Kai & Teemu

  • United States & Finland
  • Login to see last activity

Badges (4)

Explorer
Good Workawayer
Facebook verified

Profile information

  • 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 work
    Music
    History
    Animals
    Gardening
    Photography
    Yoga / Wellness
    Politics / Social justice
    Self development
    Technology
    Writing
    Pets
    Plant care
    Movies & TV
    Fitness
    Performing arts
    Nature
    LGBTQ
    Events & social
    Drawing & painting

    show more
  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent

    More details about my language interests
    Possible to teach english

    Find a language buddy

  • Skills and knowledge we'd like to share or learn

    We're interested in:  

    General Maintenance
    Life at a Farmstay
    Eco Projects
    Animal Care

    Some knowledge of:  

    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Charity Work
    Languages

    Able to teach about:  

    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Helping around the house
    Hospitality/Tourism
    Art Projects
    Helping with Computers/ Internet
    Teaching
  • More 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
      No

    • Special dietary requirements
      No

Feedback



Friends

Photos

Feedback