The people of Karila – creativity lives within us
In 2001, Juha and I moved into my childhood home and I thought that I would build a good place for myself and my family to live and flourish. In the old yard, many places were a little dilapidated, but gradually it began to feel like I could renovate a small workspace for myself in that barn. Maybe a small café could also work there.
Already for over 20 years Karila farm and Café Karilan Navettagalleria has offered the whole family the opportunity and space to realize their dreams. Now, however, is the beginning of a new era, as the next generation, Annukka and Joona, are slowly starting to take over.
Lea
For me, Karila Navettagalleria has offered me the opportunity to create my own unique framework for my life. Making things with my hands, the surrounding nature and creativity are the driving forces of my life. Now that what I’ve created here is being continued by the next generation, I hope to be able to devote myself more to the things I love, such as my semi-wild garden and making things with my hands.
However, I believe that I will be of help at Karila Farm for a many years to come.
Juha
Juha moved to Karila with Lea in 2001.
Juha is a chef by profession and also catches most of the fish we use.
In the 90s, Juha ran a café in Äkäsmylly and cooked salmon soup there.
In Äkäslompolo, he has worked in several restaurants and most recently at Lomakeskus Seida, Seitapirtti.
Juha has been involved in developing our café’s offerings. Siikakurniekka is a product developed entirely by Juha.
Annukka
Annukka moved with her family to her mother’s childhood home in Äkäslompolo, at the foot of the fells, to continue the business her mother has founded in Karila. At the same time, Annukka is a third-generation entrepreneur in Karila. Annukka’s grandparents were pioneers in the early days of tourism in the village. In their time, the village accommodated tourists in people’s homes. Tourism and homestays in Karila began in 1953.
Where her mother makes dolls and tells stories, Annukka sews. Currently, the café sells merino wool hats and neckerchiefs sewn by Annukka.
Joona
After much consideration, Joona left his secure bread-winning job and moved with his family to Äkäslompolo.
In the mornings, Joona is the first to wake up and starts to make the doughs for the day.
Joona is Annukka’s husband and son-in-law of the house.
Signe
Signe is our longest-serving employee. Signe and Sami (Lea’s son) met twelve years ago in Tivoli, Finland, where they were both working summer jobs at the time. They now live in Äkäslompo with their three-year-old son Heino. Signe is therefore the daughter-in-law of the house.
Outa-Vertti
Vertti, Lea and Juha’s son, graduated as a visual artist from Kankaanpää Art School in the spring of 2025. Vertti’s paintings are on display at Navettagalleria. He is also a musician and has performed many times with different ensembles and also as a soloist at the café.
Elsa-Maria
Elsa-Maria is one of Karila Farm’s daughters. She is an illustrator and her drawings and paintings are on display in the café. Her handiwork can be seen in the map drawings, the Navettagalleria logo, product labels and postcards.
Kirsi
The Navettagalleria displays Kirsi’s sculptures from different eras. Kirsi Kaulanen’s father’s childhood home is Karila, so Kirsi’s roots are here in Karila. Kirsi spent her childhood holidays here and still visits here several times a year.
