Hello!
I'm Anne-Mari Porrasoja, the founder and entrepreneur behind Stilte.
I’m a born-and-raised local from Kokkola, and the wide-open coastline of our region is close to my heart. The bog is my soulscape, and the scent of sea breeze feels like home.
A Path to Profession – From Experience to Calling
Nature has been with me since childhood, offering safety, strength, and endless inspiration. I remember summer trips to our cottage, and the huge perch we caught from my grandfather’s dock. The riverbank next to our yard, where sparks from the campfire flew into the night, gently lighting the wings of bats flying at the night sky. I also remember the deep longing for our pure nature and the light-filled summer nights when I briefly lived elsewhere as an adult. Now, I want to share that power of nature with others.
Massage therapy has helped me with pains and tensions over the course of my adut life, and it sparked a desire to learn more and offer the same relief to others.
My journey into massage and nature guiding didn’t begin with textbooks but with my own body and personal experiences that ignited a passion for learning. In 2023, after years of nature-related hobbies, I enrolled in a nature guide training program at Kpedu Perho. That same year, I began professional studies in massage therapy, from which I graduated in December 2024.
I’ve also expanded my expertise through courses at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK), studying topics such as anatomy, rehabilitation, self-compassion, psychological flexibility, nature tourism, and mental coaching. In addition, I’ve trained in breathwork and meditation guidance at Tietoisuusakatemia. With this broad background, my services focus not only on the body, but on the whole person – inside and out.
Stilte
“Stilte” means silence in Dutch. To me, silence represents relaxation and peace. The silence of nature is full of sounds, but in that vibrant quietness, the mind finds rest and calm. I want to make this peaceful silence accessible to others and help people release both physical and emotional tension.