Rana Florida’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rana Florida. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Rana, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Wake up at 6:45. Make my decaf oat-milk latte, then feed the cat, the dog, wake up the girls, quick breakfast, followed by some hair drama and get them ready for school. My cofounder and dear friend, Amanda Elliott, and I usually start our mornings with a quick FaceTime after school drop-off. It’s our daily check-in — a rapid-fire catch-up on the eight million little details that keep the studio humming. Once that’s out of the way, we dive into the part we both love most: the creative work. That’s when we start dreaming up the next artist-inspired theme or activation for Creative Class Studio. We’re both passionate about sparking creativity in children — helping them learn about art, connect with one another, and discover the joy of self-expression

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
The Creative Class Studio, a space born out of a simple but powerful idea — to help children rediscover the joy of creativity, connection, and unstructured play. Remember the freedom of childhood? Riding bikes, building forts, exploring the neighborhood with friends until dusk? That kind of imaginative, open-ended play is fading — and with kids today so rushed and overscheduled, we’re seeing more anxiety and less joy.
At Creative Class Studio, we wanted to slow childhood down. We’ve created a kids club meets art studio — a place where children can unplug, explore, and express themselves freely. There are no rules or rigid instructions here — just inspiration, imagination, and hands-on creativity. It’s a space for kids to connect with each other, build confidence, and experience the magic of making something with their own hands. Our goal is to bring families and communities together, while still inspiring kids to learn about iconic artists.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Research from Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos, host of The Happiness Lab podcast and creator of Yale’s most popular course, shows that human connection is one of the strongest predictors of happiness. Harvard’s Dr. Robert Putnam, in his groundbreaking book Bowling Alone, revealed how the decline of social and community life has frayed the fabric of society. And more recently, psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, has illuminated how technology and social media are driving unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression, and isolation in children.

We are, quite simply, at a strange moment in human history — everyone’s looking down at the palm of their hand. We’re modeling that behavior for our children, who are growing up more connected digitally yet more disconnected emotionally.

At Creative Class Studio, we’re taking a stand against that. Our space is proudly a device-free zone — a place where kids can look up, make eye contact, collaborate, and rediscover the joy of real human connection. Social connection is the key to happiness, and our goal is to bring children together in a fun, relaxed, and creative way. We help them engage with art, play, and each other — breaking free from the dopamine loops of screens and returning to what truly fulfills us: imagination, community, and genuine connection.

Because what breaks the bonds between us is isolation and distraction — but what restores them is creativity, presence, and shared experience. That’s the heart of what we’re building every day at Creative Class Studio.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: Leadership isn’t about being in front — it’s about serving others.”

When I interviewed Dr. John Noseworthy, the former president and CEO of the Mayo Clinic, for my book Upgrade: Taking Your Work and Life from Ordinary to Extraordinary, he told me something that has always stayed with me: ‘I lead by serving. I take a step back and allow those around me to step up.’ That perspective changed how I think about leadership — it’s not about control or direction, but about creating space for others to thrive.

At Creative Class Studio, my cofounder Amanda Elliott and I carry that philosophy into everything we do. When we run focus groups or test new ideas, it’s the children who lead the way. We watch, listen, and learn from them — their reactions, their curiosity, their joy. They’re our best teachers. Taking a step back and empowering others — whether it’s a team, a partner, or a room full of kids — that’s where the real magic of leadership happens.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Community, connection, creativity and family.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
We love watching kids just be kids — laughing, getting messy, creating, and connecting.

There’s something real about that energy — no screens, no pressure, just pure curiosity and joy. When the studio is buzzing, paint’s flying, and the kids are in their own creative flow, that’s when everything feels right.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.creativeclassstudio.com
• Instagram: creativeclassstudios
• Facebook: creativeclassstudios