Five years of entrepreneurship, and today, I can say that I built a 2x Global Award-winning and 2x National Award-winning company, and a feature in British Vogue — Gracelandic; a niche women’s slow fashion brand transforming into an impact-based ecosystem for sustainability. A dream that began with nothing but courage, determination, and the belief that where there is a will, there must be a way. Two hands. One vision. And a dream that refused to die.
Representing Iceland on a Global Stage
A few months ago, I received an unexpected email; a nomination for a possibility to represent Iceland for the Queen of Nature Award of Excellence – Women in Eco-Textile at the Global Summit for Women in AgriTech and Organic, held from September 24–27, 2025, in Antoing, at Your Nature Eco Resort Belgium
The Global Summit recognized ten women from around the world whose work has shaped sustainability, exceptional leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the organic and agritech industries. On the gala night of September 26th, I stood among them, as they called the women of resilience, impact, and purpose, and when my name was called, I carried Iceland in my heart. Why? Grace and Icelandic, which gave rise to Gracelandic. It felt like a homecoming or destiny. For an immigrant woman with no investors, no family connections, and limited resources — just time, effort, and every bit of savings, this recognition was proof that hard work and resilience can defy every odd.
Among the guests were Prince Edouard de Ligne, Princess Isabella Orsini de Ligne de La Trémoïlle, global dignitaries, ministers, senators, and remarkable innovators and leaders who share a passion for eco-textiles, AgriTech industry, sustainability, and the future of conscious creation. More than 70 countries from all over the world as well as 7 guest countries of honor from each continent, including Canada, Brazil, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Egypt and India converged at Your Nature Eco-Resort to discuss organic and technological innovation in the service of sustainable agriculture. This summit was a true showcase of international cooperation and a powerful lever for women's leadership in agriculture and the bioeconomy.
This honor strengthens my commitment to slow fashion, natural fabrics, and textile innovation, and fuels my vision to see Gracelandic grow as a force for good, where fashion becomes a bridge between people, planet, and purpose.
Gracelandic also held its inaugural Gracelandic Echo Conference that took place on September 26, 2024, at the Innovation House in Reykjavik, drawing an esteemed audience that included the President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir, and the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Market, Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, as keynote speakers, distinguished guest; the First Gentleman of Iceland and CEO at Just Björn, Björn Skúlason, Migration Specialist, Áshildur Linnet, CEOs, investors, founders, academics, and professionals from various sectors and industries.
But no journey is walked alone. I am profoundly grateful to Iceland, the country that became my home and my launchpad. Iceland believed in me before the world called my name. It gives me the room to grow, to fail, to start again, and to rise. It’s here that Gracelandic was born in 2020, evolving into an ecosystem for social impact, merging entrepreneurship, innovation, environmental justice, and representation.
In 2023, I received the Global Women Innovators and Inventors Network (GLOBALWIIN)
Award for a Sustainable Business Initiative Capable of Impacting Lives, and the FKA Entrepreneur of the Year Award
That same year, I participated in the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Accelerator, where my business plan won 3rd place in the individual category among 42 participants. The accelerator, a collaboration between the University of Iceland and the U.S. Embassy in Iceland, later featured me on the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs database, https://eca.state.gov/awe. Read full Article here
Beyond these recognitions, I've had the privilege of serving on several boards and committees. Among other opportunities, I served as Chair of Visibility Day 2025 at FKA, welcoming Iceland’s President Halla Tómasdóttir as keynote speaker, and as a board representative for Nasdaq Iceland’s Ring the Bell for Gender Equality.
Internationally, I have represented Iceland at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW68 & 69), collaborated with the Danish Embassy to celebrate women’s rights pioneer Bodil Begtrup on Iceland’s Women’s Rights Day (June 19), and facilitated green energy dialogues between Canada and Iceland.
I am deeply grateful for the support I have received since founding Gracelandic. From the first woman who gave me a platform to speak and showcase my designs, to those who preordered without knowing me, to the women who nominated me for awards and mentioned my name in rooms I wasn’t yet in.
To the organizations that have supported, collaborated, and believed in me — FKA, Stjórnvísi, The Rotary Club in Garðabær, The Association of Young Professionals, Soroptimist Hólar, Strætó, University of Iceland, GLS_Iceland and the many sisters and friends who have stood by me — thank you.
You have proven that Iceland is a nation and a community that builds dreamers.