Northern Roots, Global Glow: Eha Urbsalu’s Journey to Unveil Viking Beauty Secrets

In the windswept Baltic isles of Estonia, a young girl learned skincare secrets passed down through generations. Decades later, that girl – Eha Urbsalu – is a New York City entrepreneur bottling those very Viking beauty secrets for the world. With an international career spanning beauty pageants, fashion runways, and even Hollywood film sets, Urbsalu has never lost sight of her Estonian heritage. Today, as the founder of Viking Beauty Secrets, she blends the natural wisdom of her homeland with modern, organic skincare innovation. Her story is one of cultural pride, female entrepreneurial grit, and a mission to prove that clean, sustainable beauty rooted in tradition can captivate a global audience.

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Expert Panel

8 Keys to Making It Big in NYC’s Fierce Creative Scene

From forging cross-continental collaborations to turning street culture into sold-out product designs, New York City offers a level of opportunity you won’t find anywhere else. But in a place where ideas fly faster than cabs, simply “showing up” won’t cut it—you need authenticity, boldness, and a relentless drive. Here, eight seasoned professionals reveal what truly sets NYC apart and how emerging artists can stand out in the world’s most competitive creative hub.

Estonian Luminary Kristi Roosmaa to Illuminate TRUE NORTH 2025 in New York City

A Journey from Estonian Roots to International Acclaim - Kristi Roosmaa, an award-winning actress, singer, and producer, has carved a distinguished path from her early days in Estonia to the vibrant stages of New York City. Her multifaceted career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the arts and her ability to seamlessly blend cultural heritage with contemporary performance.

8 Bold Marketing Moves That Went Viral—and Delivered Real Results

From candid voice notes to immersive escape-room launches, these marketers threw the rulebook out the window—and it paid off big. Each approach proves that true breakthroughs often happen when you’re unafraid to try something fresh and unexpected. Get ready for a dose of inspiration that could spark your next major success story.

Simona Smirnova: Fusing Jazz with Lithuanian Folk Traditions

Simona Smirnova has carved a unique niche in New York’s music scene by blending Baltic folklore with boundary-pushing jazz. A Lithuanian-born vocalist, composer, and virtuoso kanklės player (the Lithuanian zither), Smirnova is celebrated as a global ambassador of her nation’s indigenous instrument.

Alo N. Molder’s Designs for the New York and Chicago Estonian Houses Unite a Diaspora

Alo Neil Molder is an Estonian graphic designer recognized for modernizing and preserving the visual identity of key Estonian cultural institutions in the United States. Since the late 1990s, Molder has used his artistic expertise to support Estonian diaspora organizations, volunteering his design skills to centers like the NEW YORK ESTONIAN HOUSE and the CHICAGO ESTONIAN HOUSE.

8 Ways Creative Pros Are Leveraging AI to Grow Their Audience—and Keep Their Artistic Edge

AI has the power to amplify your creative reach without diluting your unique style. In this expert roundup, eight thought leaders share practical strategies for using AI as a supportive tool rather than a crutch. Discover how to save time on mundane tasks, refine your messaging, and sharpen your artistic identity.

Stand Out and Stay Authentic: 10 Creative Leaders Reveal Their Personal Branding Secrets

In the ever-expanding digital realm, creative professionals have more opportunities than ever to showcase their work and connect with a global audience. But in a crowded landscape, authenticity becomes the key to truly resonating with followers, clients, and collaborators. How can creatives build a personal brand that not only highlights their skill set but also reflects their real selves?

Unignorable: Valev Laube on How Artists Can Build a Brand That Gets Noticed

‍Creative professionals in New York City and beyond are discovering that talent alone is not enough – success in today’s arts landscape also demands a savvy digital strategy. In an era where Broadway dancers livestream rehearsals, musicians drop AI-augmented tracks online, and visual artists sell works via Instagram, the intersection of artistry and technology has become the new arena for career growth.

Estonians in New York City: A Century of Culture, Community, and Legacy

As New York City hosts the Estonian Cultural Days on April 4–6, 2025, it’s a fitting time to celebrate the remarkable history and legacy of the city’s Estonian community. From the earliest Estonian settlers in colonial times to the thriving cultural scene of today, Estonian New Yorkers have nurtured a rich heritage.

