Ebba Seppänen Allison is something else. At the age of only 23, she's a sommelier in Stockhom restaurant/wine bar Bar Montan, and also hosts pop-ups with her husband Bill, via Patois Patois. Formerly a resident of Amsterdam, the Social Capital team first met Ebba at a dinner hosted by Charlotte Brattinga, one of our resident tastemakers and all-round favourite connectors. You can find out more about Ebba on her Instagram here.

Can you introduce yourself in a few sentences?

My name is Ebba. I am 23 years old and I currently live in Stockholm with my husband. I work full-time as a sommelier in a wine bar, and in my free time I enjoy reading old books, drinking oat matcha lattes, and going to pilates!

What’s your star sign?

Aries sun, cancer moon, scorpio rising.

What’s your best life hack? 

Magnesium before bed and a weighted blanket! 

What do you do for work? 

I recently started to work in a restaurant/wine bar called Bar Montan in south of Stockholm, as a part of the front of house staff. I have always worked in the service industry. It is a part of me that both gives me space to be myself and also a place that allows me to live out another persona. 

How did you get to where you are today?

Sometimes I don’t think I'd say I have gotten anywhere specific and that’s absolutely one of my hardest feelings to deal with. I am quite hard on myself and have a strong feeling of always trying harder. Maybe not looking back has put me here today, both in a good way and a bad way. My twenties are for trying, and I will try my best.

What does living a good life mean to you?

Living a good life is being able to live out those things that seen to be too far off from where I am, to be able to travel far away from home and experience things I never imagined. It also means to be able to take care of my free time, and enjoy those small regular moments you rush through on a day to day, like cooking dinner for yourself or taking an everything shower.

What’s something you wish you’d known 5 years ago?

I think that 18 year old me would’ve needed to hear that it’s okay to do those stupid things you do when you're younger, that there’s no stress to grow up. I was way too focused on seeming more mature, more adult-like and judged people my age for being exactly what they were: 18. To let go of my fear of being perceived and judged by it. 

Who’s someone (famous)  you look up to? 

Victoria Paris, she’s an influencer who I resonate a lot with. I enjoy her openness, how she shows her lifestyle to the world. I think her style is amazing, and as I’m continually developing my own style I look to her as a reference. I hope I can travel more and make more memories like her, gaining the confidence to even start vlogging!

What’s the best life lesson you’ve learnt? 

There’s no reason to walk around being stressed about things, whether it’s work, school, relationships or anything. I try every day to set intentions with my time and it can absolutely be frustrating at times but it has changed my perspective on stress and anxiety. 

What do you dream about?

Currently I dream about owning my own boutique gym, with small classes, a small community of likeminded people. Further than that I hope to one day have a space that combines my love for hospitality, with my admiration of books and flowers. A space with shelves lined with books, fresh baked goods, brewed coffee, and flowers arrangements you can purchase to take home.

What is one thing you recommend?

Stop second guessing yourself and dare to live life <3

What song would be the soundtrack to your life?

When Doves Cry, by Prince.

Finally, give us a hotspot in your city, or a city you love

Hosoi: it’s a listening bar with great crafted beer and natural wine!