To be a pensioner in your own way

Media Watch

An article by Anna-Maria Stawreberg in the Swedish Femina featuring also Eva Wells (Jivan Kavya). Photos by Magnus Liam Karlsson

Femina No. 12 2024

“My focus has never been on money.”

As a young girl Eva Wells realized that she did not want to work as an employee, and she started her own business. As a pensioner she sees the consequences in her bank account. “But there was no alternative. I could not live in any other way.”

69-year-old Eva Wells’ creative studio in Järna is filled with the clothes she has designed and sewn from recycled material under the brand name ‘By Wells’. She’s just come back from a weekend market where she’s been selling her long skirts, dresses and coats – and today she’s tired.

“I have always been an entrepreneur. And I have never managed to be an employee – and now I know why.”

The reason is spelt: ADHD. When Eva got her diagnosis after many years of being on sick leave*, she suddenly understood why she has always rushed through life, why she has a strong need to go her own way, and why she feels like a prisoner, even at the mere thought of having a regular job.

“I have tried. For a period I worked in healthcare; so I know how it is.”

Eva has spent long periods abroad; in the United States, Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan and India. And she has, together with other people, made money by selling clothes and jewellery, and learned to live on a very low budget.

When Eva came back to Sweden after 14 years abroad, she tried to work as a care assistant, and even as a life model for artists, because now she did not just have herself to care for; she also had a son.

She started her own cleaning business – because she actually liked to clean!

She then realized that after her years abroad – having participated in many personal and spiritual growth- and meditation courses – she had something to offer in the fields of spiritual growth and meditation too. So she started her own business in the area of leadership training. She had clients from middle management in large businesses like SAS (the airline), Volvo, the Swedish army, and smaller businesses, as well as female entrepreneurs.

“I worked for 20 years offering leadership trainings. This didn’t give me a regular income but I did what I was good at, and I really enjoyed it.”

However, she could not put aside any money and has not been saving for her pension.

“I’m used to living on little money, and money has always felt quite an abstract thing.”

Jivan Kavya / Eva Wells - Photos by Magnus Liam Karlsson
Jivan Kavya / Eva Wells – Photos by Magnus Liam Karlsson

During some periods, she had to really become inventive. For a while she rented out her bedroom to bring in money for food while living in a one-room apartment.

“I moved out into the living room. And that also worked fine.”

She had always managed her businesses, until she turned 63 and had to go on sick leave because of exhaustion. She was then thrown out of the social security system, but got help to nullify her debts.

It’s obvious that Eva lives a rich life. She laughs a lot, and the clothes that she designs are as colourful as her own presence. And yes, it’s been tough economically.

“I get approximately 11,000 Kroners as a pension and that helps me pay the rent. But the moment I have bought all the food for the month, my bank account is usually empty.”

So would you do anything differently if you were 20 today?

“I would not change a thing. My trust in life and my gratitude for being able to express my creativity has made me – and makes me – rich. My focus has never been on money. Yes, my life’s path has been a little unusual, and I have worked really, really hard to feel as good as I do today. But no money in the world could ever buy the joy and satisfaction that comes from trusting and following my inner compass.”

Note: * In Sweden you can claim sick leave even if you are self-employed.

facebook.com/bywells – instagram.com/eva__wells

Comments are closed.