In the quiet village of Tiistenjoki, nestled in the Finnish municipality of Lapua, a former dancer and psychotherapist has built something extraordinary. Sonja Jokiranta, founder of Fields of Creativity (Luovuuden Lakeus), has transformed her lifelong dream of living in the countryside into a social enterprise that is reshaping lives, families, and even perceptions of what rural innovation can be.
With a master’s degree in communications and a rich background in social services—ranging from speech and dance therapy to nursing and family psychotherapy—Sonja never intended to simply live on a farm. She envisioned a place where animals, nature, and creativity could become powerful tools for healing.
“I wanted to have a home in the countryside, and I had a vision,” she reflects. “I wanted to build an entrepreneurship there, have animals and space, and share these good experiences with others.”
That vision took root in 2015 when she purchased her farm. At first, she continued teaching dance and cared for just a few horses. But by 2017, sheep joined the pastures, and the farm began to evolve into more than a personal haven. Between 2021 and 2022, she officially opened her doors to the public sector, offering therapy and recreational services through two intertwined branches: Satumaa, which focuses on recreation, music, and creative experiences, and Sarastus, which delivers animal-assisted therapy, music therapy, family therapy, and psychotherapy.
Today, her farm is alive with activity: eight horses, twenty-six sheep, four dogs, three rabbits, a tortoise, and 2.5 hectares of fields that together form a landscape of care and renewal.
Healing with Hooves and Harmonies
At the heart of Sonja’s innovation is her ability to blend professional expertise with the natural rhythms of rural life. Through Fields of Creativity, she doesn’t just provide therapy — she offers families a chance to reconnect with each other and with themselves.
“My innovative practices have helped people to love each other and themselves,” she says softly. “I hope I’ve delighted people’s world, empowered them, and maybe had an impact so that families get together and people love each other more.”
The impact is tangible. Dozens of families across South Ostrobothnia have found support and solutions through her farm. Jobs and income have been created, and Sonja’s pioneering approach has positioned her as a well-known figure in Finland’s emerging green care sector. Her courage and creativity were recognised when FIDA honoured her as Benefactor of the Year.
Breaking Barriers in Rural Innovation
Yet, her journey has not been without obstacles. Rural care farms, unlike traditional agriculture, remain under-supported and often misunderstood.
“Of course, there are financial challenges because the care farm business is not so known yet,” Sonja admits. “And the methods that I use—they are not so familiar yet. Day after day, I try to spread information, have conversations with key persons, and just be me while trying to get innovative thinking through.”
For her, perseverance is the only path forward. And though the weight of being a trailblazer can be heavy, she draws strength from the idea of networks and community.
A Shared Dream with FLIARA
Through her involvement with FLIARA, Sonja sees a chance to strengthen these networks.
“I hope that we will have new networks here to empower each other and maybe have some new business models, maybe new methods,” she explains. “I think about international business too. I hope that we could have care farms all around Europe, or even the world. That’s my dream.”
But her vision goes beyond expanding her own work. She wants women’s voices—often unheard in rural entrepreneurship—to resonate loudly. “I hope that these women have such an impact that people listen to them and what they have to say.”
Advice for the Next Generation
When asked what she would tell other women ready to embark on their own rural innovations, her answer is simple but resolute:
“Just be strong and believe in your thing, even if nobody else does.”
It’s advice that reflects her own path — a blend of resilience, creativity, and quiet conviction.
As the fields around her farm shift with the seasons, Sonja Jokiranta continues to cultivate more than crops and animals. She cultivates courage, connection, and community — proving that innovation in rural areas isn’t just about technology or efficiency. Occasionally, it’s about love, vision, and the courage to reimagine what a farm can be.