Seen with GLAS: Janina Fry

Staying in with Janina

Janina Fry is a Swedish-speaking Finn and creative entrepreneur, working in the fashion and entertainment industry from a young age.

With a successful modelling career, several TV and music ventures, and clothing label Janina F behind her, she is now a mother of two who has recently moved her life from Helsinki to Stockholm.

Read on to find out how spending time at home and focusing on self-care has become more and more important as she’s got older, and learn the different ways you can embrace alone time and find beauty and fun in the everyday.

Where did you grow up?

In a small town called Porvoo (Borgå) just outside of Helsinki.

You recently relocated from Helsinki to Stockholm with your family. How do you stay connected to those roots, and what does family mean to you?

Having routines and rituals for everyday life remind me of my roots, like weekly sauna and swimming, and of course embracing the holiday seasons that I had in my childhood, and teaching them to my children. Family is everything to me, and getting together every night that we can for dinner and sharing thoughts about the day is so important.

Where do you see the beauty in your everyday life?

I see it in my children, my family and our beautiful little Maltese dog. I also find beauty in nature and the nuances of it throughout the year. I practise cold water swimming, which is one of the best ways I know to reconnect with nature and myself.

What values did you get growing up that have stayed with you until this day?

I would say - to be kind, because everybody is fighting a battle you don’t know anything about. Also, prioritising the everyday things; like having a happy and healthy relationship, living an honest and respectable life, and nurturing your health.

What have these values taught you when it comes to your relationship with yourself?

I always schedule me-time. Whenever things have been too hectic, this is the time when my brain reboots and I find my way back to my inner peace.

How important is this self care time to you?

For me, engaging in my self-care routine is incredibly important. It reduces and eliminates anxiety, depression and stress, and increases my personal happiness, which is something everyone at any age should prioritise! It also helps me to adapt to changes, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks.

In what ways do you honour the small everyday moments when you’re at home?

Firstly, I try to slip into something comfortable - I prefer natural materials like silk or cashmere. I light candles and listen to smooth music while I’m cooking, which I love to do. I enjoy reading a good book in front of the fireplace or watching my favourite series. At the moment we’re doing a 1000 peice puzzle with my children that we return to whenever we have time for it. It’s a great way to spend time together and it helps to improve concentration too.

Why do you think spending time alone is so important?

One of the greatest benefits of spending time alone is because it helps me develop a better understanding of who I am. The more I know and understand myself the more likely I am to do things that I love, find new things that interest me, and spend time with people who make me feel good.

How do you remember to keep things light and find fun in the little things?

Celebrate every small win, approach life with a great deal of humour! When a day is heavy, I tell myself: This too shall pass.