Tii Huynh builds a bridge between Vietnam and Finland
Nearly twenty years ago, Tii Huynh moved from Vietnam to Finland. She is a great example of how a foreigner can succeed in Finland when they have sufficient language skills, are proactive, and receive enough support.
After moving to Finland, Tii Huynh began offering beauty services from her home. Today, her business has grown from a one-woman operation into Be Beauty studio, which employs three people. In addition to services for brows, lashes, and nails, the studio offers oriental foot massages that combine traditional foot massage with Eastern techniques such as acupuncture, cupping, and Gua Sha scraping.
Huynh, who is involved in many things, has also co-founded a consulting company called Finland Future Path with a friend. Through it, she supports Vietnamese individuals interested in coming to Finland to work, study, or invest in Finnish companies.
“I help them with practical matters, like finding accommodation and getting visas. I also assist companies looking for employees to connect with potential candidates,” Huynh explains.
Vietnamese people are interested in Finland because it has been ranked the happiest country in the world for eight consecutive years. They appreciate the country’s educational opportunities, safety, and healthcare system. However, moving to Finland requires some familiarity with the Finnish language. Language skills are key to a deeper understanding of Finnish culture and customs.
“It’s also really important to prepare for the cold winters – it’s like living in a freezer here,” Huynh laughs.
Free education is a wonderful thing
Huynh has studied diligently. She holds a degree in hotel and restaurant management from Savonia University of Applied Sciences, and a business degree from Vietnam. She has also studied beauty care, both in Finland and Germany.
“Education is very accessible in Finland, and it’s amazing that it’s free. That’s not the case in my home country. It’s incredible that anyone can study whatever they want. What more could you dream of?” Huynh says.
According to Huynh, Vietnam and Finland are very different countries to live in. They are even difficult to compare because of their political differences. In Vietnam, there is a stronger emphasis on community, while in Finland, people are more individualistic. She also feels that emotions are not expressed as openly in Finland as in Vietnam.
“That’s probably due to shyness. It takes time to form friendships with Finns, although they are warm and friendly people,” Huynh describes.
Kuopio is a special city
In addition to running two companies, Huynh tries to maintain a work-life balance. She enjoys playing golf, tennis, and badminton. In winter, she goes ice skating and skiing, although she doesn’t consider herself very good at either.
“I enjoy Finnish nature—it’s truly beautiful. My favorite place is the trail along Lake Kallavesi in Itkonniemi. I go there whenever I feel overwhelmed or overworked,” she says.
Kuopio is a special city for Huynh, where she wants to live as long as possible. It holds many memories from her studies, starting her business, and raising her daughter.
“Many people in Kuopio are truly wonderful. I’ve found important people for my life here. I’m grateful that Kuopio has given me the chance to live here,” Huynh concludes.
Text: Minna Akiola
Photos: Tii Huynh
