Mellakka Management
Salma Jama
Englisch
Helsinki keeps me moving
Salma is a content creator, entrepreneur and one of the founders of the Malimania-collective. The work created by both Jama and the collective showcase an emphasis on cross-border community, yet the presence of Helsinki is strongly present.
“Many people thought the images from one of our visual collaboration were from the Alps. But in fact they were the snowy cliffs of Helsinki's Kruunuvuorenranta.”
Helsinki is important because it has everything to do and a community. Jama considers Helsinki's multiculturalism as its best feature.
“This would probably make a foreigner laugh, but that’s what Helsinki looks like to me. We are a minority, but we have a connection to each other. It is important to have your own community because it brings security. ”
Born in Vantaa, Jama moved to Helsinki at the age of one, and grew up in Pikku-Huopalahti, Helsinki. Jama says she is a complete city-dweller as even a five minute delay now feels unbearable to her. Jama likes Helsinki's fast pace, as she feels she herself is always on the move.
"Helsinki keeps me moving."
Currently, Jama lives in Jätkäsaari, it is ideal location as a content creator she can quickly reach several appointments that she often encounters in her jam-packed schedule. There is some business in the city center that she has to attend on a daily basis, but yet the atmosphere at her locality makes her feel comfortable. Although Jama only moved into the area less than a year ago, a familiarity has formed amongst the neighbours, as they often greet each other and strike up a conversation. Jätkäsaari is not hierarchical, but there is enough variety. The district has a modernity and a sense of the future that Jama appreciates.
“Jätkäsaari is being built all the time, and the enthusiasm for something new is visible in people. Everyone is waiting for what the area will be like in ten years. ”
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Jätkäsaari is also a place where people of our generation can go on living even as we get older, because there is a lot to do, it's safe, well-connected and can accommodate a family life. Summer sunsets by the sea and the numerous parks where you can go for a picnic or to enjoy outdoor activities are perhaps the best part about this place. And cycling - everyone here has a bike.
I think I became a true city-dweller when I was younger and I suddenly realized that the city goes beyond Aleksanterinkatu. I became acquianted with Iso Roba through the block parties organized by the Good Kicks store. I realized that there is more culture and young people in Finland who look like me. Also, Iso Roba is full of cafes and restaurants that are a bit divorced from the hectic downtown. If in Iso Roba you should visit the Relove store. It is a charming street especially for a walk on weekdays.
I often visit Puhos Center along with my friends and sisters to play a round of “sister badminton”. The morning starts with an hour of badminton, and then we take the metro to a cafe. We’re all competitive, which makes the activity even more fun. We don’t take this too seriously, but we also don't skip on these sessions even if we’re tired, we always make it a point to meet. At Puhos Center, the customer service is pleasant and the vibe reminds me of the Töölö Sports Hall where I used to go to when I was younger. You can easily reach the Puhos Center by metro, and the Kulosaari Metro Station is about a five-minute walk away.
When I know families who are visiting Finland from abroad I take them to Café Esplanad. YOu will find plenty of window shoppers in this area as they lust after all the luxury brands that can be found here. Helsinki's finest buildings and cafés with terraces give major Paris or London vibes, and amazing sights are close by. It is perhaps one the most photogenic main streets in Helsinki, I myself really enjoy taking photographs around this area.
I’m a picky eater, or at least I thought so, until my taste buds were expanded by Lie Mi's delicious noodles and vegetables. I fell in love with Lie Mi's quickly, not only because of the food, but also because of the people. It is a casual lunch spot where you can swiftly pick up quality food. Once we even celebrated my friend’s birthday here. Lie Mi can be found at Kamppi’s upstairs food court which is an easy location even for someone on a tight schedule.
Many associate Seurasaari with sightseeing and tourists, but having grown up in Pikku-Huopalahti, Seurasaari was my local island where I made many good memories. The island gives off a lovely homely feeling, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and peace it offers. I loved and still love to visit Seurasaari for walks. The architecture of the island gives an old world feel, which in turn helps you to relate with the memories of people associated with the island long before you. It is one of the best spots in Helsinki, which is worth heading to, especially for a spot of ice cream and a walk on sunny Sundays and outdoor activities.