From Puglia to Stockholm via Delhi

As lockdown continues and starts again in many countries, the popularity of the audio-based social media app Clubhouse has skyrocketed. 

I myself have been pretty active there, sharing experiences with other small business owners or dropping-in interesting discussions. 

I see the incredible success of such a platform as an attempt of satisfying our need for socializing and connect with others, particularly now that these needs have been denied. 

On Clubhouse, you can’t text or share any images but you can write a short introduction of yourself, the BIO. Mine starts like this: “From Puglia to Stockholm via Delhi”

"I miss visiting the local markets, strolling around the alleys looking for inspiration and also elements for our designs: beads, threads, buttons or laces."

My biography and journey wouldn't have been the same without the passage through Delhi. Just thinking about the streets of Delhi, I realise that they offered me a place for socializing, connecting and learning. 

During the years as resident and during my business trips later, I have refined my natural negotiation skills and captured the best marketing and sales tricks from the local vendors. I miss meeting my team of course. I also miss visiting the local markets, strolling around the alleys looking for inspiration and also elements for our designs: beads, threads, buttons or laces. I have learned to navigate around the city but I often get lost. I share my poor sense of orientation with Ritesh, my creative director. We have been walking around the same block without even realising it more then once. 

There are markets which I call cities in the city, I usually move around with drivers or even with short rides in tuk tuk - a must do,  if you don´t mind the feel of a real urban jungle!  

I miss all this. Until we meet again, Delhi.