Where Are They Now?: Catching Up with Suburban Jungle Alum Alana Rockland Kogan
As part of our new Suburban Inspirations series, NYC Strategists Alli Levine and Robin Hoberman hit the road to reconnect with some amazing clients we’ve helped transition from city to suburb. And who better to kick things off than one of our most inspiring stories—Alana Rockland Kogan.
We first met Alana and her husband Gennady in 2022, shortly after they relocated from Manhattan to Stamford, Connecticut with their pup Max. Back then, Alana had recently undergone kidney transplant surgery and was in recovery. The decision to move to the suburbs was as much about physical healing as it was about emotional and creative renewal.
“I think part of what drew me out of the city was the need for space,” Alana said during our recent check in. “Not just physical space, but mental space. The city was starting to feel too tight. Too intense. I needed air.”
She and Gennady began exploring Westchester and Fairfield County with Suburban Jungle, guided by Director of Communications and a Strategist, Alli Levine. Their wish list was all about lifestyle: a vibrant downtown, access to nature, a strong sense of community, and a place where Max could thrive, too. Stamford quickly stood out.
The Creative Spark
Fast forward to today, and the home they fell in love with has become more than just a place to live—it’s become the foundation for a new chapter. As we stepped inside, we were immediately struck by the warmth, light, and color. Alana’s art fills the space—large, abstract paintings full of energy and emotion line the walls. Many are hers. Others were painted by her grandmother, also an artist.
“My grandmother’s paintings were always in our home growing up,” Alana said. “She’s an artist and I’ve always admired her work. When we moved in here and had the space, I finally felt like I could try it myself.”
That “try” turned into a full-fledged passion. With room to create a dedicated studio and natural surroundings to draw inspiration from, Alana began painting more frequently. Friends and visitors began asking about her work. Then came the commissions.
“It was a bit surreal,” she said. “I didn’t go into this expecting to start a business or build a following. I just wanted to create. But people connected with the work.”
Finding Community
The next evolution in Alana’s journey came from something she didn’t expect: the welcoming local art scene in Stamford.
Through her work, Alana connected with the Loft Artists Association, a Stamford-based nonprofit that supports local visual artists. She’s now a member and exhibits her work at their gallery. She’s currently working on several commissioned pieces and is participating in multiple juried exhibits and local art festivals this year.
“I don’t think this would have happened in the city,” she said. “Not like this. In New York, it’s harder to break through. There’s so much saturation, so many people trying to be seen. In Connecticut, the community welcomed me with open arms. That kind of encouragement and connection has made a huge difference.”
Suburban Life, Reimagined
Alana’s story is proof that suburban life can be every bit as vibrant, connected, and inspiring as life in the city. You just have to find the right town.
“Suburban Jungle helped us cut through the noise,” she said. “Alli knew what questions to ask—about what we wanted, how we lived, what we hoped to find. That made a huge difference. We weren’t just finding a home—we were finding the right environment for our lives to grow.”
And grow it has.
In just over a year, Alana has launched a thriving art practice, become a member of a creative collective, and continues to explore new dimensions of herself, her work, and her community.
“This wasn’t just a move—it was a life shift,” she said. “And Stamford met me exactly where I needed to be.”
What’s Next
Alana’s work is being shown at the Loft Artists gallery, and she’s participating in the Stamford Art Association’s juried exhibit, Portraits of our Planet at Stamford’s Ferguson Library from April 1-June 26. She also has multiple events coming up including Arts & Crafts on Bedford in downtown Stamford, June 14 and September 20, plus other art festivals in the surrounding areas. She’s also begun mentoring other emerging artists and sharing her story with those who may be considering a similar leap.
“I didn’t think of this as a reinvention at first,” she said. “But now, that’s exactly what it feels like. A fresh start. A new way to be. And it all started with this move.”
As we left Alana’s home—still buzzing from the energy of her artwork and her warm hospitality—we couldn’t help but feel inspired. Hers is a story of transition, transformation, and what’s possible when you make a move for the life you want, not just the one you think you’re supposed to have.
Stay tuned for more stories in our Suburban Inspirations series, as we continue to catch up with Suburban Jungle clients and explore how their new hometowns have helped them thrive.
Thinking about your next chapter? Suburban Jungle’s free strategy sessions help city dwellers explore—and find—their perfect town. Schedule your free initial strategy call today.
