Anne Eiklid Gran worked in an office and spent many hours in front of the screen. The 53-year-old has been everything from graphic designer to office manager. In recent years, she has struggled with tendinitis and has been on anti-inflammatory medication. It culminated with prolapse in the neck two and a half years ago.
– Then I realized that I had to do something with my life.
Popped by
Anne has always been interested in needlework and most wanted to work with fabrics and sewing machines. One day she stopped by Inger Haugerud at Bernina Søm og Strikk in Skien.
– I wanted to start the job search process. When I overheard a conversation Inger had with a customer, where Inger said she wanted to downsize, I exclaimed: “I would like to work here”.
Anne received partial leave from her employer at the time and started as extra help, but was quickly employed in the store.
Owner Inger Haugerud started in the store in 1996, when it was located on Lietorget.
– The shop is 52 years old and I am 72. I have worked here for 28 years and took over with someone else. But now I’ve held the fort alone for many years and think the time has come to step down, says Inger, who will soon be ready to hand over the helm to Anne.
Getting better and better
The arrows point upwards at Bernina Søm og Strikk, and Anne wants to take over a profitable business.
– In 2022, they had a turnover of close to NOK 1.9 million and last year the turnover increased to around NOK 2,250,000. The profit is close to NOK 200,000 in both 2022 and 2023, according to Proff.no.
– Turnover continues to increase, and we notice that sewing and knitting are becoming increasingly popular. When we took over, this was just a sewing shop with yarn. We started a sewing room in the shop, sewing clothes. I find it very fun to sell sewing machines, fabric and yarn, but still sew late into the night when I get orders. Spring in particular is busy, says Haugerud, who also has good help from Turid Terkelsen.
Inger Haugerud is not going to give up completely, even if she eventually hands over ownership to Anne Eiklid Gran.
– I will still be here when needed, but now I will finally have time for my house on Osebakken as well. It is from the 17th century and the oldest house in Porsgrunn, so it needs a bit of care and nurturing – but luckily the roof is tight.
Order in sewing matters
Inger Haugerud is happy that she has got a woman who knows how to sew to take over the traditional business.
– Anne is very clever and is much more active on social media than I am, says the boss.
Anne is looking forward to taking over, and has no doubt that she has finally landed on the right shelf.
– Before, I sat and stared at the screen all working day. I enjoy working in this shop much better, having contact with customers and doing what I’m interested in, she says.
In the shop, she is on the move a lot and rarely sits still in front of the PC. It is felt on the body.
– I no longer have pain, have stopped anti-inflammatory medication and love my job.
