I often think about the way the COVID-19 pandemic has changed us as individuals and how this change has already shaped the world around us and will continue to do so in the next decade. Have we become more introverted as a result of social isolation? What does that mean for our creative endeavors and for entrepreneurship?

For some of us the answer is clear; the pandemic is a time for (socially distanced, COVID-regulations approved) connection, not disconnection - and now is as good of a time as any to start a business. My friend Sasha has done just that, starting not one but two businesses in the height of the pandemic lockdown, both focused on bringing people together for in-person connection. I sat down with him (virtually) to ask about his motivations and challenges.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I hosted get-togethers at my apartment in Berlin. My friends thought that I was simply throwing a party, but I always had an ulterior motive. I feel incredibly lucky to know such interesting people, and wanted to introduce my friends and acquaintances from different circles to each other, and see sparks fly.

I don’t throw these parties any more, but still love to have conversations with the fascinating people in my network about interesting topics. With that in mind, I’m excited to introduce a series of articles called Studio interviews, which will feature conversations on a variety of topics, such as business, design and storytelling, with some of my favorite people. Hopefully this will also spark some meaningful connections.