June 2026 – We are building a state-of-the-art histology laboratory.

The days are flying by when you are starting something new! It's all about procurement, installations, making a web page and we have already begun receiving equipment for the lab. We are well on schedule, or so we think!

As early as the first week of June, we discovered that the doors were a bit too narrow for our machines. Fortunately, my uncle stepped up, and the problem was solved in no time. Mira's husband, Geir-Olaf, took care of the flooring where it was missing, and, of course, the walls needed a fresh coat of paint. Mira didn't want purple walls, but I went for pink and purple tones anyway, inspired by classic H&E staining (while Mira was away 😊). These same shades are also reflected in our logo (which my daughter think looks like a pepperoni pizza, I slightly agree).

The second week of June, we received equipment from Triolab, including a brand-new embedding station and microtome from Leica. The Sakura stainer is also in place, and now we are just waiting for the plumber. Today, Kilab stopped by to install benches and fume hoods. We are still waiting for more machines, but the laboratory is starting to take shape.

And then there is all the administrative work: accounting, routines, and things we never thought much about before. A big thank you to Kamila at Son Regnskap, who is incredibly patient with us when we ask about everything from accounts and vouchers to how to actually pay an invoice, what we should draw in salary, holiday pay, and everything else you need to get to grips with. We have also received approval from the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) to purchase the necessary chemicals for our laboratory operations and have implemented extra security measures with an alarm and surveillance system from Verisure.

Our coffee corner has also become very cozy. We got the kitchen table and sofa from my mom, so I naturally feel right at home here. The pod coffee machine and kettle were bought at the second hand market place Finn.no, so I am looking forward to our lunches in the breakroom. You shouldn't underestimate a nice breakroom. I also forgot to mention that we got sit-stand desks and old bookshelves from a company that was moving to new premises. As you can see, we have invested in state-of-the-art equipment for our laboratory operations while reusing furniture and equipment where appropriate. Fabian has been watching the kids. It's good to have a husband who supports you, because there is a lot to learn when you start on your own.

Oh, I completely forgot to write where we are located; we have rented premises at Gamleveien 2 in the small University town of Ås, Norway. The space used to be a dentist's office, so most things are well-suited for laboratory operations.

Mira is soon back from vacation in Slovakia! Then there will be less time for building the website and full focus on getting the laboratory up and running.

Feel free to follow us for more updates from our establishment phase.

Lene