Luova arki
Nona Kuukka, entrepreneur, Kotipalvelu Luova Arki.
Everyone has the right to a good life
Nona Kuukka, the sole entrepreneur behind Kotipalvelu Luova Arki, founded her home care company in 2021. The business idea emerged unexpectedly during a short sick leave, a time when she paused to reflect on her life and work. Instead of returning to a hectic work environment, she chose to use her more than 15 years of experience in the field - to become an entrepreneur.
As of 2025, the company has now enjoyed four successful years. Today, Kotipalvelu Luova Arki provides support and assistance to local elderly people, individuals with memory-related illnesses, and family caregivers. The services are offered in the clients’ own homes, delivered with care and tailored to individual needs. The service offering includes cleaning, meal preparation, errands, cooking, personal hygiene support, outdoor activities, recreational engagement, and respite care for caregivers. When needed, Kuukka also helps with light yard work.
“Everyone has the right to a good life,” Kuukka states.
The beginning was full of learning: I read, called, and asked questions
The decision to become an entrepreneur took shape during Kuukka’s brief sick leave. At the time, she held a permanent position working with the elderly, but often felt overwhelmed by the fast pace and constant stress of the job.
“Stopping made me reflect: is this what I want to continue doing, or could there be alternatives?” Kuukka recalls.
From the very beginning, she took initiative and boldly reached out to the City of Lappeenranta’s business services. Conversations with an expert helped clarify the possibilities of entrepreneurship, and together they outlined concrete first steps for launching the business.
“The beginning was full of learning: I read, called, and asked questions. Even though I had no previous experience in entrepreneurship, I trusted that my long professional background and values-based work approach would carry me. I thought of entrepreneurship as an experiment — and that I could always return to employment if it didn’t feel right. But the more I progressed, the more certain I became that I was on the right path,” Kuukka shares.
Though there were no entrepreneurs in her immediate circle, she received invaluable emotional and practical support from her partner and family.
“Their encouragement was irreplaceable. Together with my partner, we built the website, compared phone contracts and insurance plans, and he supported me in meetings with the accounting firm. A late friend helped come up with the company name, which holds deep meaning for me. I also received valuable guidance from Lappeenranta’s business services and from Eksote’s private service provider advisory and supervision,” Kuukka reflects.
Kuukka says the most challenging part in the beginning was navigating different permit and licensing requirements. The information initially felt scattered, and finding the right contacts took time. Once the right connections were made, things quickly became clearer.
In the future, Kuukka is considering hiring a cleaning assistant so she can focus more on supporting clients’ functional abilities and meaningful daily lives — a crucial part of safe and independent living for older adults. She is also interested in deepening her skills through further training alongside her work. For now, however, she’s happy to be self-employed and to serve her clients with genuine heart, without the pressure of haste. Looking ahead, it’s important to proceed in line with changing circumstances and to respond and adapt even to unexpected changes.
A diverse network of operators in the area – A shared support network
In the Lappeenranta area, several home service companies operate, offering both support services and nursing assistance to elderly people and families with children. However, Kuukka doesn’t view competition negatively but sees collaboration and networking as essential.
“It’s great that the area has a variety of service providers. Each of us brings a unique approach and value to the services. Together, we form an important support network in our clients’ everyday lives,” Kuukka explains.
Alongside entrepreneurship, Kuukka actively collaborates with other professionals in the field — including other home service entrepreneurs, physiotherapists, foot care specialists, and hairdressers. Thanks to this network, she can recommend trustworthy services to her clients in areas she doesn’t personally offer. Kuukka has also been involved for several years in the South Karelia Women Entrepreneurs organization and currently serves as a board member.
“Networking has brought a diverse and inspiring community into my life, enriching me both professionally and personally,” Kuukka says.
Don’t give up, even if the beginning feels challenging
The early days of entrepreneurship can be uncertain and at times exhausting, but with persistence, the results begin to show. Especially in the home care sector, it’s worth investing in customer relationships and active networking — these are key to building long-term trust.
“One of the best decisions I made was to offer a free initial visit right from the start. It has received very positive feedback from both clients and their families. That first meeting allows both parties to get to know each other calmly and build a safe foundation for collaboration. At the same time, I get a better understanding of the client’s situation and needs,” Kuukka shares.