Since autumn 2017, Maria Östensson has been part of eXpression Umeå. Now new adventures await as the company takes the step to leave the incubator. The international interior design studio is passionate about combining design and sustainability and is in the midst of a digital venture - with new concepts for video meetings, among other things.
- I am very grateful for my time in the incubator, not least for all the people I got to know," says Maria.
A lot has happened inside the doors of eXpression Umeå since Maria Östensson stepped in at the end of 2017 to participate in the Startup programme (now eXpress). As the incubator has evolved, Östensson Design Studios has taken just as many steps and is now ready to stand on its own two feet.
What Maria started is today an award-winning sustainable interior design company, with Umeå as its starting point and the world as its field of work. At its core is a deep belief in the power of sustainable design. With this as a starting point, the company creates interior design concepts and sophisticated spaces that both people and nature can enjoy.
The time spent in the incubator has had a major impact
For Maria, the community and network surrounding eXpression Umeå has been invaluable. The people who move in the environment, ranging from experts, business coaches and especially other creators and entrepreneurs, have along the way contributed in many ways.
- Having the opportunity to follow each other's journeys and share both setbacks and successes has really helped me in my own development. Just not having to feel alone in your business has been incredibly nice. When I started the startup program, we were a bunch of women who quickly became tight-knit. We still keep in touch and support and help each other.
The step from part-time to full-time became crucial
"You're like a motorboat, full throttle, if you don't free up time you'll never be able to move forward and level out".
The words coming from a lecturer were the final straw for Maria. A process of going from part-time to full-time started and eventually all she had was her own business. It was the start of a new chapter and one of the keys to her being where she is today.
- I felt that I was that motorboat, and that I needed to give it a chance. For some time I had felt that I had been stomping around a bit, something needed to happen. It takes courage to take the plunge and I'm grateful I took the plunge. Going for it wholeheartedly gave me the opportunity to develop the company in a completely different way," says Maria.
New focus on digitisation
The latest news is that Maria has been granted a retraining cheque from Region Västerbotten. The conversion work includes working more digitally and developing offers that help companies in their online environment.
- I think teleworking will increase after the pandemic, compared to before. Of course, we want to be able to meet as usual, but the work will be more flexible and we will want to keep the benefits of teleworking. That's why I'm developing a new concept for both the workplace and the home office that will help companies communicate their brand online. There are also other projects in the pipeline. The future feels exciting.
Maria now leaves Curiosum and eXpression Umeå and heads to her new office in Tullkammaren. We wish her the best of luck!
