Are We Starved of Community?
Satiated Magazine’s April 14th Sova Supper
Fueled by an appreciation for the unique perspectives we all carry, Ayala Chocron’s ‘Satiated Utopia’ stands out as a beacon of community and innovation in the cutthroat and often daunting industry of fashion editorial. Serving as a space where emerging creatives can share ideas, collaborate, and learn from one another in an egoless and nurturing environment, Satiated Magazine establishes itself as a rarity in the bustling metropolises that often house such talents.
I feel like we’re all starved of community. It's nice to spew a crazy idea and have it be seen as legitimate or having as much potential as we believe it does.
Ayala Chocron | Founder, Satiated Magazine
October 6, 2024 - The back of a pick up truck
An Unlikely Beginning
My first unorthodox encounter with Ayala began at 2 AM, October 2023, in the back of a pick-up truck after a night out. The random ‘on the move’ setting was perfect for the compelling conversation that followed, which might have not occurred so instantly had we not been speeding down the FDR with nothing but a box of pizza and an empty cup to amplify the music that was playing from her phone.
From the moment I sat beside her, there was an immediate and mutual curiosity that had me at ease. In a brief fifteen-minute ride through Manhattan, Ayala shared her creative aspirations with such conviction that I found myself opening up about my own ideas, which until then, had been confined to the solitude of my own mind and laptop.
Feeling exposed, I timidly showed her a piece of my writing on my phone. Pitching an idea only to face potential rejection is unnerving. But her reaction—a grin and an eager lean into the screen as I hesitated—reassured me I was in good company.
Challenging the Norm
Ayala's shared vision challenges the traditional norms of the creative industry, where the 'unconventional mind' is often celebrated in theory but stifled in practice. Understanding the antiquated and exploitative norms within her field, she seeks to create an alliance between the right-brained creative and the left-brained analytical minds when measuring success.
Her approach recognizes and actively seeks out this unconventionality, fostering a community where serendipitous encounters can lead to profound collaborations. This ethos resonates with my own belief that life’s greatest opportunities often arise unexpectedly, driven with good intentions and determination.
Personal experience is integral at Satiated Magazine. The amount of organic conversation and connection that took place at the Satiated Sova Supper was almost overwhelming. I wondered how I could capture the moment until I realized that it’s something you need to be there for. The conversation is privy to the dinner table.
Ayala Chocron | Founder, Satiated Magazine
Embracing Modern Authenticity
Millennials and Generation Z, often criticized for delaying traditional milestones, such as marriage and homeownership, are at the forefront of reshaping what creative innovation looks like. These generations are adept at leveraging modern tools to access resources, yet they face a path to tangible success that remains ambiguous and fraught with challenges. This paradox creates a fertile ground for the anxiety many creatives experience, particularly when they are pressed to define 'what they do' in a world that undervalues the unconventional.
The integration of social media has profoundly transformed how we interact, providing unprecedented opportunities to share and create. Yet, this accessibility sometimes feels like it undermines genuine creativity. The question 'What do you do?' often triggers anxiety among self-conscious creatives, embodying the tension between the desire to sound appealing without appearing self-absorbed. This highlights the delicate balance that creatives must navigate between authenticity and perception.
In an era dominated by optics and stigma, where raw talent is often overshadowed, initiatives like Satiated are pivotal. They provide a platform where an authentic community is not only recognized but celebrated.
Everyone in the room wanted to know who they were speaking to, not what they’ve done or who they knew. It felt revolutionary.
Ayala Chocron | Founder, Satiated Magazine
Community and Innovation
In a matter of months Ayala’s concept has become a reality, and I found myself at a stunning dinner table catered with amazing food, styled by her and Emmalynne Walpole, in Badgley Mischka and Armani, conversing with a dynamic group of individuals who both create and recognize the value of different perspectives in all forms.
Across from me was Vilda Krog, a forward-thinking writer at Office Magazine, who told me about a moment in her career when she was faced with someone confessing to her “I don’t understand this.” To which confidently she replied, “Good. You’re not supposed to.” Hearing her say this was music to my ears. It was something I won’t forget.
Satiated redefines what it means to be a transformative force in a modern creative industry. This quest for collaboration reminds us that in the end, the best way to predict the future of creativity is to invent it— one unique perspective at a time.
