The Finnish Consulate of Los Angeles, together with Business Finland have been working on a wellbeing related program for some time. The idea has been to dig deeper in Finland’s UN status as the happiest country on earth, six years in a row. Happiness and wellbeing go together and everyone knows that if anything is as deeply ingrained into the Finnish happiness – and wellbeing for that matter – it’s the Finnish style sauna.
Team Finland commissioned a sauna study that started the process and its pinnacle was the event on September 21st at the Consul’s residence in Bel Air. The event began by some Finnish companies, in collaboration with Sauna from Finland, presenting their goods while light refreshments were served. There were two saunas; Kirami was showing their FinVision Misty sauna with a Harvia Virta Combi Heater and they also had a working cold plunge and outdoor shower on display. Aito Sauna had brought their Aito Sauna Classic with an IKI heater. Sauna America was displaying the Jokipii Linen Textiles, Hukka Design and Narvi heaters. Finally, Cariitti and Rento brands were also shown.
While the first part of the day was reserved for businesses and people interested in products and the sauna in general, the second part of the day was for media and other players in the well-being realm. It was great to see that many members of The North American Sauna Society were present, California’s own Nordic Sauna, Design for Leisure/ KLAFS USA, Sauna America, Cedar & Stone Nordic Sauna and IKI. Finlandia Foundation National also had representation, not least for their upcoming “Sauna Week,” again at the end of February 2024. Finnish Consul General, Okko-Pekka Salmimies made an introduction and welcomed all guests, who at this point filled the house. We were treated to an eyes closed most relaxing 5 minute nature sound meditation by OLO.space. This was actually really nerve calming exercise. After that we saw a Visit Finland video about Finnish wellness and happiness. Immediately after the video a panel discussion ensued. Eero Kilpi, President of The North American Sauna Society moderated a discussion with April Rinne (global futurist and keynote speaker), Samuli Kerrman (CEO of IKI heaters) and Jenifer and Mark Felan (owners of the Sweat Shack sauna and wellness franchise). The topics covered were the Finnish happiness, what is a sauna, sauna’s health benefits, differences between Finnish and American sauna practices, how is sauna doing in North America and finally, sauna and happiness. A couple of questions were also taken from the audience.
After the panel a very nice Finnish style dinner was served. Participants had ample time to mingle and network and some of us, who were ready and willing, ended the evening with a fantastic sauna session with sausage and all. You can’t go wrong with that!
Article by Eero Kilpi, North American Sauna Society.
