Our Story

The spirit of Karelia and hospitality has been ingrained in us from our childhood; both of our family roots are in Karelia. At home, we learned to host guests, to tell and listen to stories, to dedicate time to togetherness, and to enjoy delicious dishes together with or families and friends. This same relaxed and hospitable atmosphere is what we want to share in our own endeavors. We believe that all customers are more like our guests and friends, and of course, we want our guests to feel comfortable and to have nice, memorable experiences from their visit and the time they spend with us. What would you like to experience with us?

We also received inspiration and passion for all kinds of culture, storytelling, preserving traditions, exploring the forest, and marveling at the wonders of nature and the diversity of forests. We encountered Karelian and Finnish traditions and their mythologies through experiencing, reading, participating, and doing things ourselves. These are also the topics we wish to share and pass on during our forest excursions. Why do we knock on wood three times? How were the spirits of the forest appeased in the past? How were nature’s gifts utilized sustainably? What does nature and the forest provide us?

After receiving the spark from home, I, Virve, the forest elf Varpu, studied in the cultural field and then worked as a cultural secretary in various municipalities before starting our own business. The desire to do more, to combine culture and nature, and to bring joy and experiences to people led me and my husband Jari (the forest elf Naava), who had previously worked in retail and sales, to establish a cultural enterprise in 1999.

Over the years, we have gained a wealth of experience. CreativeKaiku Ky has produced, among other things, children's TV programs for Finnish television, municipal cultural services for the municipalities of Ruokolahti and Luumäki, and developed various new action models and program services related to nature tourism and different destinations. We have organized events ranging from large public gatherings with over a thousand attendees to smaller corporate and private functions, including theater performances, concerts, village events, and nature events...

Throughout our operations, we have also performed ourselves and provided performers for events and celebrations. Through collaboration with various actors and a wide network, we ensure high quality and meticulous work in our services. Our company is based in South Karelia, in the Saimaan region. We provide services in our area and also travel around Finland to deliver lectures, workshops, and concerts, for example.

Our love for nature and the development of culture in its various forms, as well as the passion, curiosity, and enthusiasm to develop and offer new experiences to others, are the motivations and fuel that drive us forward. We wouldn’t trade this work for anything else. Satisfied guests who have had experiences and gained new insights are a reward for us in themselves.

Depending on the needs of the situation or the requirements of the event, other employees and collaborators are involved. Since we are a family business, our younger members, who already have their own special skills, often participate in forest excursions, event organizing, and programs. What unites all of us involved in the operations is that every job is done with full heart, with quality, and with great passion, while taking partners and customers into consideration with a positive attitude. Together, we form a strong team!

Virve
A seasoned professional in the cultural field, a versatile performer, screenwriter, coordinator, planner, and implementer, to whom no idea is too foreign. The artistic engine of the company. Also known as the forest elf Varpu.

Jari
An idea-rich "creator" who can find answers to almost any questions and problems, whether technical or related to arrangements. A MacGyver of creative solutions. Also known as the forest elf Naava.