Elle VanDyne, Founder of CollabCreate DC, On Staying Connected to The City While WFH

Part of the "Awesome People You Should Know in DC" series

Find travel inspiration and discover new wonders for your adventures in DC as some of the city's movers, shakers, explorers and creatives share ow they're staying busy during the quarantine and what they're looking forward to once the restrictions lift. ​

Multi-hypenate Elle VanDyne is the founder, CollabCreate DC, a creative hub for connecting and amplifying DC's creative community, which she started in 2018 from an Instagram account. When she's not connecting people + promoting the DC creative community, she is an, artist, writer, producer and a self-described DIY addict.

Find out how she stays connected to the DC community and creatively inspired as quarantine eases but things remain far from "normal."

​P.S. she's in the market for a new hair stylist so send suggestions her way!

How long have you lived in Washington, DC? 

20 years! 

What local spot in DC brings you joy and why? ​

Femme Fatale DC's retail pop-ups + events (powered by CollabCreate DC) bring me joy, and I miss all of the beautiful energy of that space + the people who make it wonderful.

What recommendations do you have for people to explore and discover DC while staying at home? ​

• Eater DC for all the latest takeout options + pop-ups.
  
• CollabCreate DC for all the virtual things to do.
  
• Virtually exploring all the museums and art of our city.
  
• And coming soon... keep an eye out for "Stay Tuned!," a new DC-centric variety show made by DC creatives for DC creatives, featuring performances and sketches from local artists, musicians, and local businesses!

What's something new you've found out about DC while staying at home that you didn't know before?

That's an excellent question I'm not sure I have an answer for yet... I guess I'd say that I'm proud of how our Mayor has responded to this crisis and dealt with it in a rational, informed way. It's empowering to see the women leaders who have stepped up to lead us in this time of uncertainty.

What's the first thing you're looking forward to doing in DC after the COVID restrictions are lifted?

 I can't pick one thing, so here's my perfect post-COVID day: oatmilk latte from Colony Club, pedicure at Enchanted Nails in Adams Morgan, haircut at TBD (need a new stylist!), ALL OF THE THRIFT SHOPPING, then happy hour on a patio somewhere with all the people I miss. And dinner out with my partner at Zaytinya - our first date five years ago (anniversary in June!). Awww!

Share your tips for ways locals and tourists can discover the "real DC" once things return to "normal." 

Find local women-owned businesses to support! A Tour of Her Own and Curious Caravan create fantastic content that goes beyond the surface layer of DC and reveals the rich history of our city and country from a woman-centric view.
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Editor's Note: thanks for the shout-out!

Stay connected with CollabConnect @collabconnectdc.

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