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Autobiographies motivate me to make better decisions: Hanne Ripsaluoma

Founder and CEO of clothing brand and online boutique www.dunesi.com believes we can all learn by reading about people's success stories

What book(s) are you reading at the moment?
Currently, I read a few pages of The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry to my boys every evening. It is a book I have read five or six times and love on many levels. As that book works for all ages, it has become a lovely project of ours. On my own bedside table is Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard. I'm curious to read how he was able to create a great company while still looking after our planet.
What are the books that changed your life and shaped your outlook?
At some point, in addition to fiction, I started reading autobiographies of people who were interesting to me. I feel like I have and can learn about other people's challenges and successes stories and be motivated to make good decisions in my life through them. Some of my favourites are Losing my Virginity by Richard Branson and Open by Andre Agassi.
Most memorable literary character (and why)?
I love reading about adventurous women who may not be perfect but are strong in their own way. Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind, Bridget Jones from Bridget Jones' Diary and Elizabeth Gilbert from Eat, Pray, Love come to mind.
A book you think is underrated (and why)?
In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin is a classic travel novel - yet, most people haven't read it. Travelling is one of my passions and, though I may be biased as my husband is from there, Patagonia is one of the most breathtaking places you can visit. If you haven't been there, you should at least read In Patagonia. ?
- Staff Reporter