Sara Sieppi, the former Miss Finland and influencer, recently released her new autobiography titled Sara Sieppi – Oliks sulla vielä jotain?, co-written with author Wilma Ruohisto. The book, published on November 13, 2024, dives deep not onlyinto her personal life but also the turbulent relationship with her former partner, who has been identified as Roope Salminen. This candid look at her life has stirred up plenty of discussions, bringing to light stories of love, betrayal, and the struggles of coping with addiction and public scrutiny.
The autobiography begins with Sieppi reflecting on her childhood, leading up to her rise to fame. After winning her title as Miss Finland, Sara found herself unable to manage her finances effectively. She recalls the initial thrill of fame, but also the challenges it brought, particularly when it came to maintaining her lifestyle. "I had lived modestly before, and suddenly I was thrown to the limelight with all this money coming at me. I thought everything would just work out on its own, and I could trust it would." She writes about how quickly things turned complicated as she tried to navigate the expectations placed upon her.
One of the more alarming revelations from the book involves her ex-partner, whom she simply refers to as “Se.” Their relationship, which started off passionately, devolved over time due to issues stemming from his severe drinking problem. The details she shares are harrowing; at various moments, Sieppi expresses how she tried to help her partner but struggled to deal with his consistent irresponsible behavior and the emotional toll it took on her.
According to Sieppi, their relationship was marred by deceit. One story she recounts involves her returning from work trips, only to find unsettling circumstances at home. “I came back to find my boyfriend passed out, the apartment was wrecked, and there was this foul smell everywhere,” she writes. It was on one such occasion, after returning from filming, she discovered his phone filled with messages from various women, shocking her to the core. "It hit me like a truck; everything had been built on lies," Sieppi comments, illustrating the mix of anger and heartbreak she felt.
Throughout the book, Sieppi discusses several incidents where her partner's drinking made everyday life increasingly unpredictable. At times, she recalls needing to check on him during parties to make sure he was okay. "There were nights I would stay up just to make sure he was still breathing," she recalls. This co-dependence and anxiety weighed down on her, leading to her seeking therapy.
Another poignant moment described is when Sieppi acknowledges her own aggressive behaviors during fights. She confesses, “During arguments, I said and did things I regret. I would yell until my throat was sore, and once, I even punched through the bathroom door out of frustration.” This admission reveals not just her struggle with the volatile nature of their relationship, but also hints at her pain and desperation.
The book does not shy away from her feelings of shame and self-doubt surrounding financial issues, including the eye-opening incident where she learned from a journalist about her hefty debt—€18,000. Her reaction was panic: "I was horrified to learn about my debt through the journalist’s call. It was the first time I heard about it; I thought everything had been under control," she reflects, admitting her poor money management contributed significantly to her mental breakdowns.
Despite these painful accounts, Sieppi also finds resilience and strength within herself. After the end of her tumultuous relationship, she emphasizes how she chose to focus on her career and personal wellbeing. "I knew I had to break free to rebuild my life and focus on my happiness again," she mentions, showcasing her determination to move on.
The media's portrayal of Sieppi has often been sensational, particularly after her well-publicized encounters with famed ice hockey player Mikael Granlund. The autobiography provides insights on how the media frenzy contributed to her stress levels. Sieppi endured constant public scrutiny, likening the experience to being trapped under glass. "All I wanted was privacy, but the headlines screamed otherwise," she notes, referring to times when her private affairs were laid bare across tabloids.
Sieppi’s relationship with Granlund became notorious for various rumors about her ‘chasing’ him after they were seen together during celebrations. Although she admits being infatuated with him, she expresses her regret at how their innocent meet-ups turned turned her image upside-down. “I found myself ridiculed, all for naively wanting to clear the air,” she reveals, reflecting on the absurdity of the media's hold over her narrative.
Interestingly, Sieppi highlights the effect of public perception on her mental health, stating, "The constant attention from the media intensified my insecurities and vulnerabilities. It made me question my self-worth constantly. Why was I the subject of such scrutiny?" This candid exposition creates more than just sympathy for Sieppi; it invites readers to empathize with the often invisible torment celebrities endure.
Sieppi’s book ekes out moments of triumph as well, particularly surrounding her newfound stability and clarity post-relationship. With the tools gleaned from therapy, she begins to understand herself, aiming to cultivate healthier relationships moving forward. The tone of self-discovery and empowerment echoes as she closes the narrative, illustrating her growth.
While Oliks sulla vielä jotain? is heavily focused on Sieppi’s personal crises, it serves as much as a public statement reclaiming her narrative from media interpretations. Readers of Sieppi’s autobiography may find the challenges relatable, especially those grappling with independence following toxic relationships. Sieppi closes by asserting, "I’ve finally decided to prioritize myself, my dreams, and my happiness; they matter just as much, if not more." This bold declaration resonates as she steps away from her past, intent on charting her own course.
