The most important lesson is to ask for help.

Sarah Nieminen moved to Finland from Tanzania fifteen years ago. She had to learn a new language, different working practices and different ways of working in society. Yet she doesn't want to say she's started her life over.

– Life doesn't start over in a new country. It continues. You bring your own skills, experience, dreams and desire to build a better future with you, Sarah smiles.

Sarah already had work experience and an entrepreneurial background before moving to Finland, but she still had to find her own path in a new environment.

The biggest challenge was the language. I couldn't devote all my time to studying it, because I had to get a job and make a living at the same time.

– Sometimes it felt like there weren't enough hours in the day. I still decided to continue one step at a time.

Sarah started out in the cleaning industry working on the ground. Over the course of 14 years, she progressed to induction, supervision and management roles. Each stage taught her more about quality, customer service, leadership and meeting people.

Trust and prejudice

On his journey, he has had to build trust in situations where language skills or background have aroused prejudice.

– I haven't wanted to answer them with words. I have answered with my work. Trust is built on quality, punctuality, honesty and keeping promises.

His company SBN Cleaning Services was also born from the same values.

Starting her own business meant a dream come true for Sarah and the opportunity to build a future based on her own values. The company, which has been in operation for a couple of years, is still in the growth phase. Sarah is developing it while working in a supervisory role in the cleaning industry and strengthening her skills.

Asking for help is a sign of strength.

Sarah has not built her path alone. She cites her husband, friends, colleagues, teachers, mentors, and people working in entrepreneurial services as important supporters.

One of the most important lessons has been to ask for help.

– It's not a weakness, it's a strength. There are many people and organizations in Finland who want to help if you dare to ask, Sarah encourages.

In difficult times, Sarah has not wanted to give up. Instead, she has stopped to consider what the next right step would be. She is openly proud of having built her career, studied, and grown her business in parallel.

– People see the company today, but fewer see all those years behind it. I didn't come to Finland looking for an easy life, although sometimes people may have the wrong idea about that. I came to continue my life's journey and build my future.

Sarah's message to those looking for their own direction is simple: background, language skills, or starting points do not determine where a person can go.

– No one needs to be ready to start. The most important thing is to take the first step.

Sarah will talk about her entrepreneurial path and finding courage at the Your Ideas – A Common Path event in Riihimäki on August 20, 2026. The free event is aimed at those interested in entrepreneurship, those considering starting a business, and those working in entrepreneurship and integration.

 

edit 8.9.2026 – removed registration link for the event