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Travel information
We are currently
At home
Activities we are interested in:
Massage Therapy, Murals, Art, Digital Marketing, Hospitality, Food production/barista, Spa
Description
The Couple:
Kai and Teemu, two responsible, humorous adults in their mid-30's that like to escape the brutally dark Finnish winters and plunge themselves into a different geography and culture for a few months at a time. They met while Kai was on her last workaway experience painting murals in Koh Phangan in 2019, married last summer. A quiet, conscientious, no-drama couple. Kai would be the primary worker*. We are both highly skilled, no-nonsense, independent, straightforward individuals that prefer a different to take a trip rather than a "vacation".
Kai: Originally from Hawaii/west coast US. Integrative Massage Therapist by profession, with a background in 2D art and small-medium scale mural work, stage performance, and health-related education and practice (meditation, YTT cert., mindfulness, nutrition, cooking). Zero fear in trying different things and really exploring traditional methods of cooking, medicine, art, craft, and knowledge.
Teemu: Born and raised in Finland, working as a Lead Software Developer for an emerging startup in the large-scale event industry. Teemu's additional skills are gardening/plant propagation, A/V tech (used to work as Sound Tech for local Helsinki radio), and basic IT problem-solving.
Kai says:
"I am a hard worker with many skills-- I've successfully started my own private practice Massage Therapy office in Helsinki, Finland, navigating startup grants, entrepreneurship, and marketing in an unfamiliar, foreign country. You're welcome to take a look at my website, which I also made myself: www.saulewellness.com
-In the US, land of the side-hustle and multiple professions, I ran an art gallery for 2 years (so any marketing/events planning/human wrangling is totally comfortable for me). I've been a chef-for-hire, a brand ambassador for 30+ companies, a professional figure model, a contracted mural artist, a stage performer, a house-cleaner, a waitress/barista, and a bartender. I am very happy in customer-service type positions because I love interacting with different folks! I am particularly interested in supporting under-served communities.
-Public Health Education background-- creating and supporting healthy communities, holistic wellness, early education, environmental impact reduction and sustainability
-Basic clinical and first-aid herbalism, making herbal medicines, medicinal foods, exploring regional and traditional health practices
-Experience (trained, certified 500+ hours) with massage, hydrotherapy, meditation, stress-reduction, mind-body wellness techniques. Currently running a private practice, workplace wellness program, and contracting with local Finnish massage companies.
-Food production-- all areas of this. Currently focusing on using daily food as medicine, every meal is an opportunity to increase the vitality and positive expressions of those consuming it. Food is a passion for me-- particularly creating delicious and nutritious options with variety and flavor! I love to come up with new creations using local ingredients. Over 10 years of food service experience as well.
-Promotions and marketing-- I've done Brand Ambassador/Promotions/Sales and event work for over 8 years, for local as well as international companies. I am very comfortable working in the field, during events, creating promotional material and handling social media.
-Art-- Currently operating as a freelance artist doing 2D, Mural work, and some small sculpture. Been primarily focusing on exploring traditional plant medicines in a visual medium. I also do restaurant/menu/hotel signs. Basic photography.
-Computers and Design-- Basic web design, canva, photoshop skills, photo-editing, flyer/logo-creation skills, social media marketing, Event creation and marketing.
-Childcare and education-- I am an experienced nanny and love teaching kids practical skills in creative environments. I place a big emphasis on reading and exploration of children's literature and art. I adore kids, as well as creating kid-friendly spaces and programs (I volunteered with SMART kids reading program for 2 years and worked as a Theater Art Director with a group of kids one summer).
-Practiced in Non-Violent communication and sensitive to interpersonal shifts and obstacle-removals. Completely comfortable and welcoming with open and honest communication.
-In good physical health, I don't shy away from labor. I am not proficient in building/production, but I have an interest in sustainable and alternative practices and can usually learn by doing. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty."
*Teemu does digital work for a company in Finland so would primarily be working as a digital nomad, but there is some flexibility to either partial work-trade or pay some extra for accommodation/food if necessary. Kai and Teemu are both happy to provide and cook their own food if that makes sense for the situation. Basically, they both love to travel and enjoy to have a bit of structure and meaningful purpose while in a new place.
If you have any questions or ideas, please don't hesitate to ask!Interests
Charity workMusicHistoryAnimalsGardeningPhotographyYoga / WellnessPolitics / Social justiceSelf developmentTechnologyWritingPetsPlant careMovies & TVFitnessPerforming artsNatureLGBTQEvents & socialDrawing & painting
show moreLanguages
Languages spoken
English: FluentMore details about my language interests
Possible to teach englishSkills and knowledge we'd like to share or learn
We're interested in:
General MaintenanceLife at a FarmstayEco ProjectsAnimal CareSome knowledge of:
GardeningDIY and building projectsCharity WorkLanguagesAble to teach about:
Creating/ Cooking family mealsHelping around the houseHospitality/TourismArt ProjectsHelping with Computers/ InternetTeachingMore details about your skills
Explanation in bio, but: Massage Therapy, gardening, art/design/murals/brochures/etc, childcare, cooking/meals, cleaning, tourism, bartending, waitressing, computers, English language, herbalism
Age
36 & 36
What else ...
We enjoy humor, independence, and some warm weather on occasion.
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
NoSpecial dietary requirements
No
Feedback
This was an absolutely wonderful experience. Definitely life-changing. I found a second family with Yaara and Orr and the beautiful space they provided made it so enjoyable to stay--it barely even felt like work!
My needs were always met with compassion and efficiency, they fostered a real sense of community with the… read more
Unfortunately, the situation was very different when I got there.… read more
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Feedback
This was an absolutely wonderful experience. Definitely life-changing. I found a second family with Yaara and Orr and the beautiful space they provided made it so enjoyable to stay--it barely even felt like work!
My needs were always met with compassion and efficiency, they fostered a real sense of community with the… read more
Unfortunately, the situation was very different when I got there.… read more