Building Community
with Sarah Kim and Jennifer Pauline
Host Jack Inslee
Community is more than just a buzzword—it’s about creating meaningful connections and fostering belonging. In this episode of Hear, HERE, Jack Inslee sits down with Sarah Kim, founder of By Way of Us, and Jennifer Pauline, founder of With/Creators, during the 10-Year Anniversary celebration of the LINE. Together, they delve into the challenges, joys, and intentions behind building authentic communities. Whether you’re a creator, facilitator, or someone seeking connection, this conversation is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to cultivate spaces where people truly feel seen and supported.
Jack Inslee: Welcome to Hear, Hear. I’m here at the LINE Hotel in LA, celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Today, we’re talking about the heart of what makes a space more than just its walls: community. My guests are Sarah Kim, founder of By Way of Us, and Jennifer Pauline, founder of With/Creators.
Sarah Kim: I started By Way of Us after realizing I wanted to highlight people—particularly women—who are often working behind the scenes. Over time, it evolved into creating intentional, small-scale events to foster real connections.
Jennifer Pauline: For me, community has always been about belonging. My journey began in talent and PR, but I honed my skills building community spaces during my time at Soho House. With Creators grew from my desire to help people feel they matter.
Jack: What sets your approach apart?
Sarah: We focus on depth, not numbers. Community isn’t about metrics; it’s about moments that resonate. We’ve hosted events as small as eight people playing tennis or larger gatherings for those craving connection.
Jennifer: I agree. We ask brands and partners to rethink their KPIs—what if success was measured by how many people genuinely connect rather than follower counts? The aim is lasting impact, not just optics.
Jack: What about the role of diversity?
Jennifer: Diversity isn’t just demographics—it’s experiences, perspectives, and values. Our events bring together people from all walks of life, fostering trust and authenticity.
Sarah: Exactly. We need spaces that are inclusive of everyone—not to tokenize but to truly learn from one another. Sometimes that means creating discomfort to spark growth.
Jack: And how does LA’s unique culture shape the work you do?
Sarah: It’s harder to build community in LA compared to cities like New York. But once you find your people, the connections are more intentional and meaningful. For me, the LINE hotel lobby was my starting point—it became a hub for building relationships.
Jennifer: I came to LA knowing no one, but the city taught me the power of cultivating accessibility. Each relationship builds on the last, creating a ripple effect.
Jack: Thank you both for sharing your insights. Listeners, find By Way of Us and With Creators online to learn more about their impactful work.
This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.
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Photo by Brooke Olsen.
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