A Dream That Took Flight at Jamk
A love for Italy and a desire to work independently as hospitality entrepreneurs drew Marjo and Virpi Saastamoinen toward their shared dream. However, turning the idea of running a guesthouse into reality required concrete tools: language skills, business know‑how, and capital. The sisters from Jyväskylä had a solid foundation through their vocational business studies and diverse work experience, but they needed additional competence in international business and entrepreneurship to truly pursue their goal.
When both were accepted into Jamk’s Bachelor of Business Administration programme in 2013, it was clear that their studies would be used to build a path toward Italy. At Jamk, the Saastamoinen sisters’ plan was strongly supported, and teachers and advisors helped tailor their studies toward entrepreneurship and internationalisation.
They especially highlight the value of personalised guidance, where the focus was on supporting their entrepreneurial journey. “Building your own path is possible - just be brave enough to ask for help,” they encourage current students.
A Semester in Rome as a Turning Point
During their second year, the sisters left for an exchange semester at La Sapienza University in Rome. In addition to the exchange, they also completed their thesis and internship in Rome.
Finding an internship proved challenging, as many employers were hesitant to hire unpaid trainees due to restrictions in Italian labour legislation. Eventually, a placement was found right next door, at La Sapienza’s main campus in the Hello Office, where the sisters helped international students with study-related questions.
Living everyday life in a foreign culture strengthened language skills, independence, and problem‑solving abilities - skills the sisters now consider essential to entrepreneurship. “The exchange experience helped us grow the most. We had to manage everything independently, in a foreign language,” Marjo and Virpi recall.
The Plan Stays, But the Location Changes
Florence was initially considered as the location for the guesthouse, but while living there, both Marjo and Virpi began to imagine a slightly different concept. “Fortunately, we always talk openly with each other. While living in Florence, we both realised we wanted something else. What if our guesthouse were on the countryside instead?”
A perfect place for the dream was found in Maenza, the hometown of Marjo’s husband. The natural surroundings, supportive village community, and opportunity to create an authentic travel experience came together in the small mountain village.
Bureaucracy and Finnish Sisu
Bureaucracy proved to be the biggest challenge in Italy: information is scattered, in‑person visits to authorities are required, and processes move slowly. There were also surprises in attitudes toward female entrepreneurs. Finnish determination and a strong local support network, however, helped them move forward.
“If you think something will take a certain amount of time, multiply that by three,” the sisters advise anyone considering Italian entrepreneurship or a construction project. “In Italy, you need patience and ideally a good network!”
Construction and renovation did not intimidate them thanks to their family’s background in the building industry. Nevertheless, women renovating houses often surprised locals, and shop staff sometimes questioned their expertise. “Are you sure you need these materials, or should you ask your husband first?” they recall with a smile.
Villa MaVi – A Cozy Guesthouse in Lazio
The lemon‑yellow Villa MaVi opened its doors in summer 2025. It offers home‑like accommodation in peaceful countryside surroundings for all types of travellers. The style is Nordic, and the garden features a swimming pool - exactly the kind of idyllic setting the sisters envisioned.
Marjo and Virpi handle everything themselves, from marketing to daily operations, made easier by the fact that both live with their families in Villa MaVi. The first year was a success, and future plans include retreats, celebrations, group trips, and themed dinners.
Alumni Greetings to Students
Marjo and Virpi Saastamoinen say that Jamk’s services felt genuinely accessible even after graduation. They remember how inspiring it was to hear alumni share their successes, and their failures, during lectures, and they hope to offer the same support to students in the future. They encourage students to reach out without hesitation.
Tips for Students Planning International Entrepreneurship
- Seize exchange opportunities. They help you grow the most.
- Learn the language through everyday life. Immersion is invaluable.
- Accept discomfort. Abroad, you cannot control everything.
- Speak your dreams aloud. Shared visions stay alive through conversation.
- Build your own path. At Jamk, it’s possible.
