Sintija Dutka, a professional doula (trained birth and post-partum companion), who provides support services to families during the life-changing time of having a baby, a childbirth educator, a Dancing for Birth instructor and body emotion therapist (tunnevyöhyketerapia) and a post-partum doula in training has been serving the people of Rovaniemi for the last seven years.
Dutka arrived in Rovaniemi from Latvia in 2003 to study International Project Management at the Lapland University of Applied Sciences (then RAMK – Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences).
After the completion of her studies, she took a job at the University of Lapland as a project coordinator for three years and did her Masters studies (MSc in International Development and Cooperation) at the University of Jyväskylä.
“I have worked in the fields of hospitality and tourism, project management, international cooperation, immigrant integration, and anticipation dialogue before and during my own work as an antenatal and birth professional,” Dutka told the Daily Finland.
Sharing her experiences and describing the details about her initiatives to become a successful entrepreneur with the extra, she said, “It was late 2013 when I registered as a light entrepreneur and started to use Ukko.fi to charge for my services. It was the time when my second child turned three and I slowly had more and more time to implement my own ideas and realise my dreams. By then I was a Dancing for Birth instructor, a voluntary doula in Lapin ensi- ja turvakoti and started a professional doula training in Doulakka. I started to provide Dancing for Birth classes and other childbirth education courses for pregnant women and couples expecting a baby.”
Since then she kept the light business ongoing and combined it with family and other daily work periodically.
She is also a facilitator of anticipation dialogues.
“I provide pregnancy and birth support services for pregnant women and couples, childbirth education courses in groups as well as courses tailored for individuals and couples,” said Sintija, adding that she provides body emotion therapy for clients of all ages, baby massage, childbirth stimulating procedure, Rebozo massage, mother blessings and the like.
She also rents TENS machine, birth balls, Rebozo shawl and other birth-related equipment.
Expressing her optimism to take several other programmes in future, the Latvian entrepreneur said client satisfaction with her services and experiences is what has turned her into a successful service provider.
“Cooperation with other professionals in the field, such as midwives, doctors, and other maternity service providers is very crucial as well,” She added.
“After all I am the one to prioritise things and measure the success, set demands for success of my own business. It is important to rely on the process, evaluate it and learn,” she observed.
Describing her experience of setting up a business in Rovaniemi, she said she found the people whom she reached interesting. “I heard a lot of personal opinions and experiences of childbirth. It tells me how emotional and long-lasting effects a child-birth have on one’s life.”
Doula is still a rather odd profession, especially in the north of Finland. “I have to do a lot of awareness-raising work to tell people about my work, the benefits of having a doula during childbirth, the meaning and effects of childbirth preparation and post-partum support. It takes a lot of energy and time,” she said.
She appreciated the opportunity and freedom to combine the work and family life; which made her able to plan her own time; prioritizing the tasks.
Light entrepreneurship form has been a fit for me. I am working through Omapaja and planning to open my own company later on, when my body emotion therapy studies at the Kairon Institute is completed.
Terming networking in Rovaniemi as crucial, Doula said it opens up many doors.
She has a family with three kids and her husband Arturs Dutka, who works as a beer master at Lapland Brewery.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
As a fellow entrepreneur, Sintija Dutka’s story is truly inspiring. Her diverse background and dedication to her work are evident in her journey to success. It’s amazing to see how her out-of-the-box thinking has led her to flourish in her entrepreneurial ventures. Kudos to her!
As a doula, Sintija Dutka’s journey is truly inspiring. Her dedication and multidimensional expertise in childbirth education, body emotion therapy, and project management exemplify the diverse skills needed to succeed as an entrepreneur. It’s commendable how she seamlessly transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship, showcasing innovation and resilience in her professional pursuits.
How did Sintija Dutka’s diverse background influence her entrepreneurial journey? Has she faced any challenges transitioning to a business owner role from her previous professions?
Sintija Dutka’s diverse background has been a crucial factor in her entrepreneurial journey. By combining her skills as a doula, childbirth educator, and project coordinator, she brings a unique perspective to her business. Transitioning from her previous professions has presented its challenges, but Dutka’s determination and outside-the-box thinking have propelled her to success.
Have you ever considered the challenges Sintija Dutka faced while transitioning from project coordination to entrepreneurship?
Yes, transitioning from project coordination to entrepreneurship can be challenging, but Sintija Dutka seems to have navigated it successfully with her diverse background and skill set. Her journey is truly inspiring!
As a fellow doula, I am truly inspired by Sintija Dutka’s journey to entrepreneurship. It’s amazing to see her diverse background and how she has leveraged her skills to serve her community. Her story is a great example of passion and dedication paying off!
As a fellow doula and entrepreneur, I am truly inspired by Sintija Dutka’s journey and innovative approach to her business. Her dedication and diverse skill set are truly admirable. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and outside-the-box thinking in achieving entrepreneurial success.
Sintija Dutka’s journey is truly inspiring! Her dedication to diverse fields like project management, education, and therapy showcases her versatility and passion. It’s amazing to see how she managed to carve her path as an entrepreneur with her unique skill set. Kudos to her!
Dutka’s impressive journey from a doula to an entrepreneur is truly inspiring. It’s remarkable how she diversified her skills and seized the opportunity to become successful. Her story demonstrates the power of determination and innovation in achieving one’s goals.
I think Sintija Dutka’s diverse background and experiences really shine through in her entrepreneurial journey. It’s inspiring to see someone with such a unique skill set achieve success by thinking outside the box. Her dedication to helping families in Rovaniemi is truly commendable.
How did Sintija Dutka manage to juggle all those roles and responsibilities while starting her entrepreneurial journey?