After living for over ten years in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Johanna and Mikko Kiesi decided to return to their roots in North Karelia. Now, life in Joensuu combines work, family, and closeness to nature in a way they never realized they missed while living in Espoo—until it became part of their everyday life.
Johanna and Mikko Kiesi first met in high school, even though they came from different towns: Mikko is from Kontiolahti, and Johanna from Liperi. Their youthful friendship developed into a relationship that eventually took them to the capital region for a decade.
“From the beginning, we had two shared dreams: to have a family and to return to our home region. We longed for the peace of a home with a yard, but also for something harder to define—a feeling that life was grounded,” Johanna says.
Studies Took Them Away—And Back Again
The move to Espoo originally happened because of Mikko’s studies. He began studying mechanical engineering at Aalto University and later deepened his expertise in mechatronics in Stockholm.
“In Stockholm, I moved into the software side of things. That opened the door to my career, and in the meantime, Johanna stayed in Finland, where we built our life around studies and work,” Mikko recalls.
We started seriously considering whether life might be better elsewhere
City life was rewarding but also exhausting, especially as the family grew. Eventually, the pandemic changed everything.
“Remote work became more common and made us realize that our location didn’t have to be defined by our jobs. We started seriously considering whether life might be better elsewhere,” Mikko says.
Two Professionals, One Shared Goal
Today, Mikko works as a software developer at a company called Kelluu, which develops airship technology and related data solutions. Previously, he worked for an IT company in the Helsinki area.
Johanna is a full-time photography entrepreneur, specializing in wedding photography and boudoir portraits—where the focus is on self-expression and body positivity.
“Boudoir photography is a counterforce to beauty pressures. I want every person I photograph to feel beautiful just as they are. Through photography, I can convey acceptance and confidence,” Johanna explains.
Most of her clients come through word-of-mouth recommendations, and she has built a loyal customer base.
“The best part of entrepreneurship is doing work that means something to people. I make moments visible, and that empowers me too.”
Joensuu Surprised Them—Especially in Terms of Entrepreneurship
The return to Joensuu turned out to be the right decision in many ways—especially from Johanna’s perspective.
“When we moved, someone asked if I needed support as an entrepreneur. That stuck with me. Joensuu has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and it’s easy for entrepreneurs to find their place here,” she says.
Joensuu is just the right size: there’s room to grow a business, but also time to live
Courses and events organized by Business Joensuu have helped her build networks and develop her business.
“Joensuu is just the right size: there’s room to grow a business, but also time to live. From an entrepreneur’s point of view, that’s a huge advantage,” Johanna adds.
Everyday Life and Celebration in Their Hometown
Everyday life has taken on a new rhythm in Joensuu—stress has been replaced by balance and enjoying personal time.
“I vividly remember when we arrived in Joensuu with a one-way train ticket. That’s when we knew we didn’t need a return ticket. It was a liberating feeling,” Johanna says with a smile.
We knew we didn’t need a return ticket
Free time has gained new meaning, especially with support networks now nearby. Help from grandparents has made room for the couple to spend time together.
“When our child had their first sleepover at the grandparents’, we had an evening just for ourselves. We went to a restaurant, had wine at a bar, and soaked up the summer evening downtown—yes, even that is possible in Joensuu,” Johanna beams.
Nature Brings Balance
Nature plays a big role in the Kiesis’ daily life. Mikko has rediscovered an old hobby.
“I hadn’t skied since middle school. Now the ski trails run just half a kilometer from our home—it was easy to get back into it. Last winter had little snow, but otherwise, skiing has been a major rediscovery,” Mikko says.
Johanna enjoys nature walks and hikes.
“The Kuhasalo area has become one of my favorite spots. I hadn’t visited it before, but now I’ve returned many times. Forest and lakeside scenery are good for the soul.”
Building the Future Step by Step
Johanna and Mikko see their future in Joensuu.
“Work, family, and home keep us here. It’s important to us that we can develop our everyday life without pressure or rush,” Johanna says.
Even the little moments tied to their move carry great meaning.
“When Johanna went ahead, I stayed behind to finish cleaning the old apartment. I drove to Joensuu alone, listening to Leevi & The Leavings’ Pohjois-Karjala the entire way. That moment summed up the whole move,” Mikko laughs.
Connections form easily when you bravely attend events and talk to new people
One of the most important aspects of their new life has been finding a sense of community. Johanna encourages others to get involved actively.
“Connections form easily when you bravely attend events and talk to new people. Activities for families have been a great way for us to meet others, and entrepreneurial networks have also been invaluable,” Johanna says.
This material was produced as part of the activities of the City of Joensuu Innovation Ecosystem Agreement (ERDF), co-funded by the European Union and the city of Joensuu.
Artificial intelligence has been used in the translation of the article.
