Design and Disrupt

Design and Disrupt 📈 We help startups and small businesses grow their impact, not just their bottom line.
⚙️ Branding | Websites | Social Media

The other night, we celebrated 10 years of - still one of my favorite business events for migrant entrepreneurs in Fin...
17/11/2025

The other night, we celebrated 10 years of - still one of my favorite business events for migrant entrepreneurs in Finland!

I joined a panel discussing what it really takes for immigrant entrepreneurs to succeed in Finland, alongside Harri Jaskari and Elie El-Khouri, moderated by Marianne Ruusunhelmi.

On my part, I shared my journey as someone who started their business straight out of uni.

⚠️ Start before you’re ready.
I began conducting market research, building a network, and engaging with potential clients while still in school.

⚠️ Track your ROI.
This past year, I doubled down on events and networking, and it led to a 6x return. Not 2x. Not 3x. 6x! But I also tracked every cent I spent so I could make smart decisions.

⚠️ Protect your energy.
Not every event is worth your time. Join the ones that align with your goals, and skip the rest.

⚠️ Associations matter.
Joining Suomen Yrittäjät ry and engaging with Vaasan Yrittäjät - Vasa Företagare gave me access to support, community, and yes, even credibility.

It was also wonderful seeing my fellow Migrant Entrepreneurs committee members and actually taking our first group photo together: Berit Virtanen-Thewlis, Gyöngyi Mátray, Pavel Maksimenko, and Marianne Ruusunhelmi.

Big shoutout to the rest of the evening:
– Prof. Petri Parvinen for the powerhouse talk on selling to Finns
– Klaus Matilainen for showing how to use data to drive sustainable growth
– Ruslana Kuisma, Migrant Entrepreneur of the Year 👏
– Maria Nyroos for hosting the night with heart!

💛 Kiitos Suomen Yrittäjät ry for having me and for continuing to create space for these conversations.

And if you’re still wondering if associations like Suomen Yrittäjät or Business Helsinki are worth it?

Let me be your sign: they are. Go be a member if you aren't already.

Photos by: Berit Virtanen-Thewlis, Richelle Mae Aliligay-Villanueva, Carole Kurowski

This is what a One Day Website Sprint looks like 👇Left: the original Wix siteRight: our new WordPress redesign for Kokor...
11/07/2025

This is what a One Day Website Sprint looks like 👇

Left: the original Wix site
Right: our new WordPress redesign for Kokoro Therapy Helsinki

What changed?

→ We streamlined the layout so visitors get what they need without endless scrolling

→ Redesigned the overall visual feel to reflect more calm, warmth, and clarity

→ Built a fresh blog layout that’s both easy to publish and cohesive to browse

→ Migrated all content from Wix to WordPress

→ Set up a staging environment, built, tested, and launched - in less than 2 days

This was a focused, done-in-a-day collaboration with a clear goal:
Simplify the experience. Make it easier to connect. Let the content shine.

If your current site feels bloated, outdated, or hard to manage…
a sprint-style redesign might be all you need 👀

DM me “SPRINT” if you’re curious what this could look like for your business.

P.S. Check out the new website here: https://kokorotherapy.info/

They didn’t need a prettier website.They needed a website that finally showed what they do.Megha Goswami and Kristaps Ko...
08/07/2025

They didn’t need a prettier website.
They needed a website that finally showed what they do.

Megha Goswami and Kristaps Kovaļonoks 📸 of Couple of Expats came to me last year with a clean-looking Wix site...

but it had zero mention of their services.

Zero clarity on how they could help.

So we ripped it apart and rebuilt from scratch.

We ditched the blog, spotlighted their offers, and turned a passive site into a purposeful one.

✅ Designed a new layout in Figma
✅ Migrated the whole thing to WordPress
✅ Reworked the structure to highlight what matters most: their services
✅ Integrated a smooth way to sell digital products via WooCommerce
✅ Made sure every section had a why it matters vibe

The result?

A clean, minimal site that doesn’t just look nice - it finally tells people:
Here’s what we do. Here’s how we can help you.

Since launching in January 2025:

📈 Averaging 370 visits/month
📉 Bounce rate down to 48%
⏱ Avg. session time: 1min & 58sec

Not bad for a small, service-led site with zero paid traffic.

