Text and pictures: Salla Karhumaa
Anyada moved to Kuusamo with her mother seven years ago. She was only 12 years old at the time and didn’t speak a word of Finnish or English. The first years were very hard.
At school she was bullied, and without language skills she couldn’t defend herself. Slowly, Anyada learned Finnish and English, and that’s when Kuusamo started to feel like home.
– Racism and prejudice still exist, but your own attitude makes a big difference when you want to be part of the community, Anyada says.
– Immigrants often first connect with each other, because shared experiences bring them together. Today, I have friends both among immigrants and locals.
Anyada’s mother expected her to study nursing. But Anyada had her own plans. She studied beauty care instead, completed a hairdresser’s degree at Kainuu Vocational College, and studied as a nail artist, too. Now she runs her own business in Kuusamo’s city center.
– I’m hardworking, social and friendly, and I truly love my job, Anyada tells.
– I get to meet new people, hear their life stories, and at the same time brighten their day. Especially in nail care, we sit face to face for two hours, that creates a real connection.
Most of her clients are regulars. They appreciate her unhurried, genuine, precise, and professional service, and they keep coming back. Service is in fluent Finnish, though sometimes a few English words slip in which Anyada immediately apologizes for.
– English is easier for me, so especially when I get excited, I switch to it without noticing, she explains. But her Finnish is excellent, nothing to apologize for.
Like many Asians, Anyada has a very strong work ethic – maybe even too strong. She admits she hasn’t taken long vacations for years, only a week here and there. She works from morning to evening, so she can serve clients who have different schedules. A nine-to-five routine simply isn’t possible when you’re an entrepreneur.
– In our culture, we’re not used to months-long holidays. It feels crazy! Anyada laughs but then adds that sometimes her body reminds her to slow down. When she gets sick or exhausted, she knows it’s time to rest and recharge.
This summer she took a one-week break and visited friends in Sweden and Tampere. Anyada lived in Tampere for a year, when Kuusamo felt too small and boring, a bigger city was tempting.
– It was teenage rebellion and soon I realized it was a mistake. Only from a distance I saw how good my life in Kuusamo really is. My family, friends, and work are here – what else do I need? It’s safe here, the nature is all around, it’s clean and beautiful. Kuusamo is my home, and this is where I’m gonna stay!
Deep down, Anyada describes herself as quite traditional. She dreams of a family, marriage, children, and her own house with a garden. She says she doesn’t need much, but the house should be big enough so that when her mother retires, she can live under the same roof. Taking care of elders is a matter of honor for Asian people.
– Dreams are worth following, and if you work hard, they can come true. Everyone should have the right to make their own choices.
It’s a delight to listen to and watch this smiling but determined young entrepreneur. Her authentic passion for life is inspiring and contagious.
