections have been renewed, but the basic choices have remained the same: bold colors and high-quality, durable materials.
Roots in Ostrobothnia, heart in Raahe
The story of Utua is also strongly linked to Raahe. The design work for Utua is done in the historic Old Raahe, on the edge of Pekkatori. Piia Vähäsalo draws not only from the nature and history of Raahe, but also from the city's traditions and stories.
In 2017, Piia and her husband Pasi Siipola founded another company, Langin Kauppahuone , on the edge of the same market square, a café-restaurant and boutique hotel in the spirit of the sailing ship era. Piia's daughter Oona has since taken over the management of Langin.
Finnish tradition and timeless design
Utua's design is therefore guided by a strong connection to Finnish tradition. Piia's ideas create products that carry a Northern Ostrobothnian soul. This local connection has been particularly evident in the Archipelago and Classics collections, which are based on regional stories.
Timelessness is one of Utua's key values. The bags are timeless, both aesthetically and practically. They do not follow rapidly changing fashion trends, but are intended to last in everyday life and at parties year after year. This timelessness combined with sustainable manufacturing makes Utua a brand that invests in longevity and quality.
Community and storytelling
Utua is not just a brand, it is also a community. From the beginning, the company has wanted to create products that tell a story – both of its makers and of its users. Each bag has its own background and purpose. This storytelling is also reflected in how customers find their bags.
Utua's products are not just materials, but have a deeper meaning that connects their wearer with a lifestyle that is in line with Utua's values.
Responsibility and sustainable development
Responsibility has been the foundation of Utua's operations since the beginning. The well-being of the environment and people guides the design and manufacture of every product. Utua shows that sustainability and high-quality, stylish leather bags and other products can go hand in hand.
The products are made from sustainable materials, such as cowhide leather, a by-product of food production, which reduces waste and makes the bags environmentally friendly. The merino wool used in the hats and scarves is mulesing-free and partly recycled.
The manufacturing takes place within the EU, ensuring fair working conditions and fair compensation for all involved in the process. The leather for the bags is processed in Italy at a Leather Workin Group gold medal-rated factory, and the sewing is done in a family-owned atelier in Greece, where the tradition of making demanding leather products has been passed down from generation to generation.
The longevity of the products makes them both an environmentally friendly and economically sound choice, as a high-quality product will last for years.
A Finnish bag brand's look to the future
Utua's ten-year history is proof that responsibility, sustainability and style can go hand in hand. This Finnish bag brand continues to operate with the same values as on its first day: respect for nature, carefully selected materials and a love of locality.
Utua's story continues, and the next ten years will certainly bring new innovations and bold choices that will make Utua even stronger and more significant both in Finland and internationally.
