Berlin’s online lifestyle magazine
For expats, visitors and trendsetters. Current trends, stunning offers and hand-selected products. From Berlin. For the world.
The Columbist is Berlin’s online lifestyle magazine (in English and Russian languages) for expats, visitors and locals interested in learning about current and upcoming trends, stunning new places, Berlin’s talents and its hand-selected products.
The name combines the words Columbus and Journalist becoming The Columbist. Reflecting the spirit of discovery, adventure, courage, curiosity and thirst for knowledge, it refers to “constant curiousity” – always discovering new concepts and ideas in the urban jungle of Berlin.
We build and grow a community that is adventurous and open-minded and that strives to discover new worlds in an old cosmos. We don't want to only guide you towards new horizons, but we invite you to expand your perspective and experience the unknown side of Berlin. Our vision is to unite different cultures, to promote diversity and to build a community of multi-cultural voices. We believe in a fair and respectful exchange of information and goods and are aware that “there is no story without history.”
Collaboration is the key: we introduce you to the minds and makers who shape the ideas and the products of tomorrow. We invite you to discover the hidden side of Berlin with us – to stay “constantly curious!”
Creator & CEO
Elena Kaplyar-Balzer
Berlin stole Elenas heart. After completing her studies in Moscow and Berlin, she spent many years working as Berlin correspondent for lifestyle magazines. Her close collaboration with cultural institutes, agencies and advertising pros inspired her to create a platform that would connect expats and other visitors from across Europe and Russia with the city of Berlin as it is today. As an avid traveler herself, Elena appreciates a good insider tip, which is why she loves giving visitors to Berlin a surprise peek behind the scenes.
Collaborators
The team
Elena has developed close relationships with an extensive network of journalists, curators and Berlin enthusiasts ready to share their expertise. An art director and experienced IT department bring the ideas and information to life online.
We are growing and new collaborators are very welcome. If you are a journalist, truly passionate about Berlin and want to become a part of this project, feel free to send us an email.
Svetlana Stepanova
Editor
Svetlana is a true multinational and a cosmopolitan. Born in Russia, she lived, studied and worked for over 20 years in the US, leaving it all behind and moving to Berlin 8 years ago, which she considers a love at first sight. She worked for National Public Radio (NPR) in Washington DC and an NPR Berlin station. She collaborates with multiple Berlin-based artists and sometimes writes for various Berlin digital media.
Anna Butochnikova
SMM-Manager
Anna has always been curious about people and places. Back in her hometown Saint-Petersburg she was exploring all the very best new restaurants, theater performances, and cultural events. Anna is passionate about communications. She started her career as a journalist but then shifted to public relations. In 2017, she moved to Lisbon to study digital marketing and stayed in this charming city for three years. Recently, she moved to Berlin to immerse herself in its dynamic cultural life and find new professional challenges, while staying always curious.
Berlin’s online lifestyle magazine
For expats, visitors and trendsetters. Current trends, stunning offers and hand-selected products. From Berlin. For the world.
The Columbist is Berlin’s online lifestyle magazine (in English and Russian languages) for expats, visitors and locals interested in learning about current and upcoming trends, stunning new places, Berlin’s talents and its hand-selected products.
The name combines the words Columbus and Journalist becoming The Columbist. Reflecting the spirit of discovery, adventure, courage, curiosity and thirst for knowledge, it refers to “constant curiousity” – always discovering new concepts and ideas in the urban jungle of Berlin.
We build and grow a community that is adventurous and open-minded and that strives to discover new worlds in an old cosmos. We don't want to only guide you towards new horizons, but we invite you to expand your perspective and experience the unknown side of Berlin. Our vision is to unite different cultures, to promote diversity and to build a community of multi-cultural voices. We believe in a fair and respectful exchange of information and goods and are aware that “there is no story without history.”
Collaboration is the key: we introduce you to the minds and makers who shape the ideas and the products of tomorrow. We invite you to discover the hidden side of Berlin with us – to stay “constantly curious!”
Creator & CEO
Elena Kaplyar-Balzer
Berlin stole Elenas heart. After completing her studies in Moscow and Berlin, she spent many years working as Berlin correspondent for lifestyle magazines. Her close collaboration with cultural institutes, agencies and advertising pros inspired her to create a platform that would connect expats and other visitors from across Europe and Russia with the city of Berlin as it is today. As an avid traveler herself, Elena appreciates a good insider tip, which is why she loves giving visitors to Berlin a surprise peek behind the scenes.
Collaborators
The team
Elena has developed close relationships with an extensive network of journalists, curators and Berlin enthusiasts ready to share their expertise. An art director and experienced IT department bring the ideas and information to life online.
We are growing and new collaborators are very welcome. If you are a journalist, truly passionate about Berlin and want to become a part of this project, feel free to send us an email.
Svetlana Stepanova
Editor
Svetlana is a true multinational and a cosmopolitan. Born in Russia, she lived, studied and worked for over 20 years in the US, leaving it all behind and moving to Berlin 8 years ago, which she considers a love at first sight. She worked for National Public Radio (NPR) in Washington DC and an NPR Berlin station. She collaborates with multiple Berlin-based artists and sometimes writes for various Berlin digital media.
Anna Butochnikova
SMM-Manager
Anna has always been curious about people and places. Back in her hometown Saint-Petersburg she was exploring all the very best new restaurants, theater performances, and cultural events. Anna is passionate about communications. She started her career as a journalist but then shifted to public relations. In 2017, she moved to Lisbon to study digital marketing and stayed in this charming city for three years. Recently, she moved to Berlin to immerse herself in its dynamic cultural life and find new professional challenges, while staying always curious.