Meet JYU alumni Tiina Huhtaniemi
Tiina started her studies leading to a bachelor's degree in early childhood education in 1995. After the first year, she was hit by a crisis. Huhtaniemi took a gap year and studied at the Petäjävesi Arts and Crafts Institute in Petäjävesi, since her passion was knitting. However, summer jobs repeatedly led her to childhood education and the field felt like her own. She had a strong feeling that it was not worth leaving the academic path unfinished. After returning to university, motivation was high and the passion for studies was strong.
"It was a useful experience to study in two different year groups at the same time. I got a taste of working life: learning to be creative, adapt and take on situations with new people."
Tiina's studies progressed rapidly towards her bachelor's degree. The topic of her thesis was inspired by interesting empirical data. At that time, the starting point for the research was a matter of discussion: whether it was possible to write a thesis on one's own data, which had been collected without a scientific background and hypothesis. This order of actions gave some foretaste of Tiina's future working life.
Tiina has always been quick to get up and running. Afterwards, she always analyses what was done. Without that spontaneity, many things and improvements would not have taken place.
Huhtaniemi, who now has a turnover of around two million euros and a specialised qualification in business management, is executing a more focused strategy in her business. However, in the early years of the company's growth, pre-calculations could have thwarted many new opportunities and expansion projects. They might have seemed too risky or difficult to implement.
"During my years of study, I realised that working only on a theoretical level is not my area of interest. I like to be hands on - and then analyse what I have done."
But you can't make decisions lightly when you're running your own business, which employs several people. Over the years, Huhtaniemi has relied on vision, experience and risk-taking within her own limits.
Tiina believes that finding a way of working that is unique to you is important. If the direction of your studies or the way you work doesn't feel like you, you shouldn't give up. Rather, dive deeper into your own interests. Experiences that eliminate alternatives are also important.
"It is not worth going along with the wishes of family, friends or others. You should seek your own path and be true to your dreams. It takes courage, perseverance, integrity and the ability to change, but it is certainly rewarding."
Today's work culture makes Tiina wonder. Sometimes, well-being at work means that nothing should be difficult. It can create a false hope that working life is always easy. At work - and in life - there are many uncomfortable things to encounter. You must put up with them from time to time, and sometimes you have to push forward even when you're not so motivated - and you have to practice talking about the difficult issues.
“Good interpersonal skills have never hurt anyone.”
So, what made an early childhood educator decide to become an entrepreneur? The woollen nappy pants she knitted during her maternity leave sold well and gradually buyers started asking Tiina for the beautiful and unusual yarns she used. This is the path that Titityy's owner is still on. After this summer's knit festival, the next big step in Tiina's work life is to finish her upcoming knitting book. Tukubook will be published in the autumn, and the focus is already on new projects in the future.
