As I write this, I am surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of Tanzania, with Mount Meru standing tall in the distance, the greenery landscape and the energy of Arusha bringing me a sense of grounding and renewal. Being here feels like the perfect time to regroup, recharge, and dream even bigger.
When I started ILAVA, I had a vision of connecting my home country to the rest of the world in a way that celebrated its beauty, culture, and spirit. Fashion was our entry point—a way to open doors and start conversations. But ILAVA has always been about more than just fashion. It’s about creating a lifestyle that honors where we come from and inspires where we’re going and We’re ready to fully embrace and bring this entire lifestyle to life—seamlessly weaving together travel, fashion, home, philanthropy, and community. It Can Be Done!
As I look to Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance, I’m reminded of the memories of my climb to Uhuru Peak—an experience that was transformative in every way. If you haven’t had the chance to watch the documentary “Chasing Uhuru Peak: Mt. Kilimanjaro Experience,” I encourage you to do so. It tells the story of my journey to the summit, a journey filled with challenges, growth, and the deep pride of standing on the roof of Africa. That moment symbolized so much of what ILAVA stands for: resilience, connection, and a celebration of who we are.
Connecting with our Travel with ILAVA ground team (pic below) has been nothing short of incredible. Together, we’re curating opportunities for you to experience Tanzania in ways that go beyond the ordinary. Whether it’s exploring the raw beauty of the Serengeti, visiting local artisans and cultural heritage of this land, we’re working to create journeys that immerse you in the soul of Tanzania. Ps, Let me know when you're ready to pack your bags by simply emailing me.
I’ve been thinking about bringing back ILAVA Home Décor. As I walk through local markets, speak with artisans, and take in the textures and colors of everyday life here— from Maasai blankets to so much more— I can see the threads coming together to create a collection that brings the heart of Tanzania into your homes. Stay tuned!
A visit to Arusha wouldn’t be complete without stopping by to see our partner, Empowered Girl, as they work on their plans for 2025. It was truly inspiring to witness their dedication to creating a sustainable and positive impact in the lives of Tanzanian girls. Thank you supporting ILAVA Gives Back through your shopping.
Lastly, as you know, I love being an "auntie." Spending time with them continues to inspire me on this journey. I will be sharing more of my experiences in the coming weeks, so stay tuned! Please share this newsletter with a friend and invite them to join us. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
xo,
Rahel
