Sälgrund celebrates its anniversary with young entrepreneurs: ‘Sometimes we take two steps forward and three steps back’
Preparations for the tourist season in Kaskisten Sälgrund are in full swing. The first guests are expected to arrive on the island in May.
The Sälgrund lighthouse and pilot station is already preparing for summer.
The quartet has visited the island a few times and preparations for the season are in full swing.
– First, we put things in order, clean up a bit and make the rooms presentable for the first guests, Lysmä says in an interview with Svenska Yle.
The idea is that at least Lysmä, Kosonen and Parkkonen live on the island all summer long.
They have already noticed that the work is very diverse.
– Here you learn a lot, everything from running a inn and being an entrepreneur to handicrafts. We have a lot to learn, says Parkkonen.
Settlements have also occurred. For example, the pipes had frozen.
– Sometimes two steps are taken and three back. I hope we finally move forward, says Parkkonen.
However, work is a nice variation on the everyday life on the school bench.
– It’s fun to do something more physical. While studying, I sit in the lecture hall, so it’s fun to do something at hand, Parkkonen points out.
Live music and wine tasting
The first guests arrive in early May. Before that, there is a lot to do. However, young people have received a lot of help from Kaskis.
– The local community has received us open and warmly. Earlier entrepreneurs have told about the previous stages of the place and how things have gone before. It has helped us tremendously, says Lysmä.
In Sälgrund, the quartet is responsible for café activities, overnight stays and recreational areas. In addition, they organize various events on the island.
– We definitely want to get some live music here and maybe some wine tasting. This environment is so unique that events to be organized must be suitable for the environment, says Parkkonen.
During the 150th anniversary of the lighthouse, more guests are hoped for on the island.
– Because we have more than one workload, we hope to do more than in previous years, says Parkkonen.
The quartet consists of childhood friends and fellow students. Is there a risk that running a business together would burden friendship?
– We have known each other for quite some time. I share an apartment with Eemil, so we have spent long periods together. So there are hardly any major surprises, says Lysmä.
– So far we have had fun. Together we have been able to resolve the setbacks that have already occurred. I believe we have a really fun summer, says Parkkonen.