"From the place on Earth closest to the sun and the moon to the Nordic cultures of Sweden, my journey has been filled with adventure, love, and learning. My name is Elena Nygren, and I come from Ecuador, a country where nature and people are at the heart of everything, and where health is an essential part of the culture." With this, and much more that you can read below, I bring these experiences into future projects.
"Welcome to learn more about us"
I want to start by giving you an insight into my country and telling you about where I come from. I grew up in Ecuador, a country rich in nature and culture. My childhood was spent in the small village of Echeandía, located in the province of Bolívar, by the coast.
Here, I grew up with my mother and three siblings – two brothers and a sister. As the eldest child, I learned early on about responsibility and the importance of working with nature and taking care of family. Our culture, with its plant-based healing practices and traditional wisdom from local shamans, sparked my curiosity early on about the connection between nature and our well-being. This knowledge has followed me throughout my life.
I earned my degree at Academy Ventanas Los Ríos Design Program in Ecuador (1997), where I trained as a fashion designer. But my journey took a different turn when I had the opportunity to work as a nursing assistant in Echeandía. Later, I moved to Quito, where I began to cultivate my passion for health and well-being – a passion deeply rooted in the natural and spiritual culture I grew up with.
Here below, you can see some videos about - Ecuador
In English- a funny video with geografi
In English-short video
In English - A full documentary
In English- A family's experience
For all languages - short video
In English – Ecuador
Ecuadorian Food
In Spanish - From an Ecuadorian perspective on food
In English-Ecuadorian food, with a very special guide
In English- Ecuadorian food, an inside look at Quito
Ecuadors-Music
Traditional Ecuadorian Andean instrumental music
Traditional folk music and dance
National music
My journey with health began early, at the age of 17, when I had the opportunity to assist and help during childbirths. I started my career as a surgical nurse assistant at Policlinico Echeandía, where I was part of the team for deliveries and minor surgeries. After this, I worked at Clinica Santa Marianita de Jesus, where I assisted in plastic surgery and other procedures.
My journey continued at Clinica Internacional in Quito, where I worked as an assistant in endoscopy and cholangiography in a radiology department. This experience gave me a holistic perspective on human medicine and a deep understanding of the importance of seeing the whole person – body, mind, and soul.
When I moved to Sweden, I continued my development, further training as an emergency care nurse assistant, medical foot care therapist, and Reiki Master therapist. Through these educations, I have had the opportunity to combine scientific methods with natural healing, developing a comprehensive approach that allows me to support both body and soul.
This passion for health continues to drive me every day – a journey that never ends. My path has taken me to many places, and the next chapter of my story is about the experiences and lessons I gained while travelling across South America.
This picture was taken from 'La Mitad del Mundo', Quito, Ecuador
1999
1- Venezuela
2- Galapagos
3- Ecuador
4- Peru
5- Bolivia
6- Chile
7- Argentina
8- Uruguay
9- Brasilien
The journey around South America was an adventure that took me through many different countries. It started in Venezuela and continued to Galapagos and Ecuador, where I spent time rediscovering my roots. From there, the journey took me to Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and finally Brazil. Each place offered new impressions, cultures, and memories that I carry with me to this day.
After the journey, I returned to Ecuador, where I spent several years working in healthcare and social care, inspired by everything I had experienced and learned during the trip.
(At the map above, you can click through to follow my route and see pictures from the various destinations.)
After several years as a nursing assistant in Quito, love brought me to Sweden, where I had the opportunity to discover new cultures and adapt to a new life. Learning a new language, understanding new systems, and starting over from scratch was a challenge, but also an experience that has shaped me in many ways.
In Sweden, doors were opened to new adventures. I have had the privilege of climbing Kebnekaise, traveling through the entire Nordic region by motorcycle, and exploring life at sea with my family after we bought a sailboat. Each experience has reinforced my belief that growing as a person is about daring to face the new with openness and curiosity.
Besides my work in healthcare and wellness, sailing has been a central part of my life. Together with my family, we undertook a journey from Sweden to Ecuador, aboard our Malö 38, Dreamcatcher. This reliable and stable boat provided us with security during a journey filled with both challenges and lessons.
Living aboard for extended periods taught us to manage change, solve problems in creative ways, and appreciate the simplicity of everyday life. These experiences have strengthened my practical skills and patience.
Today, I apply these lessons in my work to create a harmonious and balanced environment for my clients. By combining these experiences with my professional background in health and well-being, I strive to help others find balance and well-being in their own lives.
"Saltwater Life" is an exceptional book by our friends Ivan and Josefin, documenting their three years of traveling around the world. We are proud to be a part of this story, especially in the chapter where they travel from Panama to Ecuador. Through vivid environmental descriptions and deep themes, the book takes us on a journey by the salty waters. It’s a highly recommended read for those who value travel and personal experiences.
Gese Fot Spa aims to make you feel brand new. We offer professional foot care and relaxing treatments in a peaceful environment, focusing on your health and well-being. Whether you need a quiet moment for yourself or a specific treatment for your feet, we are here for you.
We believe that your feet are the foundation of your well-being. That's why we provide a complete service experience, ranging from pedicures to deep foot massages and treatments to care for and hydrate your feet.
"I take care of your feet"
// Elena Nygren"
Jazmin
The Founder of the Website
Elena
Medical Foot Care Therapist, Emergency Care Assistant, Reiki Master, and Founder to Gese FotSpa
If you've made it all the way down here, congratulations! Now you know more about us ;)