Finding Home at Flow

Home away from Home

All photos by Bjorn Iooss

Moving somewhere new is an intimidating thing. New place, new people, a new life to navigate. But what is so powerful about moving somewhere new is the humans who help make you feel at home, no matter how long you’ve been there. Because in today’s age, human connection is everything. And we mean real connection. Not tapping “like” or joining someone’s livestream, but good, old-fashioned face-to-face quality time. Flow is fortunate enough to have buildings full of people who embody that idea: those who focus on coming together over shared passions and forming meaningful relationships that last. We spent a nice Sunday afternoon with some of our neighbors to ask what home means to them, and how, even though they may have moved from down the street or across the world, the move is already a similarity that can unite us all.

 

Alecia Massiah | 27 | Private Chef 

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

How do you find your flow?

I feel most in sync when I’m home relaxing, cooking, and just able to go with the flow of the day. No time constraints, no rushing — nowhere to be but home. 

What does “home” mean to you? 

Home is a feeling. Home means comfort. Peace and balance. 

What’s one daily ritual that is your practice? 

My daily ritual would be my daily walk to work. Wake up, coffee, soca (high-energy dance music born in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1970s) — repeat. And when I walk through the door each day, Luna is there to greet me with the loudest bark on the floor. 

An all-time favorite home-cooked meal — who is cooking it, and in what setting?

Curry goat with Buss up Shut (a light, flaky flatbread named after a "busted up shirt" because of its signature torn-up look). My family is West Indian, and I was raised by a Trinidadian stepfather. His mother made THE BEST CURRY. I still dream about that meal. She’s the best. 

In a word or two, what does community mean to you? 

Togetherness. 

 

 

Kelly Keefe | 36 | Founder & CEO, The Heartspace; Author

Hometown: Ewing, New Jersey

How do you find your flow?

I find my flow through creativity. Whether it's writing, making music, or holding a meditation circle — I find that it transforms the moment, allowing me to become one with the energy of all that is: Creator. When I allow myself to bring creativity and art into every facet of my life and see myself, others, and all of life as a work of art, it allows for unfoldings and experiences that sometimes can only be defined as magical to transpire.

What does “home” mean to you? 

Home to me is a feeling. I’m someone who, for a lot of my life, didn’t feel comfortable and content at “home.” I was ready for roots again, and my partner, who I also consider home, was down for the journey. We didn’t go looking for Flow… it literally came to us while looking at another building. We knew we had found the place we would call home for the next chapter of our lives.

What’s one daily ritual that is your practice?

I begin every morning with meditation and energy work, reading the Bible, journaling, and some sort of movement. Small doses of each piece that get me a “win” in every area of personal optimization.

If you had to leave home in a rush and could only grab one object, what would it be — and why? 

My passport, so I could keep moving and not be slowed down by wherever I want or need to go next. But, on a deeper level of sentimental value… it would be my stuffed animal that is a stuffed golden retriever that I’ve named Sunshine.

In a word or two, what does community mean to you?

Like-minded, like-hearted.

 

 

Avi Avitan | 55 | Founder, REACH Communities | Impact Investor | Community Centered Real Estate

Hometown: Tel Aviv, Israel

How do you find your flow?

I reach my Flow when vision meets collaboration — when an idea moves from intention to action. It’s the moment people align around a shared purpose, momentum builds, and something larger than any individual begins to take shape. In that space, time disappears, and I feel fully aligned with what I’m meant to build.

What does “home” mean to you?

Home is not defined by geography — it’s defined by connection. It’s the collective heartbeat of the people around you. I’ve experienced “home away from home” at Flow, through an atmosphere of authenticity and belonging. What’s emerging here isn’t just residential living, but the foundation of a community platform — one where people genuinely uplift one another. That, to me, is home

What’s one daily ritual that is your practice?

My daily ritual is meditation — always. In those moments of stillness, I visualize the day ahead, sit with upcoming challenges, and bring attention to specific decisions that require clarity. It’s where intention replaces noise, and direction becomes clear.

If you had to leave home in a rush and could only grab one object, what would it be — and why?

We arrive in this world with nothing and leave with nothing. What truly stays with us is internal — our values, our connections, our clarity. What matters most cannot be carried in a bag.

In a word or two what does community mean to you?

Infrastructure — not an amenity.

Explain your personal “Flow Flywheel” of wellbeing.

I believe true wellbeing begins with community — the energy flow between people. When individuals feel connected, they interact more authentically. Those interactions create opportunities and emotional release. That release generates stronger momentum and clarity, which leads to more collaboration, innovation, and contribution.

Much like the Amazon Flywheel described by Jeff Bezos, where momentum drives scale, the Flow Flywheel is powered by human connection. The stronger the community, the more it accelerates personal growth, shared purpose and collective resilience.

 

 

Osiris Jean | 31 | Private Investor 

Hometown: Miami, Florida

How do you find your flow?

When I’m training in boxing or Muay Thai. The quiet moments between strikes, the staccato rhythm of my heart thumping in my chest, and the soft whistle of air caressing my face as I slip out of range of a punch or kick. 

What does “home” mean to you?

Home to me is the feeling of belonging. It’s the calming sensation of combined inner peace and peace with my environment. The community and resources at Flow have gone a long way towards making sure that I am able to cultivate both sides of this balance in spades.

An all-time favorite home-cooked meal — who is cooking it, in what setting, and who are the dinner guests?

