Creating Powerful, Thriving Digital Communities: Gabriela Fiorentino Of Nest Earth On How To Cultivate Connection & Community In A Click-to-Connect World

Today, it’s easier than ever to click “connect” — but much harder to create a real connection. As more of our social and professional lives move online, the challenge becomes building meaningful communities, which go beyond likes, follows, and shares. What does it take to cultivate such ? In this interview series, we are talking to community builders, digital strategists, tech founders, social media experts, and anyone who is creating powerful, thriving online spaces,. We want to explore how to cultivate connection in a click-to-connect world, and what it really takes to build a community where people can truly thrive. As a part of this series I had the pleasure of interviewing Gabriela Fiorentino.

Gabriela Fiorentino is the founder of Nest Earth, a community and consultancy that helps parents create a green, nurturing healthy home that works for them, without the overwhelm. When becoming a first-time mom, Gabriela understood quickly that parents aren’t just raising kids-they’re leading the way to a future where humans and the planet thrive together. She created Nest Earth so that parents don’t have to choose between raising their kids and saving the planet, she believes you can do both. From sleep and feeding to managing family finances, travel, and communicating with kids, she leads Nest Earth and its experts to support every aspect of parenting.

Thank you for making time to visit with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you grew up?

I didn’t grow up in an ordinary way. I was raised in the Dominican Republic in a big, bold, loving family where everything happened all at once. On any given weekend, you’d hear the sound of dominos slapping against the table while someone retold the same story for the hundredth time, except this time with more drama. There was

always music playing. Always kids weaving between adults. Always someone laughing, or arguing, or both.

Yes, it sounds pretty ordinary so far, and in some ways it was. I spent weekends riding ATVs through the countryside with my dad, swimming in rivers, and helping care for animals. My grandmother taught us simple things, how to gather eggs from the chicken coop, how to care for what you have, and how to enjoy the life you’re living.

But I also lived a very different reality. Because of my mother’s high-profile political career, I was exposed early on to powerful rooms where important decisions were being made. I traveled often, sat in spaces where policies were shaped, and learned the language of power just by watching. I didn’t always understand what was happening, but I listened closely.

That mix of grounded, real-life connection and early exposure to influence and global perspective shaped everything for me. It made me curious about how people live and what helps or hinders that. That’s what led me to study architecture and urban design. I wanted to help create spaces that supported real life, not just looked good on paper. And that curiosity has stayed with me ever since.

What inspired you to get involved in building digital communities?

Honestly, I didn’t set out to build a digital community. I was just trying to survive motherhood. I had questions, and Google had too many answers. I didn’t want more noise. I wanted real guidance from people who actually knew what they were talking about. I wanted expert support that was practical and trustworthy.

I joined a few groups. Some focused on being eco, but it felt more like a list of things I wasn’t doing. Others were centered on parenting, but the sustainability part wasn’t even part of the conversation. And a lot of what I found felt heavy. Doomsday talk. Guilt. Judgment. I didn’t need that. I needed support.

So I started talking to other parents to see if I was the only one feeling this way. Was there a better way to do this? Was someone already solving it? The more I talked, the more I realized most of us were asking the same questions. Many felt alone. And while parenting in person with support all around you is ideal, it’s not always realistic. That’s where the idea of a digital space really clicked.

I wanted to create something that felt like a virtual sounding board. A space where parents could connect with each other and with experts. A space rooted in real-life parenting, where being eco-conscious didn’t have to mean being perfect or doing it all. That’s where Nest Earth began.

Was there a moment when you realized the power of authentic online connection? Can you share that story?

There was a moment that really stuck with me. I shared a message in a mom group, just being honest about how hard it felt to try and be a good mom while also trying to live more sustainably. It wasn’t dramatic, just a real moment where I said, “This feels like a lot, and I don’t know if I’m doing any of it right.”

I expected maybe one or two comments, but the replies started rolling in. Dozens of parents said they felt the same way. Some offered tips, but most just said things like, “Thank you for saying this,” or “I thought I was the only one.” One person even wrote, “I’ve never admitted this out loud, but I really needed to hear this today.” That moment made me pause. All it took was one honest post to unlock that level of connection. It reminded me that people are craving spaces where they can be real without being judged. When someone goes first and speaks the truth, it opens the door for everyone else to exhale and show up too. That is when I realized the power of digital connection when it is grounded in honesty and care.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned along the way that influences how you operate now?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that clarity comes from doing. Not from overthinking or waiting until everything is perfect. I used to get stuck trying to make it all just right before sharing it with the world. The perfect guide. The perfect post. The perfect plan. But the truth is, most of the clarity I’ve gained has come from taking messy action and adjusting as I go.

