Henri × Premium 3/3: I feel like a global citizen

In the first story, Estonian designer and photographer Henri Errol Vares shared how courage, curiosity and a willingness to step out of his comfort zone have taken him from Saaremaa to the international creative scene. In the second part, he opened up about his attitude towards money, quality, and conscious choices. In this third and final piece, Henri speaks about how he has been shaped by starting from scratch, meeting the right people, and living between two worlds. If you have not read the previous stories yet, we recommend starting from the beginning.

Starting from scratch is not a step back, but a leap forward

Henri says that the most difficult, yet at the same time most important experience of his journey has been moving to Copenhagen. In a new country, he had to rebuild everything from scratch: connections, work opportunities, and a sense of everyday security.

‘You start from zero. You have no safety net around you, no friends or family to help you: you have to start everything from complete scratch,’ Henri recalls.

Even practical matters that seemed self-evident in Estonia suddenly became complicated. For instance, Henri remembers well that opening a bank account in Denmark as a foreigner was by no means simple. It is precisely these experiences that have taught him to appreciate services that operate quickly, personally, and without unnecessary complexity.

Although that period was challenging for Henri, it taught him patience and faith in his goals. ‘I know that when I have a dream, I do not give up. It may take time, but that dream remains just as bright and clear for me as it was when I first arrived here,’ Henri explains.

The right people open the right doors

Henri believes that no journey is truly made alone. His life has been greatly influenced by people who have been by his side at the right moment, guiding him or simply encouraging him to take the next steps.

He speaks with deep gratitude about his mentors and friends who have helped him understand both creativity and entrepreneurship. For example, his friend Kenneth has taught him the business side of the creative industry, while Hannes has helped him notice details much more broadly than just in design.

‘I highly recommend being brave and seeking out people with whose ideas you feel a synergy, and, for instance, inviting them for a coffee,’ Henri says.

According to him, the most interesting opportunities often arise primarily through other people. Equally important for Henri is the knowledge that everyday life is supported by the right partners and well-functioning systems. When life and work cross national borders, the feeling that support is always available, regardless of where in the world you happen to be, becomes particularly essential.

Estonia as home, the world as a field of action

Although Henri’s life and work are currently tied to Copenhagen, he still considers Estonia to be his home. ‘I feel like a global citizen. My home and Estonia are very dear to me, but I am not afraid to travel,’ he says.

An international life has taught Henri to value the freedom to move, discover, and experience new environments. At the same time, he considers it important that practical matters run smoothly, whether it is access to his finances, a sense of security when travelling or the general peace of mind that everything necessary is sorted out in the background. This is precisely the peace of mind that Henri appreciates about LHV Premium.

‘My greatest fear is that I will lose my sense of humour and childishness. I think maintaining a sense of childlike wonder until the end of one’s life is very important, as it helps us play with life and create new ideas,’ Henri says, introducing his cherished values.

Henri values most the opportunity to do meaningful work, move freely around the world and focus on what inspires him. Everything else should just work.

Watch the portrait video of Henri, created by Silver Mikiver during a late-winter week in Copenhagen.

The concept author, creative director, and technical producer of the ‘Estonians of Six Cities’ series is Silver Mikiver (TRACE Studio). The series is filmed on Super8 format and the photos are captured on 35 mm film.

‘I am moved by craftsmanship and the realisation of potential. With my projects, I wish to inspire and provide an impetus for more people to choose the most authentic and unique path. Walking your own path is not always easy, but for me, it is the only truly rich way to live,’ Silver Mikiver says.