BEAHIVE

Close your eyes for a sec and think of all the casual interactions you have throughout your day:

* the barista who knows your name (or at least your order);
* the neighbor you say hello to at the gym or farmers market;
* the playful DMs with your Facebook-only friend or the quick LinkedIn check-in with the former colleague.

Those arms-length connections (that you likely overlook) are more important than you think — and science backs that up.

We know we should nurture our close relationships: family, inner-circle friends, mentors.

But there’s a quieter, perhaps surprising, social force significantly shaping our possibilities and sense of belonging: so-called “weak ties.”

We just published a blog post exploring this. Curious for your thoughts.

bit.ly/casual-connections

Say Hi to Our Community Ambassador:
Jesse Carrey-Chan

I’M A(N)…
performer, UX designer, floral designer, choreographer, houseplant guru.

I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT…
storytelling, hiking, philosophy, immersive experiences, dancing, singing, collaborating, laughing.

BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR WORK.
I work as a full-stack product designer with experience in cybersecurity, civic tech, fintech, and the beauty and wellness marketplace.

In my spare time, I freelance as a floral designer with Flora Good Times, create immersive experiences and do story consulting with my company Rebis, and love to get on the mic at Broadway in Beacon.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
I love using storytelling and expression to help others connect more to their heart and the human experience.

When I create work, my hope is to touch the audience and move them to a deeper sense of feeling, compassion, and awe. Most of allI love collaborating and connecting with others.

HOW DID YOU START (YOUR WORK)?
I graduated from Carnegie Mellon with a BFA in Acting and Musical Theater, and moved to New York City to work in commercial theater. There, I became infatuated with site specific and immersive experiences, which led me to get involved in experience design, both in the physical and digital space.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR WORK GOING IN THE NEXT YEAR… FIVE?
My dream is to work at the intersection of creativity and technology, and how to leverage AI to create interactive, personalized environments that enhance and interact with live experiences.

You’ll also see me creating more movement and sonic-based experiences in the Hudson Valley, and releasing an album of original music.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT BEAHIVE?
I love the warm, focused space that helps me get stuff done while feeling a sense of community. I absolutely love all the events that are hosted, and Scott’s passion for nurturing this amazing community!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?
My favorite thing is how aligned everyone’s values are in the community. We all seem to value nature, human connection, and, well, community!