In Helsinki, everyone’s got their own way of doing things, and the city wouldn’t have it any other way. For 52-year-old Georges Kouassivi-Benissan, Helsinki has been home for nearly 30 years.

“In 1995, English wasn’t as widely spoken in Helsinki, so the language gave me a bit of a headache. But despite the early hurdles, Georges quickly fell in love with Helsinki’s range of offerings – particularly sauna and karaoke. “The sauna gave me comfort in the cold, and karaoke is a very underappreciated way of self-expression.”

Georges’s journey to Helsinki started with a surprising friendship in Togo. After becoming friends with a Finnish-Swedish traveller in the early ‘90s, Georges was encouraged to experience Finland. And if you ask Georges what it is about Helsinki that makes him happy, the answer is simple: “It’s a city that lets everyone just be.”

“Helsinki encourages me to embrace my creativity. Whether I’m expressing myself through painting, teaching tennis, singing, or wandering my favourite neighbourhoods, I find that this city has a way of encouraging every person to bring out their individuality.”

Leap into Helsinki’s art scene

Georges quickly found a way to keep doing what he loves, and that’s coaching tennis. To this day, he is doing private tennis coaching while working as consultant at GSPT Consulting.

But as Georges began to establish a life here, he quickly found inspiration in the city’s growing design scene, vintage shops, and its artistic community. Helsinki’s blend of modern and vintage sparked a passion for styling and art – in all forms.

“I love art galleries like Galerie Forsblom and the antique finds in Hagelstam. Just walk around Tehtaankatu and look around what you see.”

Now, Georges is bringing his love of style into a new venture. Launching a vintage-inspired shop in February 2025, George is excited to offer something unique to Helsinki’s growing vintage and art scene.

“I’ve always had a love for styling, and people often ask me where I find pieces that I’m wearing. Now I can share them with everyone, and there will even be a mini-gallery, so people can enjoy both vintage pieces and art.”

Sense of belonging, season by season

Helsinki’s changing seasons might not be for everyone, but for Georges, they each represent a breath of freshness. As he takes a break from work and strolls through the parks and along the shoreline of Market Square, Georges lets his mind soak up the crispy November air. 

“I love how the city changes throughout the year, each season brings something new,” he says. “In Togo, we only had long summers and rainy seasons, I really appreciate the variety here.”

Each of his favourite neighbourhoods offer something different, from the lively streets of Kallio to the peaceful parks in Kruununhaka, and the tranquil atmosphere of Eira. Whether it’s walking around for inspiration, taking in the fresh air, or relaxing at one of his favorite cafes in the heart of the city, Café Engel or Fazer Café, Helsinki offers Georges the perfect balance of creativity and calmness.

“A walk through these streets is never boring,” Georges states.

Safety isn’t something to take for granted

One of the most rewarding aspects of Georges’s life here has been starting a family and raising his children in a city that feels safe.

“The city itself encourages children to be confident and self-reliant. Here, they can just be kids, which is so important. And as a parent having a peace of mind while your kids go to school by themselves gives you some flexibility as well.” 

Paris is one of Georges’s favourite cities, but after a while, he starts to miss the calm of Helsinki – here you can move at your own pace and truly feel like you have room to breathe.

“Helsinki is a platform for you to be yourself,” he concludes. 

Next time you’re in town, why not follow Georges’s lead? Take a walk-through Helsinki’s colorful neighborhoods, step into a local gallery, or sing a song at a nearby karaoke bar. You might just find yourself staying a little longer.

Check out the MyHelsinki Vintage Shopping Guide and Art Walks in Helsinki for tips on where to find the best vintage treasures and local art spots around the city.