ABOUT ME
My name is Elaine and I was born and raised in Sweden. Dual citizen, Swedish and American. My mom was born and raised in the United States, and lived in quite a few states growing up. In her late 20s, she decided to explore Europe as a really great French hornist and fell in love with the history and beauty of Europe. My dad and his family are as Swedish as it gets!
After finishing High School in 2012 I went to Spain for a 6 weeks bartender course (which was a blast!) After working in Sweden for a year I got the travel bug and decided to start a new chapter in Australia. The plan was to stay for 8 months but ended up staying for six years! Basically became an Aussie! I had the chance to explore so much of the beautiful country and also had the opportunity to check out all of SouthEast Asia while living on that side of the planet.
Beginning in 2017 I had many signs telling me that it was time for a new chapter, and that is when I booked a flight from Perth, Australia to Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota. Arrived on May 1st and pretty quickly after I purchased a Chevy Astro van in Wisconsin and started my travels in the United States. After having endless beautiful sceneries and experiences an unexpected recommendation occurred and with no research, I ended up in Lake Tahoe for the next 4 years. Fell in love with the mountains and the outdoors but after the pandemic it wasn’t quite the same.
I met my current partner in the Mojave Desert before going on a 6-month solo trip in South America. Towards the end of my trip, he suggested I come to Montana for a month (where he is from). In the spring of 2022, I flew from El Salvador to Bozeman and he showed me all over the state! I have been in Montana ever since.
Traveling has always been my passion and after living out of a backpack and van while exploring 41 countries I am beyond excited to start the new chapter of the Sauna Traveller.
story
Being born and raised in Sweden, Saunas are everywhere! It wasn’t until I traveled across the United States four times in my van I realized that Saunas are not very common in the US. I think they are crucial in certain winter states.
It has been a dream to build my own sauna since I was a child. Having been a world traveler and a minimalist for quite some time it never felt like the right time. It also required having a place to build, building knowledge, Sauna knowledge, and funds.
VISION
Early January 2024 I had a vision. A week later, I ended up buying a 6x10 Utility Trailer in the -40 Arctic Freeze we had here in Whitefish Montana. I knew then that this was going to be my year! I had 4 months to do all the Sauna research I possibly could and once the beautiful spring weather had arrived in early May the project began!
My partner's uncle who lives only a few blocks away has built houses and furniture his entire life and is now retired but still has all the tools we would need for my Sauna project. I am incredibly lucky that he agreed to be a part of this project.
