Amrita Bhasin, a 23-year-old entrepreneur, has found her new home in Portland, Maine after growing up and studying in the Bay Area. She was drawn to the East Coast by the Roux Institute at Northeastern University. Bhasin started her fintech accounting startup, Sotira, while studying at the University of California, Berkeley, and living at the Hacker House in San Francisco.
Her daily routine in Portland starts later than most, with meetings usually beginning at 9:30 or 10 a.m., giving her time to prepare shortly before. Bhasin values the human interaction she gets from working in an office, as it helps her adjust to a new location.
Lunch in Portland is a highlight for Bhasin, who enjoys the locally sourced ingredients that provide unique character to the city. Afternoons are filled with events on campus, networking opportunities, and engaging with fellow founders.
Bhasin takes a refreshing long walk in the late afternoon, sometimes indulging in seasonal activities in Maine. The access to outdoor activities has shifted her perspective on living in big cities, making her appreciate the balance between work and leisure.
Evening meetings with contacts on the West Coast keep her busy until late, leading to dinners as late as 10 p.m. Bhasin still feels connected to Pacific time due to her work schedule and staying in touch with family in California.
Exploring local attractions with friends fills her free time, with nights usually coming to an end between midnight and 2 a.m. Her experience in Portland has broadened her outlook on work-life balance and entrepreneurship, as she contemplates her future after her residency ends in August.
