Eric, Anna, Milo och Lina Jungnickel,
Sometimes we speak somewhat disparagingly of so-called lifestyle immigrants.
But these newcomers are actually very positive; they're often entrepreneurs, who want to leave behind stressful lives in densely populated areas and continue their business while enjoying the tranquility and security of life in Norrland. Here, lifestyle changers can both realize their dreams and contribute to community development.
German hairdresser Tim Grabe, who opened a salon and café in Malåbyn Grundträsk last summer, was one of the people who made a strong impression on me. Many of us initially raised our eyebrows when we heard about this venture.
Tim sees opportunities and says that Grundträsk is "centrally located between Norsjö and Malå". Customers have also found their way here because Tim is both friendly and highly skilled in his craft.
– I love my job, which is not really a job, but a passion to make people feel beautiful, he says
Another hardworking individual who invests all his energy up here is German entrepreneur Eric Jungnickel, who moved to Norsjöbyn Böle with his wife, preschool teacher Anna, and their children, Milo and Lina.
He is an expert in lithium-ion batteries and gives battery training worldwide. Eric now wants to start his own b
Milo Jungnickel enjoys life in Böle.
When I visited the family, their son Milo was constantly running around, rolling on the lawn, raking leaves, and picking up twigs.
– He is not used to moving around so freely. In Berlin, we lived in an apartment, says Anna, who, in addition to the nature and friendly local people, cites the Swedish education system as a factor that attracted her to Böle.
The Kreek family moved to Malåbyn Kokträsk from Estonia and started a business that offers survival courses, among other things. Kairi Kreek also works remotely for the Estonian police, which she says works perfectly. In addition to being able to experience a real winter while training her Siberian Huskies, Kairi cites the Swedish school system as a major reason for the move.
Martin and Kairi Kreek run the business Wildland Trail in Kokträsk.
– Our son Kert, who was quite reserved in Estonia, has now really blossomed, said Kairi.
I have also had many more exciting and inspiring meetings with foreign-born individuals over the past year and hope that there will be more in the future.