It was Katarina's love of gardening and nature, and the opportunity to create with her hands and head, that led her to start the company Trädgårdsmästaren in Sikeå. This spring she is participating in the eXpress programme with the aim of developing a sustainable business. 

After several years as a gardener for the municipality of Robertsfors and several art courses, Katarina decided to start her own business, Trädgårdsmästaren, in Sikeå. 

What made you start your own business?

I think I've always thought I'd be self-employed at some point in my life, and when my position at my previous job was changed, I decided to go for it and do this instead," says Katarina.

The company offers landscaping and gardening services to both private and corporate clients. One challenge she identified early on related to the company's services was how to overcome the likely off-season during the winter months. As a result, she is exploring ways to translate her interest in art into marketable products and services for this period. 

What products might we see for the winter season?

I imagine it could be posters, paintings, garden-related products, but also furniture and wooden objects. The future will tell which way it goes. 

One of Katarina's current projects is a new playground for the Bruksmuseet in Robertsfors, which she designed and built herself. The project is expected to be completed in October.