Our new blog series checks in with local Finns about their lives in New York and offers a few of their insider tips into the city. Think of it as another way to bring our small community closer.

Today’s entry is about fashion editor and stylist Claudia Cifu, who first came to New York City in 2001 to study fashion at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology). For the past decade she has been living and working both in Helsinki and the U.S. Recently New York has become her home base – at least for now.

Interview by Enni Haapanen

Q: What’s your typical day in the city like?

Well, I just made New York City my permanent base; before that I was based in Helsinki for five years. At the moment I’m actively searching for styling jobs, visiting showrooms, meeting photographers, and so on. Networking, in other words.

Q: How does your work here differ from your work in Finland?

In NYC the market is so much larger and tougher to break in to. But it also forces you to develop constantly, which is the best part.

Q: Living both in New York and Helsinki sounds great. How do you split your time?

When I was based in Helsinki, I spent between two and six months out of the year in NYC. It was great, but now I live in New York and travel to Helsinki for work.

Q: What do you miss about Finland?

I miss my family and friends the most, but I also miss the long summer nights and the nature. Finland also has the best candies (irtokarkit)!

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do in NYC?

Hanging in cafes, talking to strangers, people-watching, going to the movies, wining and dining, and being constantly exposed to different cultures.

Q: What are your plans for the future? What would you like to achieve as a fashion editor and stylist?

Being a fashion editor and stylist is just one part of who I am and what I want to achieve. The list goes on… Mainly, though, I want to be happy and live well with what I do.

Check out Claudia’s blog at claudia-cifu.blogspot.com