Creating a website with webshop for Meraleva became a project that has stayed close to my heart. From our very first conversation, it was clear that Susanna, the founder of Meraleva, felt restricted by a costly agency agreement that offered neither insight nor control.
What followed was a journey that went beyond technology. It became a process about freedom, sustainability and creating a digital store that truly reflects the soul of the brand.
About Meraleva: Craftsmanship with heart
Meraleva is a small scale craft business based on Hönö, an island in the Gothenburg archipelago. Here, Susanna creates handmade candles from recycled stearin in her candle workshop. Her work combines environmental awareness, aesthetics and care, giving each candle deeper meaning.
The name Meraleva comes from her son Carl-Johan, who passed away from cancer at the age of three. He loved the Swedish birthday song Ja må du leva, and when he wanted to continue singing, he would say “mera leva”, meaning “to live more”.
Today, those words carry both memory and meaning, forming the foundation of the brand.
Susanna also donates ten percent of the company’s revenue to the Paediatric Cancer Centre at Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital in Gothenburg, continuing to spread light in a very tangible way.
A designed website with webshop
The assignment was to create a designed website with webshop where Meraleva’s story could take centre stage, both visually and functionally. Susanna wanted to leave the previous agency setup and fully own her online presence.
While the former site worked on a basic level, it lacked transparency and emotional depth. Most importantly, it did not reflect the warmth and intention present in her craftsmanship.
From technical freedom to visual e-commerce
We began by planning a new website structure and preparing a smooth transition so Susanna could end the previous agreement without risking her sales. From there, we focused on bringing the core of the brand into both design and functionality.
I drew the colour palette from the deep blue sea surrounding Hönö, a natural source of inspiration both visually and emotionally. The maritime theme also took shape in a new brand symbol, a knot.
This knot is the same one Susanna uses when tying the ribbons around her candles. It makes the symbol not only visual, but deeply personal. The knot speaks of craftsmanship, closeness to the sea and care.
At the same time, it carries a timeless meaning. A symbol of love and eternal connection. In this context, it also represents the invisible thread between a mother and her child, a bond that never breaks.
The result: An e commerce experience with meaning
The new website with webshop gives Meraleva the digital freedom it needed, while creating a buying experience that feels warm, personal and easy to navigate. Customers are not only met with a functional platform, but with a story translated into digital form.
“I immediately felt a connection with Erika. She truly understood me and my wishes for my new website and made it even more beautiful than I had imagined. Erika works quickly and professionally, while also being incredibly attentive and intuitive. What a combination.“
— Susanna Qvarfordt
Reflection: A digital imprint that remains
Some projects stay with you longer than others, and Meraleva is one of them. Creating a website with webshop for a business built on such depth, symbolism and care was both moving and humbling.
Throughout the process, it became clear that this was not about colours, shapes or technology alone. It was about carrying a story forward. Working closely with Susanna and translating her vision into a cohesive visual experience reminded me why I do what I do.
Design can be more than an expression. It can carry meaning, healing and light.
If you would like to create a webshop with feeling and a website that truly reflects what you stand for, you are welcome to explore my services here.