And we’re just getting started.

P.S. Check out their new website here: https://coupleofexpats.com/

Here’s exactly what I earned (and spent) running my business in June as a solopreneurSharing this because transparency m...
04/07/2025

Here’s exactly what I earned (and spent) running my business in June as a solopreneur

Sharing this because transparency matters - and because I remember when I wished more people talked openly about what running a small business actually looks like.

Revenue: €6,688.35 + VAT
Expenses (Tools, Tax prepayments, YEL): €2,265.46
Personal withdrawal: €3,000.00
Cashflow: €1,422.89 (Positive)

Nothing fancy behind it - just consistent work, good clients, and lots of small, steady steps.

Sharing this because I remember when €1,000 a month felt out of reach. And also to remind myself (and maybe you too) that progress isn’t always loud, but it adds up.

If you’re in a season of building, keep going. The numbers will follow.

June, you were a lot... in the best way.Here’s a little recap of what this month looked like behind the scenes:↳ Onboard...
30/06/2025

June, you were a lot... in the best way.

Here’s a little recap of what this month looked like behind the scenes:

↳ Onboarded 2 new website design & development clients
↳ Sold a yearly website maintenance package to a current client
↳ Offboarded 1 website project (bittersweet but always satisfying)
↳ Attended the Women of Web (WOW) Summit online
↳ Joined as a panelist at Vaasa Startup Factory’s Summer Bloom Pitch Day - thanks for having me, Hendrik and team
↳ Went to the biggest Philippine Day in Finland (Filippiinien Päivä) ever, organized by Business Club - it felt so special to be part of the community
↳ Celebrated 2 years in business (!!!) still surreal to say that out loud
↳ No delayed invoices this month - I’m definitely counting that as a win 😄
↳ Started conversations about working with new business partners - exciting ideas already in motion
↳ Onboarded an intern for the first time (big milestone for me) I will be working with for the next 2 months on some cool projects
↳ Began customer interviews for Accessivia, a digital accessibility platform for SMEs

I’ve been thinking a lot about what it looks like to keep growing without losing the heart behind the work.
More collaboration. More intention. More building things that matter.

And a little note: I won’t be taking a summer holiday this month - I’m moving my time off to autumn and winter instead. So I’ll be here, working and building through July.

If you’re also working through July and want to chat, whether casually online or over coffee, feel free to drop me a message.

And if you’re off on holiday, enjoy every moment of it.

Most companies chase KPIs.I chase collabversaries.Yep, that’s a real thing in my business.A “collabversary” = the date a...
25/06/2025

Most companies chase KPIs.
I chase collabversaries.

Yep, that’s a real thing in my business.
A “collabversary” = the date a client and I started working together.
And when that date comes around?
I send them a small gift.

Not a fancy hamper.
Not an AI-generated message.
Just a handwritten note (yes, written by me), a company-branded thank-you card, and my favorite box of chocolate.

Why?
Because as a solo entrepreneur, relationships are your edge.
Not flashy ads. Not sales funnels. Not 10k followers.

When you work 1:1 with people, your reputation is your brand.
And small things (like remembering a collabversary) become big things.

It’s not scalable.
It’s not automated.
But it is human. And that’s the point.

So if you’re a service provider, here’s your reminder:
The work is important, but the way you work with people matters just as much.

So send the card. Write the thank-you.
Build your business like you give a damn.

📸 Pictured: a few collabversary gifts I packed this week 💙✨

Two years in business. Still feels a little surreal to say that.Especially when I think about how it all started.Fresh o...
16/06/2025

Two years in business. Still feels a little surreal to say that.

Especially when I think about how it all started.

Fresh out of university.

No business background.

No family in the industry.

Just me, my laptop, and the belief that maybe - just maybe - I could figure it out.

I started this business in a country that was still new to me.

No safety net. No roadmap.

Just a Notion board, a Figma account, and some bold cold emails.

In two years, I’ve…

→ worked with 52 clients across 8 countries and various industries
→ started with a €500 project, now managing €5k+ launches
→ doubled my first-year revenue in year two
→ said yes to things before I felt ready
→ spoken in 10+ workshops and events
→ found my community in fellow entrepreneurs
→ and made (many) mistakes I wouldn’t trade for anything

I’ve also:

→ followed up on late invoices 😅
→ have not slept due to anxiety
→ celebrated tiny wins in my kitchen at 2AM
→ met clients who turned into collaborators
→ and learned how to trust my gut a little more

Honestly, I still don’t have it all figured out.

