Creator & CEO
Elena Kaplyar-Balzer
Berlin stole Elenas heart. After completing her Masters in 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 English-speaking expats and other visitors from across the world 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.
Stevie Smith
Graphic Designer
Stevie is a graphic designer based in Berlin with a vibrant background. Originally from California, he followed his passion for design to the bustling streets of Berlin. With a charismatic personality and a wide range of interests including performing arts, acrobatics, and painting, Stevie brings a unique perspective to his work. He studied photography in California before diving into graphic design in Berlin. Today, Stevie's designs reflect his diverse experiences and unwavering dedication to his craft.Â
Eleonora Hristova
Fashion Editor
Eleonora is a true digital creative who is inspired by color, nature and everything extravagant. She loves the vibrancy of Berlin and can pinpoint unique styles at every station of the city’s bustling life. From the founder of the Fashion Society at Newcaslte University (UK), where she studied Media, Communications and Cultural Studies to an SEO Copywriter at a UK-based digital marketing agency to doing a fashion design internship with Berlin-based eco label Maqu, Eleonora has followed the thread of fashion all her life.
Marion Pottier
Editor (Trainee)
As far as she could remember, Marion always had a passion for transcultural encounters. She grew up in a small city in Normandy, France, but her curiosity soon took her beyond her hometown. Storyteller at heart, she loves sharing with people her discoveries about culture, literature, food, and all the good things in life. Settled in Germany since 2020, she is now living between Berlin and Frankfurt, where she studies at the Goethe University in the master’s degree “Moving Cultures”.
Anastasia Koptilova
Content specialist
Ever since she was young, Anastasia has been captivated by the stories of people and places. Hailing from Ukraine, she pursued her passion by studying sociology at Karazin University, at the same time, being carried away by photography and writing as her hobbies.
Now, Anastasia channels her creative energy into front-end development and web design, taking inspiration from Berlin, its vibrant art scene, people, cultural experiences and unique lifestyle.
Arina Teterina
Social media manager
Arina has always loved social media, content and creativity, which she now enjoys doing. Being involved in smm since 2020 has given her many opportunities, meeting new people from different countries and, importantly, self-confidence. Born in Northern Russia, she now lives in St. Petersburg, a big city with a fast pace of life, wich inspires her.