Christina Fris facts for kids

Christina Fris (1757–1835) was a powerful Swedish businesswoman. She was an industrialist and a merchant. After her husband passed away in 1808, Christina took over his trading company. She also became the owner of one of Sweden's largest tobacco factories.

Christina Fris: A Leading Businesswoman

Her Early Life and Family

Christina Fris was born in 1757. Her father, Anders Nordström, owned a tobacco factory. In 1777, she married Carl Magnus Fris. He was also a merchant. Carl Magnus inherited a tobacco business from his mother, Anna Dimander.

In 1792, several family tobacco businesses joined together. This created a very large company called Anna Dimander & son. It became the biggest tobacco firm in Sweden. Christina's husband, her sister-in-law, and Christina herself (with her sister) all brought their family tobacco factories into this new, big company.

Taking Charge: A Woman in Business

When Christina's husband died in 1808, she inherited a lot of money. She also became a part-owner of the large tobacco firm. At first, her brother-in-law managed the company.

However, when her brother-in-law passed away in 1812, Christina and two other women took over. These women were Christina Fris, Maria Frisson Dimander (her sister), and Maria Christina Bucht (her sister-in-law). Each woman managed one-third of the big tobacco company.

It was very unusual for three women to run such a large business during that time. It was almost unique in Sweden! Christina, Maria, and Maria Christina managed the firm together for sixteen years. Then, in 1828, Christina Fris became the only active manager. The company eventually closed in 1832.

Managing Other Businesses

Besides the tobacco firm, Christina Fris also managed her late husband's trading company. She continued to run this business until she passed away. Through this company, she sold products from her sawmill and ironworks. This shows she was involved in many different types of industries.

One of Sweden's Richest Women

From the mid-1700s to the early 1800s, Christina Fris was one of the three wealthiest women merchants in Stockholm. The other two were Anna Maria Wretman and Anna Maria Brandel. Christina Fris was a remarkable and successful businesswoman for her time.