#WFH Diaries: Lauren Weber-Staricky of Rosapark

As the COVID-19 pandemic gallops along, we’re checking in with the creative industry to see how people are doing. Here’s an update from Lauren Weber-Staricky of Rosapark in Paris.

Give us a one-sentence bio of yourself.

I’m the communications director at Rosapark in Paris, and I’ve been confined now for exactly 17 days.

Where are you living right now, and who’s with you? 

I’m set up at my mom’s. She has an apartment with a little garden on the east end of Paris. I’m here with my husband Alexis and my two kids, Romy (6) and Vadim (2). So I’m taking care of three kids…

What’s your work situation like at the moment? 

Intense days between conference calls, emails, my 6-year-old’s homework, watching over my toddler … this is what they call mental overload, isn’t it?

Describe your socializing strategy. 

This lockdown has given me a chance to discover what it’s like to have a virtual drink with friends through Skype, Zoom and House Party. I did quite a few with friends and colleagues in the beginning, but it’s getting kind of old … nothing can replace a good glass of rosé on the terrace.

So I’m making do and using the time to re-socialize with my husband. It’s a bit of a second honeymoon!

How are you dealing with childcare? 

Dealing is not the right word. “Surviving” seems more applicable. My oldest is more or less well-behaved, but my youngest is making this living hell. Two years old is really not a good age for confinement. I’m going to have to explain to my mom why her new white leather couch is covered in marker.

What are you reading? 

Unfortunately I don’t have any time to read anything other than the news.

What are you watching? 

The latest series on Canal+, Validé. It’s a very well-produced show that takes a deep dive into French rap.

What are you listening to? 

Podcasts, Billie Eilish.

How are you staying fit? 

Fit’Ballet. It’s a mix of classic dance, pilates and yoga. I’ve been a fan for a while and now my teacher is running classes online, so it’s perfect.

Have you taken up a hobby? 

Baking cakes.

Any tips for getting necessities? 

Try to support small businesses in your neighborhood instead of shopping at big stores … and cook locally! Now’s the time!

An awkward moment since all this started. 

There are so many I can’t even pick one.

Best work email you got since all this started.

The MTV Rosapark Awards, a contest organized by the agency. We have to send a one-minute clip that best sums up our confinement situation. So now I’m on TikTok.

An aha! moment since all this started.  

All the little stories from confined people that I’ve been coming across on Instagram and TikTok … this whole situation brings out people’s creativity.

What’s your theory on how this is going to play out? 

One thing is sure: The day after won’t look anything like the day before … and that will certainly be good news.

See the full #WFH Diaries series here.