Ilkka Veiström
I am a business owner, accountant, business and product development consultant, beekeeper, potter, certified tea specialist and trainer, and student, born in 1981 and currently residing in Helsinki.
I am studying a Further Vocational Qualification in Nature-based Services (Wildlife and nature guide), Japanese tea (Chadō, "tea ceremony") and kintsugi (traditional ceramic "repair" with urushi lacquer and gold or silver), as well as ceramics. I practice aikido and collect literature and items relating to hypnosis. Additionally, I am involved in politics. I also lead two communal study groups, one of which is related to kintsugi and the other is a study group of the Japanese tea tradition (tea ceremony, chadō).
I love learning new things and personal development. My education includes a Specialist Vocational Qualification in business consulting, a vocational degree in agriculture (specializing in beekeeping), a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Production, a Specialist Vocational Qualification in product development, a basic degree in tourism (producer of travel services), a basic degree in business administration (financial management), relaxation and hypnotherapy therapist, and a high school diploma. You can find my complete education and work history in my resume.
In terms of societal activities, I am passionate about justice and environmental, welfare, and economic policies. I previously spent years actively involved with the Greens (Vihreät - De Gröna) and served as a member of the Tampere City Audit Committee. However, since 2020, I have been politically independent. I contribute to making an impact through societal writing and by acting as an expert in pollinator policy.
I am actively involved in organizations, for example:
- Global Japanese Tea Association (2025-)
- Chanoyu ry association (2024 -)
- Suomen Kintsugiyhdistys - Kintsugi Kyoukai ry association (2023 -)
- Japanilaisen kulttuurin ystävät ry association - 日本文化友の会 フィンランド (2023 -)
- JAPANSKA THESÄLLSKAPET Chado Urasenke Tankokai Sweden Association (2023 -)
- Awase ry association (2023 -)
- Tasekirjailijat ry association (2018 -)
- Suomen Chado Urasenke Tankokai yhdistys ry association (2016 -)