TIA DE BONO

“My obsession is to make a positive difference in the world. I believe passionately in entrepreneurship, freedom and empowerment. My aim is to proudly promote Finnish and Nordic values as well as the products and innovations our country continuously develops.

Speaking fluently English, Finnish, as well as Italian, Spanish and French has given me a window to other cultures (I am also happy to speak moderate Swedish and some Russian when necessary). Besides Finland, I have lived and worked in Belgium, Venezuela, Spain and last in Italy where I spent four years in Florence, Tuscany. Moving back to Finland and having conversations with my network of international associates made me evaluate the untapped business opportunities there are all around us.

I strongly believe that in Finland, all the blocks are in place to make world-class achievements in any field. The best education, the most stable banks, the best governance, the most independent judiciary, the safest, most stable and free country, the least organized crime, the cleanest raw materials and water, and even at the forefront of comparison between the happiest and least corrupt countries year after year. This list could go on for a long time. Creativity, craftsmanship, top engineers and experts can be found in every village. The majority of obstacles have therefore already been identified. We should see the forest from the trees and awaken our strong, albeit slightly dormant, self-esteem. It’s there, it just needs to be introduced to the world.

I am devoted to sharing ideas, tools and resources that will help your business grow.”

Tian’s journey to developing international business began when living in Tallinn, Estonia. There she decided to start her Batchelor studies of international business and marketing in Porvoo, Finland. Between studies work experience was gained from Nokia Siemens Networks in Caracas, Venezuela. After graduating, Tia moved directly to work in management consultant company Trainers’ House and soon continued on to the sales team in a UK Network Operatior, where she successfully sold IT solutions in a global sales network with annual multiple seven figure targets.

As a side hustle, Tia ran her own business by opening new markets for an Italian textile company. The company that initially operated only in Southern Europe, opened the Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, Estonian and Russian markets with Tia in the next years while studying MBA level leadership program in Helsinki. This gave rise to the idea of ​​developing Nordic Yarn, a sustainable yarn brand focusing on up-cycled, circular fashion. Nordic Yarn was founded in 2016. Signing a large contract with a well known US imported led to Tia travelling frequently to Minneapolis and New York City.

As a serial entrepreneur and new market explorer, she has a passion for getting things done. Everything starts with a phone call. Back in Helsinki since 2021, Tia has founded Arktia Group, worked as a consultant in professional recruitment company and co-created an afterwork tribe concept, where tech, startups, mentors, entrepreneurs and investors come together in a more meaningful way. Afterwork worked with Slush 2021 in Helsinki to create an event where more than 450 professionals got together to spread their thoughts and ideas. In Aalto university Tia has studied Service Design as interest.

In addition to her language skills and international experience, Tia also brings to her work her understanding of different cultures and working methods. Above all, Tia is enthusiastic and passionate about project work. She is praised for giving others inspiration, enthusiasm, encouragement, and new insights.