Salka Valka

Salka Valka was founded by Hafrun Backman. Hafrun grew up on a modest Icelandic farm with 150 sheep, learning from a young age the importance of self-sufficiency in earning a living. Leaving home at the age of 15, she embarked on a journey to Denmark at 20, armed with only 1500 DKK.Her initial hotel stay consumed a quarter of her funds, but resourcefulness filled her pockets with fruit from the hotel buffet, propelling her into Copenhagen. Within two days, she secured temporary accommodation, discovered a discarded bicycle in a ditch, and landed a job as a bench washer at Tivoli. Hafrun Backman, a self-described workhorse, firmly believes in the power of determination.Subsequently, she pursued education as a textile designer, relocated from Copenhagen for a breath of fresh air, and began working part-time as an educator, leveraging her creative abilities. Concurrently, she established a sewing workshop and frequented flea markets and medieval markets with goods crafted by herself and a colleague. When offered the opportunity to open a store in the old laundry in Rørvig, she seized it.Most of the products have roots in Iceland, Norway, or Sweden – or small island communities. "We strive to offer durable items with a natural element, such as wool and leather. Surprisingly, our best-selling items are wool socks, proving popular even in times of crisis," shares the Icelandic entrepreneur.Upon opening the Rørvig store, it became evident that it attracted customers mainly during the summer season. Consequently, she expanded with an online store to sustain sales during the winter months."Many of our products are winter-oriented, so it's crucial that holidaymakers leave with a business card and a memorable experience – like the sight of a full-grown, stuffed polar bear measuring 246 cm. We experience a significant surge in online sales in October, November, and December, the off-season up here.""We emphasize storytelling about our products. In Iceland, it's said that if one doesn't receive clothes or socks for Christmas, the black Christmas cat comes and eats the little children. We incorporate such narratives into our offerings."During the summer, Salka Valka employs 3-4 staff in addition to the Icelandic owner. The Rørvig store has expanded to Nykøbing Sjælland, and the indispensable online shop has become a vital component of their operations. Recently, they secured the agency for Icelandic wool socks from Varma.is, now available in 180 stores across the Nordic region.