I’ve also learned that people don’t need you to have it all figured out. They just need you to be real. That lesson has shaped how I do everything now. Whether I’m leading a workshop, writing a resource, or chatting with another parent, I try to show up with honesty instead of polish. We’re all figuring it out in our own way. We’re all in different stages. And when you meet people where they are and truly listen, that is where real trust and connection grow.

In your opinion, what defines a thriving digital community?

A thriving digital community is one where people feel seen, safe, and supported. It is not about how many people are there. It is about how they show up and how they feel when they do.

For me, it all comes down to authentic connection. Real conversations. Real support.

The magic happens when members feel like they can be themselves. When they are not just consuming content but sharing stories, asking questions, and offering support.

It is when someone says, “I didn’t know where to say this, but I feel like I can here.” That is when I know we are doing something right.

The best communities have rhythm and a sense of care behind the scenes. There is intention in how people are welcomed, how conversations unfold, and how they are encouraged to contribute, not just take.

That is what I try to build with Nest Earth. Not just a group, but a space where people feel held and supported.

What are some common mistakes people make when trying to build digital communities?

One mistake I see often is focusing too much on the platform or the content calendar before really understanding the people.

Community is not a marketing strategy. It is a relationship. It takes care, listening, and time.

Another big one is assuming engagement means emojis and likes. Real engagement is someone opening up about something hard. It is people replying to each other in the comments. It is when a member comes back not just for your content, but because they feel connected and cared for.

People also try to do too much too fast. Launching a community without first creating trust is like inviting people to a dinner party before you’ve even set the table. They might show up, but they probably won’t stay long.

And finally, building in a silo. The best communities are co-created. That means making space for members to shape it with you.

Not everything needs to be top-down. Sometimes the most meaningful moments come from something unexpected that a member shares, not something you planned.

I’m going to try a few of your tips, and I’m hopeful our readers will, too. What are your “Five strategies to cultivate a powerful, thriving digital community?’

1. Make the first step feel easy

Walking into a new space — especially online — can feel a little awkward. So I try to make that first step light and simple. A quick welcome message. A one-sentence intro prompt. A “what’s something you’re loving right now?” kind of question. It helps people ease in without the pressure of a long to-do list.

2. Be real, not polished

People don’t want perfect. They want real. I’ve gone live holding my toddler with one arm and sharing my thoughts with the other. And honestly, those moments often get the most love. When you show up as yourself, people feel like they can do the same.

3. Create small rituals

Community isn’t just about big events. It’s the small touchpoints that make people want to return. A Friday “how did the week really go?” check-in. A “share what’s working for you” thread. A silly poll just for fun. These little rhythms help people show up in their own way.

4. Listen and respond

The best part of community is that you don’t have to guess. People will tell you what they need — if you’re willing to ask and really listen. I started offering expert Q&As because parents said they felt lost with things like non-toxic swaps. That wasn’t in the original plan, but it turned out to be one of the most impactful things we’ve done.

5. Don’t forget the quiet ones

Not everyone is going to comment or post. Some people are just there, quietly soaking it in. I try to make sure they feel seen too. A reply to a thoughtful comment. A private message checking in. One mom told me she had never posted but read everything and felt like she belonged. That’s what community is about.

How important is meeting offline, in real life? What is the best way to make that happen? Can you share a story?

Meeting in real life just hits different. I think community is heading toward a hybrid rhythm. It’s not all online or all in person anymore. It’s both. That blend makes space for connection in real life and the kind that fits into your everyday scroll. Some of my favorite memories have come from that mix. Like the Mommy and Me session we hosted with a therapist. The kids were off doing their thing while we sat in a circle on the floor, talking about burnout, nervous systems, and the wild ride of parenting. One mom told me afterward it felt like a breath of fresh air. Like she could finally say the hard stuff out loud without needing to wrap it in a bow. We’ve had casual coffee catchups and snack-prep parties. We’ve painted while talking about rest. Nothing fancy. No pressure to perform. Just show up and have fun. That’s when the best conversations happen anyway.

And in between those moments, the digital space keeps us close. It’s where we swap tips, check in, vent a little, and remind each other we’re doing great even when the day is chaos.

The mix of it all is what makes it feel alive. That’s where community grows — not in the perfect plan, but in the showing up.

How do you handle negativity, trolling, or disengagement in a digital space?

Negativity and trolling have not been a big issue in our space, and I think that has a lot to do with how it is built. From the beginning, I have been intentional about setting a tone that is kind, welcoming, and real. That energy tends to attract people who are looking for the same thing.

That said, hard moments still come up. Sometimes it looks like someone venting from a place of frustration. Sometimes a conversation starts to feel off. When that happens, I try to meet it with curiosity instead of judgment. Most of the time, people just want to feel seen and heard.

