Why a salon?

Here's how Anne describes the inspiration.

"Le Trente draws inspiration from many places, but one experience left a lasting mark: my time in the Bento Society, a gathering created by Yancey Strickler, ex-CEO and co-founder of Kickstarter. For over 18 months, I participated in weekly Bento groups where we explored the dimensions of self-interest proposed by Bentoism: considering not just “now me” but also “future me,” “now us,” and “future us.”

This wider lens on decision-making—one that prioritises the individual, the collective, and future generations—was transformative. It became a foundation for how I approach meaningful conversations, gatherings, and sharing new ideas.

When Yancey mentioned presenting these ideas in a salon, the concept stayed with me. At the time, I had been sitting in my own “salon”— French for living room—for each of the Bento group sessions. I intentionally chose this space, mindful to stay away from my office, so it wouldn’t feel like an extension of my career or something I was doing for work.These gatherings felt personal, reflective, generous and free from the concept of networking.

That choice planted the seed for Le Trente Salon, which has since grown into a space where we can extend these values offline: fostering dialogue, supporting each other, and reimagining the world together.

As Julian, a fellow Bento Society member, once said, it’s about creating “a welcoming space for people to rejuvenate themselves and co-imagine the world together.”

Carlina Rinaldi, owner of the specialty coffee roaster Corde Coffee, was brought by another guest to one of my Salon events. She loved the concept, I loved her energy, and we went for a coffee a few weeks later to see if we could cook up a collaboration. And tah-dah, here we are!"

What’s behind that name?

"The name Le Trente (French for the number 30) holds special significance. In numerology, the number 30 is imbued with highly creative and social energy. It resonates with optimism, imagination, and the ability to inspire others. It encourages creative expression, joy, and tolerance, and uplifts those who encounter it. Mirroring my generally passionate personality, the number 30 tends to be enthusiastic about others' work. 

For me, the number reflects the essence of what I hope these salons will bring: a dynamic space where creativity and ideas flourish, where you leave not only inspired but with your own sense of possibility reignited."