Welcome back to AWESOME People, and I'm your host, Iman Huschmand, here to bring you another inspired episode with deeper level conversations. Today marks an exceptional moment, as we launch the 2.0 version of our podcast with our first in-person guest, Sogol Afsharjavan. From a childhood surrounded by palm trees in Iran, to her formative travels across Europe, Sogol developed a profound love for design and languages. These passions have guided her journey from aspiring United Nations interpreter to establishing her own space in the vibrant neighborhood of Miami's south of fifth—a sanctuary for interior design and art exhibits named "Platform." This episode will take you through Sogol's fascinating story. Discover how her father's advice led her away from flight attendant dreams to teaching languages, which further blossomed into an earnest career in interior design. We'll delve into how Sogol has transformed properties into showcases of design harmony, intertwined with her stint in teaching, all while raising a family and pursuing her profound interest in cultural connections. Join us as we explore Sogol's vision behind Platform, her intent to confiscate cell phones to foster true human connection, and her ambitious plans for intimate events like "barefoot in the garden." Our conversation will touch upon her transformative journey through the landscapes of Iran, Germany, and Washington, DC, before finding her love for Miami—a city that has witnessed her remarkable tenacity in building a community sanctuary amidst skyrocketing prices and the trials and opportunities born from a global pandemic. As Sogol shares her invaluable insights into the world of interior design, from the vitality of creating meaningful experiences to the challenges of paperwork, we will illuminate the intricate dance between balancing creativity with business savvy. Learn about her dreams of melding modern and Persian cultures in a high-end restaurant project, her plans to engage the next generation with tactile elements of Persian heritage, and her aspiration to curate private collections. Stay tuned for an episode brimful of insights, inspiration, and the art of meaningful connection. Welcome to the story of Sogol Afsharjavan—designer, connector, visionary—and indeed, an AWESOME person.