If something ever crosses a line or feels unkind, I will address it privately and directly. It is not about calling someone out. It is about protecting the tone and values of the space.

Disengagement is a little different. People have full lives and they move through different seasons. I do not take it personally. I just try to keep the door open and the space warm. A simple check-in or a “thinking of you” message can go a long way. Sometimes it brings someone back into the conversation. Sometimes it does not. And both are okay.

The goal is not constant activity. It is creating a space that feels good to return to when the time is right.

What are some practical strategies for encouraging real interaction, beyond likes and emojis?

For me, it all comes back to connection. Real interaction happens when people feel like they matter. That starts with the way we welcome them, talk to them, and encourage them to engage — not just as a number in a group, but as a person with a story.

I focus a lot on creating meaningful touchpoints. That might look like pairing members for gentle 1:1 introductions, spotlighting someone’s journey in a post, or encouraging them to share a win or struggle in their own words. When people see their story reflected in the space, they tend to open up more.

We also invite connection outside the group. Whether it’s a casual meetup or a DM after someone shares something vulnerable, I try to build relationships, not just “engagement.”

It is not about performance. It is about presence. Every touchpoint — whether it is a prompt, a voice note, or a quick reply — is a chance to remind someone they are seen and supported. That kind of care builds the trust that leads to real interaction.

What platforms or tools have you found most effective for cultivating meaningful digital engagement?

I’m less focused on chasing the “best” tool and more on how a platform helps us create real connection. What matters most is that it’s easy to use, feels warm, and allows for genuine conversation.

We use Circle for our community space, and it’s been great for creating a hub where people can engage in their own time. It’s clean, not overwhelming, and it feels more intentional than a Facebook group. I love that we can organize by topics, host threads, and create spaces that feel calm but alive.

Zoom is still my go-to for deeper sessions. There’s something powerful about seeing each other face-to-face — even if someone’s in their car or has a kid climbing on them. That visual connection helps people open up.

And honestly, voice notes in DMs might be the most underrated tool of all. A 20-second check-in can turn someone’s day around. It feels personal and reminds people they’re not just a name on a screen.

At the end of the day, the tool matters less than the intention behind it. I look for platforms that let us lead with care, make space for real life, and encourage people to show up as they are.

Are there certain types of content or activities that tend to spark stronger connections in online spaces?

The strongest connections happen when people can interact in real time. There’s something about being able to show up, have a live conversation, and feel heard in the moment that deepens trust fast. Whether it’s a Zoom circle, a group chat, or even a voice note thread, that kind of presence makes a difference.

In Nest Earth, our most meaningful moments often come from live sessions — like when we hosted a parenting Q&A and the chat lit up with people saying, “I thought it was just me.” You can’t recreate that energy in a static post.

That said, not everyone can always show up live, so we balance it with low-pressure prompts and casual shares. Simple check-ins like “What’s something that made you smile this week?” or “What’s helping you feel grounded?” keep the space feeling alive, even when folks are in different time zones or phases of life.

Success is often a matter of perspective. I’ve always resonated with Henry David Thoreau’s quote, “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” How do you see success — or define success — for yourself now?

Success used to feel like something far away. A title. A milestone. Something I had to chase. Now it feels a lot more like presence. Like impact in the day-to-day.

It shows up when a parent messages me saying, “This made things feel a little lighter this week.” It shows up when my child does something small but new, and I remember that growth is always happening, even when it is quiet.

I see success the way I see parenting milestones. First they are crawling. Then walking. Then running. Each stage matters. It is not about getting there fast. It is about knowing you are growing in the right direction.

That is how I feel about Nest Earth too. Every time someone feels less alone, every time we help a family make a change that supports their health and the planet, it is a step forward. That is what success is for me now. Real change that starts small and adds up over time.

Is there a person in the world with whom you’d like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He, she or they might just see this. :-)

I’d love to have breakfast with Kristen Bell. She’s funny, down to earth, and really understands what it means to juggle parenting while trying to do good in the world. I’d be curious to hear the behind the scenes of building Hello Bello and talk about the messy, honest parts of mom life that don’t make it onto Instagram. We’d probably end up swapping snack ideas and laughing about how hard it is to keep kids in shoes. More than anything, I’d want to talk about what it takes to grow something meaningful without losing sight of the mission. And how we can keep making sustainable choices feel doable for families who already have a lot on their plates.

What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?

You can find me at nestearth.com, where I share resources and support for families building healthier, more sustainable lives. I’m also on Instagram @nestearthco and on LinkedIn at Gabriela Fiorentino. Come say hi — we’d love to have you in the community.

Thank you for these thought provoking insights. Here’s to your continued success!