Welcome to a snapshot of who I am and what I stand for. My candidacy is shaped by lived experience, entrepreneurial grit, and a deep belief in inclusive community. Here’s what drives my work and why I’m running for Helsinki City Council:

1. Micro Entrepreneurs Deserve More

For over a decade, I’ve walked the path of a mission-driven entrepreneur. I started with a dream to bring healthier food on-the-go – creating plant-based, gluten-free innovations for the bakery aisle. While big interest never quite turned into shelf space, I learned everything from pitching to product development and navigating the funding landscape.My second venture, Breathe Helsinki, was a meditation and workshop space in Ullanlinna. It was a sanctuary for emotional wellbeing and later evolved into the Conscious Entrepreneurs Community, which brought together purpose-driven micro entrepreneurs. Even when the physical space closed, the spirit of community lived on.

Since 2022, I’ve supported hundreds of early-stage entrepreneurs as a trainer at The Shortcut’s Spark Academy and Helsinki Incubators’ Pathways programme. I’ve seen how much potential we have in this city — and how little structural support. It’s time we change that.

2. Community is Where We Thrive

I was raised in Luxembourg among EU kids, where celebrating cultural diversity was a daily joy. After years of studying and working in London, Lyon, Zurich and San Francisco, I’ve come to deeply value what inclusion really means. My Helsinki today is built around people from all backgrounds, and I want this city to be a beacon of openness and belonging. I’ve helped start inclusive communities like FloweRescue and Conscious Entrepreneurs, and I believe Helsinki must invest more in community wellbeing, support local organisers, and create space for connection.

3. Education is the Root of It All

As a teacher’s daughter (and substitute teacher myself), I’ve seen how vital schools are to our children’s future and our society as a whole. Education also transformed me as an entrepreneur — from coaching in San Francisco to facilitating personal growth trainings across Europe. I believe Helsinki could become a thriving hub for micro entrepreneurial education, sparking growth, creativity, and resilience.
Let’s build a city where micro entrepreneurs are seen, where every community feels like home, and where learning is a lifelong right.

Find events and voting info: https://minnamustapaa.com