Traditional Haitian baked mac and cheese for my friends and family. Seeing everyone’s faces as they take their first bites is a treat in and of itself. Everything about making and eating that dish is a sensory experience that never fails to leave me full and content.

If you had to leave home in a rush and could only grab one object, what would it be — and why? 

I would grab my ukulele. I started playing because the music directors from Flow came by to show us all some chords and songs for a few weeks. Everything else can be replaced, but my ukulele sits on a stand by my front door as a reminder that I don’t always have to be in the spotlight or have all of the answers. 

In a word or two, what does community mean to you?

Purpose. Any space in which I and the people around me are aligned and feel alive in their reason for showing up in that space. Community looks like us all coming together for a cookout, supporting a local small business, or helping out a neighbor who’s going through a tough time. Community looks like gathering to pack sandwiches for the unhoused, swinging by the soup kitchen as a group to help with food service, or even just a hug or high five in passing in the hallways. Community, for me, is Flow.

 

 

Heather Viscomi | 41 | Tech & IT Account Manager

Hometown: Easton, Pennsylvania

How do you find your flow?

In simple but meaningful moments like being outside, walking my dog, or getting lost in a good conversation that feels effortless. 

What does “home” mean to you?

Home is a feeling of warmth, peace, and connection. Lolli, my soul dog, brought so much love and happiness into my life, and now Josie, my new rescue, has brought that comfort back in a different, meaningful way. The community in this building has added to that feeling through the friendships and small moments that make this place feel like more than just an address.

What’s one daily ritual that is your practice? 

My day always starts with my dog. I take her outside first, feed her breakfast (she always jumps and twirls with excitement), and then, depending on the day, I either enjoy my coffee outside while saying hello to familiar faces or have it inside.

If you had to leave home in a rush and could only grab one object, what would it be — and why? 

My phone. It has photos of Lolli on the case and my lock screen, all the contacts of the people I’d want to reach, and my live camera so I can check on Josie. It’s the one thing that keeps the most important parts of my life close, no matter where I am.

In a word or two, what does community mean to you?

Mutual support.

 

 

Carlos Gutierrez | 35 | Real Estate & Trading Entrepreneur

Hometown: Miami, Florida

How do you find your flow?

I find my Flow when I’m building something, diving into the markets, exploring a new deal, or bringing an idea to life. It’s that feeling when time disappears and I’m completely in the zone doing what I love. (Bonus points if the trade actually goes my way.)

What does “home” mean to you?

Home, for me, is community. It’s the people you share your space and energy with — the ones you bump into in the elevator and end up having a meaningful conversation with. It’s that feeling of belonging, of being surrounded by people who inspire you to grow.

An all-time favorite home-cooked meal — who is cooking it, in what setting, and who are the dinner guests?

Definitely a weekend barbecue. I’m at the grill, music’s on, friends and family are over, and everyone’s talking about life, dreams, and whatever’s next. It’s simple, relaxed, and full of good energy, and yes, I still say the steaks came out perfectly medium rare.

If you had to leave home in a rush and could only grab one object, what would it be — and why?

My two dogs — and my wife, of course. They’re my real home. As long as we’re together, I’ve got everything that matters.

In a word or two, what does community mean to you?

Connection and energy. 

 

Brooke Pickles | 27 | Medical Student

Hometown: Blissfield, Michigan

In moments of quiet — when I can take time for myself, jam to a good song, and enjoy the outdoors. There’s something grounding about feeling the sun on my face, listening to music that instantly lifts my spirit, and simply being present. 

What does “home” mean to you?

It’s a feeling rather than a physical place. It’s curated by a community of individuals — some near, some far — who make life feel full and meaningful. Home is built through shared laughter, encouragement, and connection.

An all-time favorite home-cooked meal — who is cooking it and in what setting?

My grandmother’s potato soup. It’s simple yet full of heart, and every time she makes it for me, it brings a wave of nostalgia and comfort. The smell alone takes me back to cozy family gatherings in Michigan and Sunday afternoons filled with warmth, love, stories, and a reminder of where I came from.

If you had to leave home in a rush and could only grab one object, what would it be — and why?

The blanket that I was photographed with. It was a gift from my childhood best friend, who passed away unexpectedly. That blanket holds immense sentimental value — it’s one of the last things she gave me as a congratulatory gift for starting medical school. It has traveled with me across states and countries, and it’s a constant source of comfort and strength through every challenge.

In a word or two, what does community mean to you?

Growth and belonging.

 

 

Fatima Balde | 27 | Content Creator/Influencer

Hometown: Conakry, Guinea

How do you find your flow?

In those quiet moments when everything else fades away — sipping morning coffee, feeling the sun on my skin, or connecting deeply with my family. 

What does “home” mean to you?

My home is my family, my husband, and my son. Wherever we are together, that’s home to me. It’s not about walls or decor, but the love and warmth we share.

One daily ritual that is your practice.

Every morning, I meditate. It’s my reset, my grounding moment, before the day begins.

An all-time favorite home-cooked meal — who is cooking it, in what setting, and who are the dinner guests?

My favorite is Attiéké — a beautiful Ivorian dish made from fermented cassava with a couscous-like texture. Imagine it served in a warm home setting, with grilled fish, sautéed vegetables, fresh pepper sauce, in a lively gathering of family and close friends. The atmosphere is full of chatter, joy, and connection.

In a word or two, what does community mean to you?

Belonging and support.