Finnish yoga teacher Saija decided to follow her dream
- annelidanielsson
- Nov 11
- 3 min read
When Finnish yoga teacher Saija Meriläinen decided to follow her dream of combining entrepreneurship, personal development, and adventure, she chose the path of the EU program Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs.
Six months later, she had not only built new business ideas but also found the courage to believe in herself.
For Saija Meriläinen, a yoga teacher and wellness entrepreneur from Finland, the program became a way to realize her dream. For six months, she lived on the small Canary Island of La Gomera, where she collaborated with local entrepreneur Rebeca, who runs Aregoma, a business focused on nature experiences and sustainable tourism.
– I wanted to see how someone in the same industry works abroad, in a different culture. This was a way to combine learning, personal development, and adventure, says Saija Meriläinen.
"Incredibly valuable"
She heard about the program through a friend and hesitated at first, but once she applied, she realized it was exactly the kind of support she needed.
– The great thing about the program is that you don't need to have a ready-made company. It's enough to have an idea and a desire to create something. The rest emerges during the journey.
Once there, Saija Meriläinen gained practical insight into how to build a business in wellness and tourism in a completely different environment. She participated in event planning, helped market Aregoma's activities, created new collaborations, and organized her own yoga classes and retreats.
– Rebeca became more than a mentor; she also became mental support. As an entrepreneur, you often doubt yourself. Having someone to talk to who understands that journey was incredibly valuable.
Inspired each other
The program aims precisely for this type of encounter. A new entrepreneur gets the chance to stay with an experienced host entrepreneur in another EU country for a period of one to six months. The exchange is financed by EU funds, and the collaboration can lead to new ideas, business contacts, and long-term collaborations.
For the host entrepreneur, the program, in turn, means gaining new perspectives, energy, and knowledge.
– It really is a mutual exchange. I learned a lot from Rebeca, but I also noticed that she appreciated my ideas and my background. We inspired each other.
New insights and future plans
For Saija Meriläinen, the time in Spain became more than just a professional experience; it also became an inner journey.
– I learned to be patient. Building a business takes time. But I also gained the courage to believe in my idea.
She describes the stay as intense but rewarding. Besides the collaboration with her mentor, she participated in local festivals, met other entrepreneurs and digital nomads. She also launched her first own yoga retreat.
– It was a big step. Even if I didn't reach all the goals I set, my self-confidence grew enormously.
Today, Saija Meriläinen lives in Italy. Her company is on pause, but the contact with Rebeca lives on.
– We are good friends and talk often. I hope that in the future we can create something together and that the company will come back to life soon, she says, explaining that Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is often described as a winning program for both parties where new and experienced entrepreneurs learn from each other. The goal is to create more sustainable, successful small businesses in Europe. But for many, just like for Saija Meriläinen, the gain is even greater.
– You develop as a person. You gain perspective on your work, your lifestyle, and what you truly want. I recommend it to anyone who has an idea but doesn't know where to start.
About Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs
– An EU-funded exchange program that matches new entrepreneurs with experienced entrepreneurs in other European countries. The purpose is to exchange experiences, develop business ideas, and strengthen cooperation between Europe's entrepreneurs.
– The program is financed by the EU's Single Market Programme and is coordinated in Sweden by, among others, European Minds.
– You can read more about the program here.
Why you should apply
– Provides you with international experience as you can live and work in an EU country for one to six months.
– Provides you with mentorship and networking as you receive guidance from an experienced entrepreneur and create contacts for future collaborations.
– Gives you the opportunity to develop your idea with practical entrepreneurship, marketing, and business development.
– Is partially funded as the program is covered by EU funds, and you receive financial support during your stay.
– Provides personal growth with new perspectives, inspiration, and self-confidence.