But I’ve come a long way from day one, and that’s something I’m really proud of, and wanna take a moment to celebrate.

Thank you to all the clients who believed in me early on, to every mentor, cheerleader, collaborator, partner, friends, and family, and to any quiet supporter who’s helped in any shape or form. Your trust means the world.

To anyone just getting started:
You don’t need to be fearless. You just need to start.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what’s next.
Not because I’m done, but because I’m just getting started.

Building a business solo taught me so much.
But I know I can bring even more value by building alongside others.

That’s why I’m launching something new soon: Accessivia - a digital accessibility platform designed to help businesses build more inclusive websites from day one.

Can’t wait to share more.

Cheers to a more courageous growth,

Laila

The most awkward part of my job?Following up on a delayed invoice. 😁Not once. Not twice. Sometimes three times.You send ...
11/06/2025

The most awkward part of my job?

Following up on a delayed invoice. 😁

Not once. Not twice. Sometimes three times.

You send the first message politely.

You wait.

You try not to overthink it.

You send a reminder.

You re-read your tone.

You question if you're being too pushy.

Too direct.

Too... much.

But you know this isn't about ego.

It's about energy. Time. Work that’s already been delivered.

And yet, so many entrepreneurs (especially solopreneurs) still hesitate to follow up.

Because you've been taught to be accommodating.

To be patient.

To “understand.”

But here’s what I’m learning:

Following up is not unprofessional. Not following up devalues your work.

You are not too loud.

You are not too demanding.

You are simply asking to be paid for what you’ve done.

And that’s the bare minimum.

So keep following up with confidence 😏

My second time at in Turku!I always say this - what I like about SHIFT Business Festival is that since it’s a business ...
27/05/2025

My second time at in Turku!

I always say this - what I like about SHIFT Business Festival is that since it’s a business event, people expect you to pitch or share what you’re building, so I never felt like I was “pitch-slapping” anyone I talked to. Lol.

It’s a refreshing shift (pun intended) from community events where I often catch myself holding back, worried I might come off too salesy.

Special shoutout to for sharing the day with me - always a joy to connect, dream, and scheme new ideas together (now she’s bringing Kangoo Jump to Vaasa this summer!)

One highlight that stuck with me was Aape Pohjavirta’s keynote. Simple, clear, and powerful: “Trust is at the very heart of innovation; because a part of innovation is failing — and failing can only happen in an environment where you are trusted, where you dare to fail.”

SHIFT, thank you for the space and energy. Until next year!

The other day, I found myself surrounded by women I deeply admire. Or as Hatty perfectly phrased it, women I have a “fem...
16/05/2025

The other day, I found myself surrounded by women I deeply admire. Or as Hatty perfectly phrased it, women I have a “feminine crush” on 😄

Women who lead, build, share, and show up.

This was my second time at CRUSH.

Last year, I walked in nervous. New. Unsure.

This year, I walked in and felt right at home.

I knew more people.

But more importantly, I made a conscious choice to collaborate more.

Because collaboration doesn’t just happen; it takes intention. It takes two people saying, “Let’s do this together.” And that’s where the magic begins.

As Katja reminded us, “To rebel together means to collaborate.”

And Joey said, “Community only happens when people feel safe enough to share.”

That’s what CRUSH has always been for me - a space where it feels safe to be bold and safe to be authentic.

I was surrounded by women (and men, but mostly women) who challenge me to think deeper, build better, and lead with clarity.

A few moments I won’t forget:

— Meeting Joey Bayer and Jade Ventoniemi in person: Joey's line, “What gets measured gets funded,” will stay with me

— Meeting another Igorot woman: Tara Alleah Martin, a volunteer at the event

For context: Igorot refers to the indigenous peoples of the northern Philippines, my roots.

It’s rare to meet someone from my community in these spaces. Last year, I was certain I was the only Igorot at CRUSH.

This year, there were two of us. We spoke our native language (in the middle of a Finnish business event!), and it reminded me of what Kamilla said: “Aspire not to be the only one in the room, but one of many.”

