Me and Mieli Koru
I am Jonna Anelma Lähteenmäki, the human behind Mieli Koru. I am originally from Siuntio but have lived in the Northernmost part of Finland for 15 years.
Mieli Koru got its name because I wanted something that is both neutral and meaningful. "Mieli Koru" can simply mean a favorite piece of jewelry, but on a deeper level, it refers to the human mind. Mental health is an important theme for me, and I want to highlight it in my own way. I live with severe depression and dissociation, which is why I am currently on temporary disability pension.
Inspiration
I find inspiration for my jewelry from the northern nature, my life with mental health challenges, my sensitivity, and the beauty of melancholy. When I stopped escaping from the thought that I would likely be ill for the rest of my life, I realized that I had to let go of shame and find something good in my illness. For me, that good is, above all, creativity—but also reducing stigma.
Jewelry
Mieli Koru pieces are born and come to life in my home workshop in Utsjoki, growing little by little. Each piece begins with my photographs and a sheet of silver.
I have developed a unique jewelry-making style by combining, for the first time in Finland, my printed photographs on wood with silver elements. I have expanded into silver jewelry after studying to become a silversmith. Through my studies, I fell in love with working with silver, the rugged tools, and the way metal transforms into jewelry through many stages. Some might call it just a technique, but to me, it is something magical and extraordinary—what human hands are capable of creating.
In silver jewelry, I am particularly fascinated by different textures, playfulness, and imperfect forms. My dream is to fully embrace these themes and create unique jewelry that reflects who I am.
Currently, financial constraints limit my jewelry-making, as the tools and equipment needed for silverwork are expensive, as is silver itself. However, I will not give up on my dream!
Values
Responsibility is an important part of my jewelry-making world. To me, this means not only respecting nature values but also being transparent about my manufacturing methods and materials. You can read more about these themes on the Jewelry Story page, where you will also find care instructions.
Photography
Photography has been a part of my life long before jewelry. It is very dear to me, and I could not imagine life without it. I have also offered photography services to some extent, but my equipment is becoming outdated, so I now take photos mainly for my own enjoyment. All the images on my website are taken by me. I also sell nature-themed photographs—tens of thousands of them, in fact. You can find more details on the Photography page.
You are lovely!
♥︎
