At the beginning of 2025, I began to ponder a simple question: “What does it mean to build community?” Living in New York, it’s easy to be surrounded by many people, but people alone do not create community.
Because to me, community is defined, as Merriam-Webster would, as “a state or feeling of caring about and wanting to interact with others in a group.” Specifically, the feeling of finding space and belonging with others.
And so, I began to explore with my community what it means to create and engage in community.
Experimenting with creating community
2025 led me on a journey to explore and create community.
In April, I co-hosted Uber’s Design Night in NYC to reconnect with the design community and open our doors to share knowledge and space. It was vital that we shared space with external speakers like Maxim Leyzerovich, who was building beyond the norm by driving innovation at Amtrak, and Benn Y. Lam, who was navigating a design career focused on positive social and environmental impact. Most importantly, we provided a physical space for designers of all walks of life to connect.
In June, alongside my friends Abi and Denise, we hosted “sideseries,” which we experimented as potentially a first event for us to create space to step away from our busy day-to-day lives. It was the first time I shared my painting skills in person as @liftandlost, and it became a way for me to introduce what felt like a lonely hobby into a real activity shared by friends. My hope was to create an experience in which an activity that can feel very daunting becomes approachable and easy. In this event, you simply showed up, tried, and it worked.
Then, alongside Abi, we convinced Sankeerth Garapati to co-host “that dinner party.” We knew he loved cooking, experiencing high-quality dining, and sharing the culinary experience with others. In a span of two months, he whipped up a menu and we threw a dinner party of 20 on the hottest day of the summer. Every guest left with their bellies full and at least one new friend as they walked out the door.
Finally, I hosted “get lost (& paint)” to provide space and remove the cold start to creativity. I invited my friends over for a free-flow painting session, and everyone came prepared to paint or at least try, without the worry of setup or materials. All guests left with beautiful paintings and brushes to take home on a cold December day.
Most importantly, hosting and building community taught me that lowering the barrier to entry, whether that’s skill, confidence, or familiarity, is what allows people to show up fully.
Learning by participating in community
For me, building community also means participating and lending a helping hand. And I found that to be true as a participant.
On a cold March evening, my friend Dana and I trekked into Greenpoint to attend Gab’s Lucky Dinner Club. What unfurled was an incredible night of paired wines and gorgeous food. The fun conversations we had with strangers on the cold fire escape and stumbling home in my tall boots, feeling an irresistible joy that I had no idea I would be stepping into. After all, I was stepping into a complete stranger’s home and left with a few foodie friends who loved to have a good time.
In July, I serendipitously saw and immediately applied to join the inaugural Creative Morning’s Mentorship Stoop. Led by the incredible Tina Roth Eisenberg, alongside Kelly Surun and Matteo Bologna, they held space on an actual brownstone stoop in Brooklyn, complete with bagels and coffee. I heard from people who have been running their businesses independently for decades, folks navigating their freelance careers, and more. For each of us, something cracked open. I remember pouring out what I had kept close—that I wanted to leave my day job and finally start something of my own. And I was reminded to manifest: to write a letter to myself envisioning the life I want to live. I left feeling incredibly inspired by being vulnerable and honest with myself and others in the community.
As we entered fall, I saw a Substack note from Ella Henry about her Airbnb experiences and, luckily I snagged a coveted ticket. When I showed up, I didn’t know I would eventually leave feeling so nourished by the food, space, and company. I remember sharing, for one of the first times, a few major personal accomplishments and the decision to change my career while sipping on teas we had crafted ourselves. And when I left, a few of us ended up sitting for hours, and people watched at Washington Square Park. The space Ella created was a physical manifestation of the energy and care she brings to Gut Feelings, and I left feeling seen and grateful (with a ton of goodies)!
And finally, I was invited to Nirupa’s Kitchen Aid x Bazaar dinner to celebrate her 100K followers. We met only the month prior, but to witness how Nirupa opens up and creates conversation over delicious food. From her first time doing a live cooking demo of her incredible burrata chaat (a hit and must-recreate) to our beautifully intimate dinner, where each guest shared and spilled a little of themselves, I felt how and why Nirupa’s energy is so magnetic. She asks, but more importantly, she listens and does it in a way that builds on top of a conversation where everyone is included—all over a plate of good food. I felt so lucky and grateful to have a seat.
These experiences didn’t exist in isolation. They’re part of a larger ecosystem of people designing care, culture, and connection across the city.
Continuing community in 2026
As 2025 came to a close, there were lots of conversations floating around on how the price of community is inconvenience (or annoyance). To me, it served as a reminder that community ultimately means trying and, yes, putting on those pants to go outside. After all, we can’t survive in this life on our own, and we have to show up for one another to build stronger connections and support each other in our growth and success.
And so, as the new year begins, my hope is to continue partnering with creatives and push forward on what it means to create and participate in community. It’ll always be a work in progress, but I’m ecstatic to make it happen.
So, if you’re ready to take the leap to show up and participate in a work in progress, I’m cohosting a few events in January: a wellbeing-focused event with Ground + Gather, a yoga and tea event with Dana Lee and SANS, and a craft non-alcoholic cocktail experience with Billy Cho. Hope to see you there, and we can practice building community together.
I love this so much!!! More community this year, such a special intention and one that is also top of mind for me, to be a “better villager” 😊❤️
So honored to be here. thank you for the Kind words Leslie :) Love how you said care, connection and culture all on one room!