hello.
I’m Misa (pronounced ‘Misha’).
I’m the face behind Shetland Wool Adventures.
There’s a kind of place that lives deep in your heart. Not always where you’re from — but where something in you feels suddenly, instinctively at home. For me, that place is Shetland. A place where the light shifts differently, where the stories are woven into the landscape, and where everyday life never gets boring.
It wasn’t where I was born — I grew up in the Czech Republic — but from my first visit in 1999, I felt drawn in. A school exchange trip brought me to the islands, and I still remember those first hikes along the coastline, guided by my host family with warmth and pride. It felt like I was being invited into something rare. Not just a destination, but a way of life.
That early spark deepened over time. I returned for summers, worked in a local hotel, and eventually fell in love with a local. Over twenty years ago, I made the move for good — building a life, a family, and a small creative business rooted in this place that had quietly claimed my heart.
I left behind the traditional 9-to-5 and chose a life shaped by the rhythm of the land, the pull of the sea, and the stories of this extraordinary community. Through Shetland Wool Adventures, I’ve helped others experience these islands not as visitors, but as part of the fabric of the place.
During the pandemic, I started a brand new publication — the Shetland Wool Adventures Journal — a celebration of craft, creativity, adventure, and all things Shetland. What began as a way to stay connected during uncertain times has since grown into something much bigger. It led to the founding of 60 North Publishing, where I’m now focusing much of my energy and creativity.
This Substack is a natural extension of that work — a space to share glimpses into my Shetland life. Here, I write about the inspirations and challenges of island living, the beauty of making a life through creativity, and the quiet magic that comes from being deeply rooted in a place.
Welcome to Shetland — from my heart to yours.
I’m so glad you’re interested in hearing more from me and can’t wait to start sharing little bits of Shetland with you here.
Here are some kind words from my Substack Family.