I carry that with me.

Because representation matters, as a buzzword, but as a door opener.

It shows others what’s possible. And it keeps us from walking alone.

Thank you, CRUSH 2025, for reminding me why I do what I do.

It’s already mid-May, and I feel like I’ve barely blinked.This month’s been a mix of client work, working on my B2B SaaS...
13/05/2025

It’s already mid-May, and I feel like I’ve barely blinked.

This month’s been a mix of client work, working on my B2B SaaS idea, wrapping up TEDx, and trying to remember to eat lunch on most days 🙃

On the business front: I signed one more client for web design, bringing me to 10 clients this month — 5 on recurring projects, 5 one-time builds. Some days I feel like a full-blown agency. Other days, just one tired girl with a laptop and a to-do list longer than my grocery receipts.

On the startup front: I joined the Kiuas Co-founder Matchmaking to find a technical partner for my B2B SaaS idea.

In 2 hours, I met 16 new people - all driven, curious, and building cool stuff. Shout-out to Kristina from Kiuas and every talent I spoke with. One of you might just be my future co-founder. No pressure.

📝 I also applied to the Antler Residency. Still waiting. Still hopeful.

And the months’s not slowing down anytime soon:
→ Crush 2025 is happening tomorrow
→ I’m teaching a Paid Ads Workshop with The Shortcut on May 19
→ Heading to Huiput Creative Festival on May 20
→ Then to the SHIFT in Turku on May 22

So yeah, May is full of action.

But beneath the noise, I’m just doing what I always do: building quietly, learning loudly, and staying open to whatever’s next.

If you’re going to any of these events, I'd love to say hi, share ideas, stories, or even just a tired smile.

See you at Crush tomorrow!

How do you register a company in Finland? I answered this question for Satakunta University of Applied Sciences students...
30/04/2025

How do you register a company in Finland? I answered this question for Satakunta University of Applied Sciences students during our online workshop session last Saturday.

So here’s a step-by-step breakdown I shared for anyone thinking about starting their own business in Finland:

Step 1: Preparation

↳ Choose your business name and check availability on YTJ.fi
↳ Decide if you need to register for VAT (required if you expect to earn over €20,000/year)
↳ Tip: Keep your business name simple and easy to understand (my rule is 5 syllables or below), especially if you plan to work with international clients

Step 2: Registration

↳ Go to YTJ.fi and log in with your Finnish bank credentials or Mobile ID
↳ Select your company type (Toiminimi or Oy)
↳ Fill in the form, pay the small fee if you want to be listed in the Trade Register (recommended!)

Step 3: After Registration

↳ Open a separate business bank account (Holvi works well for Toiminimi)
↳ Register for VAT later if your business grows past the threshold
↳ Start basic bookkeeping right away (Excel, Ukko, Holvi, or Procountor Solo are beginner-friendly)
↳ File an annual tax return and check Kela’s income limits if you receive student aid

Common mistakes to avoid:
⛔ Picking the wrong company type (Toiminimi is easier for most solo founders, or there's also Light Entrepreneurship if you don't want to register an official business)
⛔ Forgetting about YEL insurance
⛔ Not using the free support available (Suomi.fi and Startup Refugees to new a few)

There’s a lot to learn, but it’s all doable.

If you’re a student, immigrant, or first-time founder, I hope this helps you take that first step.

Thank you to Nasibeh and Ali for the invitation. Check out their project: https://centralbaltic.eu/project-news/culdif-project-attracted-talents-from-diverse-backgrounds/

Osoite

Vaasa
65200

Aukioloajat

Maanantai 09:00 - 17:00
Tiistai 09:00 - 17:00
Keskiviikko 09:00 - 17:00
Torstai 09:00 - 17:00
Perjantai 09:00 - 17:00

Nettisivu

Hälytykset

Tiedä ensimmäisenä ja anna meille oikeus lähettää sinulle sähköpostitse uutisia ja promootioita Design and Disrupt :ltä. Sähköpostiosoitettasi ei käytetä muihin tarkoituksiin, ja voit perua milloin tahansa.

Ota Yhteyttä Yritys

Lähetä viesti Design and Disrupt :lle:

Oikopolut

Jaa

Kategoria