Elin Skörde, a 44-year-old teacher and forester, lives in a quiet village in Sweden. Balancing a career in education with a deep-rooted passion for sustainable forestry, she is building a unique business that connects people with nature while respecting the land’s rhythms.
“I started my business because I have a forest farm, and I want to use it for more than just forestry”, she explains. Elin’s desire to spend more time at home and less on salaried work led her to explore creative ways to develop her land. Her ventures include a forest garden, silent walks in the woods, and a unique solo camping experience—all designed to offer people a meaningful connection with nature.
One of the cornerstones of her business is the “Eremit” app (Android, iOS), which allows guests to book a secluded parking spot for camper vans in her forest. “You’re completely alone in the woods. No one else will come there,” Elin says. This promise of solitude and stillness is a powerful draw for those looking to disconnect from everyday noise.
Elin also cultivates a forest garden—a self-sustaining system where everything she grows is edible or useful. “There’s no watering, no added nutrients. It takes care of itself”, she says. The garden features a variety of perennial plants, vegetables, and crops that benefit pollinators, including bees and bumblebees. “I grow things you can eat or make something edible out of”, she adds. Her goal is not only to feed people, but also to regenerate the ecosystem around her.
Another innovative project is “Forest Hang-out With Elin”, a sensory forest experience where small groups walk silently among the trees. “You use your sight, hearing, taste—all your senses”, she explains. The experience ends with a meal prepared in the forest, reinforcing her belief in nature as both a healer and a host.
Despite her enthusiasm, Elin acknowledges the challenges of launching a rural business. “Time is the biggest problem. I want to spend more time on the farm and less in my salaried job”, she admits. She also mentions the need for start-up capital and access to training. “I would need help to join courses, and money to dare to invest and get started”.
Her participation in the Living Labs programme has been a source of inspiration and motivation. “I’m in the early stages of my business. Listening to the other women—who are much further along—has been educational and encouraging”, she says.
When asked what advice she would give to a friend considering a similar path, Elin doesn’t hesitate: “Take your time. Know what you want to do and how to do it”. For her, success isn’t about rushing into entrepreneurship, it’s about basing the process on clarity and intention. Elin’s story is one of quiet innovation. It is not driven by scale or speed but by a thoughtful approach to land, life, and livelihood. She represents a growing movement of women in rural Sweden who are redefining entrepreneurship on their terms, rooted in place, sustainability, and self-determination.