Decentralizing Trust: Ashutosh Synghal’s Vision for AI’s Data Future

In a recent Forbes Technology Council article, Ashutosh Synghal—VP of Engineering at Midcentury Labs—made a bold assertion: the future of artificial intelligence depends on data marketplaces. “The rise of data marketplaces signals a fundamental shift in how businesses approach data ownership, exchange and monetization,” Synghal writes.

From Saaremaa to Roosevelt Island: Louis Kahn’s Estonian Roots and NYC Legacy

On a windswept Baltic island in 2022, locals gathered at a medieval castle to honor Louis Kahn – a native of Saaremaa, Estonia, who became one of the twentieth century’s most influential architects. It was at Kuressaare Castle, looming large in Kahn’s early childhood, that his imagination was sparked; fittingly, the final design of his life stands on another island half a world away, at New York’s Roosevelt Island.

Finnish Design Takes Flight: Eero Saarinen’s TWA Flight Center from Terminal to Hotel

Eero Saarinen’s TWA Flight Center soared from a Finnish-American vision to an enduring New York landmark. This piece shows how a modest Nordic community shaped a celebrated piece of design history and left a lasting mark on the city’s architecture.

Vytenis Jankūnas – Capturing Urban Life Through a Conceptual Lens

Vytenis Jankūnas transforms the bustle of city streets into thought-provoking art. Born in Lithuania and now based in New York, he is known for contemporary conceptual works that explore urban life, perception, and photography.

Kalevala the Musical: Finland’s Epic Reborn Through Song

Ida Metsberg: A Finnish Songwriter Weaving Stories with Song

Riivo Kruuk: Bridging Estonian Heritage and Contemporary Art

Scandinavian American Theatre Company (SATC): Bringing Nordic Drama to NYC‍

Sonja Hovik Brendås — Norwegian Contemporary and Commercial Dancer

Sonja Hovik Brendås is a Norwegian dancer who seamlessly transitions between contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and ballet. She focuses on channeling strong emotions through movement and has honed her craft as a dance major at Marymount Manhattan College. Her technique, paired with her flair for creative expression, sets her apart in New York’s competitive dance community.

Arta Jēkabsone — Latvian Jazz Vocalist and Composer

Thelma Sigurhansdóttir – Visual Storytelling from Iceland to New York

Michaela Lind: Multidisciplinary Swedish Artist (True North 2025)

Kristin Jacobsen: Scandinavian Nature and Identity Through Art (True North 2025)

Oskar Stenmark: Fusing Swedish Folk Traditions with Jazz (True North 2025)

NANY's TRUE NORTH 2025 Showcase Taking Place on April 22 at the New York Estonian House

Lithuanian Actor Arnas Fedaravičius Shines as Valentin in The White Lotus Season 3

Elsa Nilsson — Swedish Flutist and Composer

Elsa Nilsson is a Swedish flutist and composer who merges the bright melodic threads of Scandinavian folk with the improvisational edge of jazz. She lives in Brooklyn but grew up in Gothenburg, Sweden, where she first uncovered her musical leanings. Her distinctive approach to flute performance has won her acclaim in a field that rarely sees the flute as a lead instrument.

Sari Hurme-Mehtälä — Finnish Abstract Painter

Ingeborg Kolstad — Norwegian Dancer and Choreographer

Linnea Larsdotter Mikkelä: Crafting Cinematic and Poetic Legacies Under the Nordic Banner in New York

Ingrid Kullberg-Bendz: Bridging Nordic Artistry from Stockholm to the Heart of New York

February 28, 2025

Midcentury Labs’ VP of Engineering, Ashutosh Synghal, Pioneers Blockchain-Powered Privacy Solutions

February 25, 2025

Midcentury VP of Engineering Ashutosh Synghal Judges Sundai.Club's "Snowstorm Hackathon" at MIT Media Lab

February 24, 2025

Elke-Liisa Lõhmus: Building Bridges Between Cultures and Empowering Artists, A Visionary Curator Joins Nordic Artists of New York

February 24, 2025

Discovering Contentment: A Journey Through the World’s Happiest Country, Finland

## what it's like to live in the happiest country on earth: insights from finland finland continues to claim the title of the happiest country on earth, as indicated by the un's world happiness report for 2025

Strengthening Ties: Indonesia and Latvia Explore Key Areas of Cooperation

# indonesia and latvia discuss three areas of government cooperation **jakarta, indonesia – september 6, 2024**: indonesian foreign minister retno marsudi met with latvian foreign minister baiba braze on thursday, september 5, 2024, to discuss vital aspects of bilateral relations

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