Caroline Kramer ‘26
Staff Writer
Over the past couple months, I have been supporting Devika Sarin ‘08 with the pre-launch of her app, soal, through the HC Network. The mission of soal is to create a new way of discovering and engaging with art from emerging artists around the globe. In a world where we may feel disconnected at times, art serves as a constant reminder that we are all connected more than we think. Art reflects a special sense of storytelling and community that allows us to connect with unique parts of ourselves, whether as an artist or a viewer. It can feel intimidating to enter a space that we may not consider ourselves to be experts in, but soal encourages curiosity without the pressure to “get” the art we consume. You can discover art at your own pace, on your own terms.
At Holy Cross, Devika majored in economics with a concentration in environmental studies. She was a member of the Women’s Division 1 Golf Team, Purple Key Society, and a volunteer for Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD), among other clubs. I was lucky to interview her about her experience founding soal and the inspiration behind her work, especially as the launch of the app approaches soon.
How would you describe soal?
soal is an app helping make art discovery a daily ritual for millennials and Gen Z who may feel intimidated by the art world. It helps you figure out your taste and find artists that you love. Spending time with art is really good for us — it leads to greater states of creativity and empathy. We’re making it a space for people to feel good, spend time with beauty, and find an antidote to doomscrolling.
What inspired you to create soal?
soal is born out of a lot of challenges I faced with my first company. I’m a two-time founder, and a lot of the work at my first company centered around matching young people with artists. We had to spend a lot of time as art advisors, which ultimately was not our goal — but that experience planted the seed for how to use technology as a way to create greater access and understanding regarding the art world.
How and when can people access soal?
People can immediately sign up for the waitlist via our website (thisissoal.com). We will be inviting people to use the app on the app store in waves, so the sooner they get on the waitlist, the sooner they will receive access!
How has your liberal arts education influenced where you are today?
My time at Holy Cross encouraged a more multidisciplinary way of thinking — having to learn about different subjects shaped the way I consider how impact plays a role in our work, how science influences art and psychology, and how even economics draws from so many subjects within it. I’ve always had an ability to look at things through many different perspectives, and I definitely noticed a difference when I first started working compared to my peers who studied one field, such as business alone. I hear from many other alumni who share a strong sense of confidence in their writing and speaking abilities as well because of their Holy Cross education.
What is one piece of advice you have for current students?
I would tell my younger self many different things, but mostly that there are so many tools around us that allow for that deeper investigation into who we are. It is so important to figure out what lights you up and what brings meaning into your life, as well as how you can combine your professional ambitions with your personal interests. The most important thing in life is figuring out what you like — the more authentically aligned you are, the more you’ll connect with the people you’re meant to be surrounded by and find the opportunities meant for you.
Visit thisissoal.com to join the waitlist and be one of the first people to experience the app! You never know what can happen when you make art discovery a natural part of your daily routine.
Featured image courtesy of Google Images
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