The Keloa Story T h e   K e l o a   S t o r y

Where it all began

The story of Keloa Eyewear started when Laura, an optometrist by profession, and her family moved from Southern Finland to Finnish Lapland. Driven by her curiosity, Laura wandered in the forests, swamps, and fells surrounding her new home. One day, she and her dog came about a set of large but mossy reindeer antlers. 

At that moment, a dream from years earlier came back to her. Without hesitation, Laura took a course on working with reindeer antler. She had a single goal in mind: to create sunglasses from reindeer antlers.

Usability is the cornerstone of Keloa

The work paid off, and after hundreds of attempts, Laura found a way to make functional frames for eyewear. During these attempts, she also discovered another traditional, very Finnish material: birchbark.

As an optician, Laura is very careful about the fit and lens fitting of her frames, and usability is one of the most important aspects of Keloa. After a few years of independent training, Laura travelled to France to learn frame design and manufacturing methods from the best artisans in their field.

With the know-how gained in the Jura mountains, she started her own eyewear studio in Sodankylä, Finnish Lapland. As an optician, Laura is keenly aware of the requirements of modern eyewear, and usability comes first in her design philosophy. Combining traditional craftsmanship, optical design and Northern materials has allowed her to find her true calling.

01

02

KELOA

Where does the name come from?​

Keloa is a verb borrowed into the Finnish language from the Sámi, which refers to how the reindeer rub their antlers against trees to remove the thin, velvety skin that covers them. The habit is completely natural, as reindeer shed their antlers each autumn to grow another pair for next year.

STUDIO

A place of craft

Where materials are shaped, tested and brought to life. Should you visit at the right moment, you may experience reindeer antler with all your senses, including the distinctive scent that fills the workshop as it is being worked.

Keloa products can be explored at our studio in Sodankylä and through a carefully selected network of retailers.

Our titanium collection is created in collaboration with eyewear manufacturer Marcus Marienfeld in the Swiss Alps, bringing together Keloa’s Northern identity and exceptional Swiss craftsmanship.

Designed in Sodankylä, Finland

Titanium collection manufactured in the Swiss Alps