Entrepreneurs in Rovaniemi face discrimination in erotic industry due to societal prejudices

Entrepreneurs in the erotic industry face numerous barriers due to societal prejudices. A recent report highlighted a Tampere entrepreneur who struggled to find a Finnish bank willing to open a business account for their erotic venture. Pirita Vanhala, who established an erotic business in Rovaniemi a year ago, encountered different issues. While securing a bank account was not a problem, two banks denied her loan applications, and landlords refused to rent commercial spaces to her, citing her industry as a reason for their refusal.

Vanhala was surprised to find that the tourism marketing company Visit Rovaniemi also declined to collaborate with her, despite working with over two hundred other local businesses. Vanhala’s shop, Santa’s Secret, offers unique products including handcrafted reindeer fur ticklers from Lapland.

The marketing company justified its refusal by stating that collaborating with businesses focused on adult products or alcohol was not compatible with their Christmas branding, yet they promote numerous pubs and breweries on their website. Vanhala has shared email exchanges with Visit Rovaniemi that support her claims.

Johanna Palenius, a sexual health product entrepreneur with eighteen years of experience, has faced similar setbacks, from denied rental applications to payment processing firms that refuse to negotiate. She expressed frustration over the discrepancy between her struggles and the thriving adult product companies advertising on Finnish radio.

Anni Kaarnaranta, chairperson of the pro-sexuality organization Sexpo, lamented the moral prejudices faced by those in the industry, noting that the right to run a business is constitutionally protected, and such barriers impede entrepreneurs.

While attitudes are shifting slowly, both Vanhala and Palenius continue to advocate for a more accepting view of sexuality as a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being.