Journey with Me

I’m Mirka Kristiina—author, transformative travel coach, and founder of The Journey Studio. I also write under the pen name Kristiina Bruun. For as long as I can remember, travel has been my way of seeing both the world—and myself—more clearly.

Whether climbing mountains in Peru or navigating a tiny stick-shift Fiat across Spain, I’ve always sought journeys that stretch me—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’ve lived in the USA, Bangladesh, and Finland—the happiest country in the world, and my deeply rooted source of peace, nature connection, and mindful presence. I’ve also returned to my ancestral roots in Karelia, where I met the new family now living in my grandmother’s former home, and connected with local villagers while delivering aid in Bangladesh. In every place, I’ve arrived with curiosity, connected through humility, and left with a deeper sense of humanity.

Even when traveling for work as a tourism professional, I always carved out time for something intentional: a walk in a local park, a quiet visit to a museum, or a heartfelt conversation with a stranger. These small rituals brought me closer to the place—and to myself. One of the projects I’m most proud of is the Sustainable Tourism Park at the Old Town Fortress—a unique initiative that brings together cultural heritage and modern environmental goals.

But it was a 180-day sabbatical that changed everything.

I stepped away from my career, relationship, and daily routine to recover from burnout and reconnect with my true essence. I had to face and overcome something I hadn’t dared to do before—traveling alone for leisure. That solo journey led me to Machu Picchu, a climb during which I collapsed—but rose again and reached the ancient Inca fortress. There, I breathed freely for the first time in a long while, and encountered a butterfly that landed on my hand and stayed. A quiet, unexpected symbol of stillness and creative rebirth.

Later, I drove solo across Spain. I returned to places I had once known in my spring, now finding strength and a sense of home within myself as autumn approached.

That’s when The Journey Studio was born.

To support this new path, I became a Certified Transformative Travel Coach through The Travel Coach Network (CCE-accredited by the International Coach Federation, USA), blending my background in tourism and experiences as an expatriate with coaching tools that empower personal transformation. I focus on Life Reconnection Coaching through Travel.

Through retreats, 1:1 coaching, journaling, and cultural experiences, I now help others slow down, reflect, and realign. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, reigniting your creativity, or simply seeking space to breathe, I believe that travel—done mindfully—can guide you home.

Today, I live between Lappeenranta, Finland and Dénia, Spain, continuing to coach, write and create spaces for transformation. I believe that curiosity, courage, and consciousness shape not just how we travel—but how we live and flourish.

Welcome to The Journey Studio. Your next chapter begins here.

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