January 21, 2025
The Brooklyn Public Library has launched an exhibition in 2024 that offers a rare glimpse into the writer's transformative years in Türkiye. Running until March 2025, "Turkey Saved My Life: Baldwin in Istanbul, 1961–1971" features intimate photographs by Sedat Pakay, capturing Baldwin in moments of reflection and creativity. For those who can make the trip, the exhibition is a must-see, providing insight into how Baldwin’s environment shaped his voice, identity, and literary contributions… and perhaps also inspiring you to get your business plan in motion.
Why Baldwin? Baldwin may not have been an entrepreneur, but he was a man who revolutionised creative thinking and opened new paths towards recognition through his creativity. Isn’t it the kind of skill any business person needs?
Even if you’re not based in the US, this is an ideal excuse to plan a visit to Brooklyn. The area around the library, located at Grand Army Plaza, has plenty to offer, particularly for business travellers. New York’s rich business history stretches through many periods of growth and industrialisation through time, making the city a global business hub. A visit to Baldwin’s exhibition can be the centrepiece of a broader exploration of NYC & Brooklyn startup culture. Ultimately, Brooklyn is a top startup culture hub for NYC businesses.
Baldwin’s time in Türkiye speaks to something universal – the need for environments that foster creativity. Baldwin often retreated to places where he could escape, reflect, and write undisturbed. It’s a reminder that where we create is just as important as the act of creating itself. Entrepreneurs are, after all, creators too. In 2025, a conducive environment doesn’t have to be halfway across the world. It can be right at home.
Designing a space that supports creativity isn’t just about aesthetics. A dedicated study can help boost mental health, providing a sanctuary for processing thoughts, engaging in creative expression, and sharing stories. Whether you’re planning your next business idea, creating content, or simply journalling, having a personal space to unwind and explore your ideas can be transformative. Creativity, after all, is deeply tied to self-reflection and personal growth.
To create a space that sparks creativity, start by thinking about how you want to feel when you step into the room. Lighting plays a significant role – soft, warm light can set a calming tone.
Furniture also matters. A sturdy desk is essential, but consider adding a leather armchair. There’s something about the comfort and quiet luxury of a well-made chair that can make you feel grounded and confident. It invites you to linger, read, and reflect in a way that a simple office chair never could. A leather armchair brings a timeless quality to your study, evoking an atmosphere where creativity flows freely. As an entrepreneur, creativity is part of your business spiel!
Small details can make the space uniquely yours. A few muted, tasteful art pieces, shelves lined with books, or even framed photos of Baldwin himself can help set the tone. The aim is to create an environment that feels personal, calm, and inspiring for brainstorming and creativity.
Whether you make the trip to Baldwin’s exhibition or not, his message of finding sanctuary in creativity can live on in your home. By carving out a dedicated space for reflection and self-expression, you can keep that spirit alive – and maybe even write the next great work of art or find the next game-changing business idea from your own leather armchair.