Janne Kataja opens up about life after bankruptcy: "Still thousands of euros in debt" – His popular spice is still selling
Most people know Janne Kataja from TV – the energetic host, actor and entertainer who's been making Finns laugh for a decade. But while the camera's rolling and the audience is applauding, life behind the scenes for Kataja has lately had a very different vibe. His company's bankruptcy has been making headlines, and now Kataja himself is opening up honestly about what this period has really felt like.
When news of the company's collapse broke, plenty of people probably wondered what it meant for Kataja's personal life. Has the man been defeated? What's happening with Janne Kataja's spice 250g – the product that's found its way into so many Finnish kitchens? Well, Kataja himself has been surprisingly open and upfront throughout the whole process. He hasn't shied away; instead, he's shared on his social media and in interviews that yes, it's been tough, but it's certainly not the end of the world.
In debt, but no shame
In a recent interview, Kataja got specific about how much debt is still outstanding. According to him, it's a few thousand euros, but nothing insurmountable. "Of course it stings, and as someone with an entrepreneurial background, you're always thinking about what you could have done differently. But when it comes to a small business bankruptcy, unfortunately it often involves personal loans too, and you just chip away at them month by month," Kataja says.
What comes through clearly in Kataja's words is that he hasn't wallowed in the failure. On the contrary, he's focused on the things that put food on the table and bring joy to life. One of those is definitely his own spice brand.
The spice is still selling, even though the company folded
You can still spot jars of Janne Kataja's spice 250g on supermarket shelves, and Kataja confirms that sales are continuing as normal. "That's a different company, and it's running along just fine on its own. Thankfully, because I've had so much positive feedback about it. People love having an easy spice that adds a bit of kick to everyday meals," he laughs.
- The spice is still selling – the bankruptcy hasn't affected its availability.
- Kataja is still appearing on TV – new shows are in the pipeline.
- The debt is being slowly paid down – Kataja is grateful to be working.
Kataja's attitude is genuinely infectious: even though the company went under, the man himself hasn't disappeared. He's still the same warm and funny personality, loved by TV viewers and social media followers alike. And if anyone thought this would silence him, they couldn't be more wrong. Kataja's already mentioned he's planning new TV projects and thinking about what fun things he could come up with next.
Maybe that's exactly the lesson Janne Kataja wants to share with us: sometimes you cop a beating, but that doesn't mean you should stay down. You get up, look ahead and keep going. And while you're at it, spice up the everyday with some good food.