Hélène Kumlin was born 25.10.1854 to Consul Alexander Adolf Kumlin and Maria Charlotta Kingelin. Hélène’s grandfather was the prominent merchant Abraham Kingelin (1788–1849), undoubtedly the most important businessman of his time in Turku, founder of several industrial establishments, a leading force in the city's administration and director of various cultural associations and general enterprises. Hélène’s cousins were Ernst and Magnus Dahlström.

Hélène was active in different organisations focusing on Theosophy, athletics, and in different organisations that had the wellbeing of children in focus. She was also interested in the Turku historical museum and collected period furniture, works of art, porcelain, pewter, rugs and other objects, which later came to form the collection for the museum Ett Hem.

Hélène was known as a splendid hostess and a central figure in the social life of the city, which at that time played an important role in society.