Wednesday’s Global Nomad: Theresa Neubauer

Name, location and what do you do? 

Theresa Neubauer. I am currently studying Publishing Technologies in Leipzig, writing my dissertation and simultaneously founding a new digital magazine named SISTER.  


Why are you a global nomad? 

Because I often travel twice a week. Sometimes to my home town in Saxony, sometimes to Berlin, to London or any other location where I feel at home. As my dad just put it very affectionately: I tend to vagrancy ;)!  

 

What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this? 

SISTER Magazine is part of my dissertation but actually my sister Toni and I wanted to found a start up forever. Magazines have been my passion since childhood and for a long time we have been connected to the digital word, Social Media and mobile trends. It just seemed obvious to us to combine these two worlds.  

I love connecting to new people, traveling the world to meet these old or new friends and being able to tell everyone about it. That’s why I also started my blog more than 3 years ago (neu4bauer.blogspot.com) 

    

What do you hope to achieve? 

We want to create a social, passionate and active community with our magazine, through which like-minded women – sisters – can connect with each other. We want our content to be interesting and inspiring. We want to create a beautiful product which gives a lot of joy in everyday life.   

   

How long have you been working on this? 

We’ve had the idea in spring this year and have been working on it ever since. With me writing my dissertation I can dedicate all my time to the theoretical research and practical implementation of our idea. I would say that we really work on it for 3 months now. We want to publish our first issue in the beginning of 2012.   

   

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project? 

How restricted traditional women’s magazines are when it comes to content and categories. You’ll often only find the typical topics like Beauty, Fashion, Love and Relationships or dieting tips. It seems as if publishing houses don’t want women to be versatility interested.  

  

Where do you see this project in 10 years?

I hope that SISTER will turn out to be a profitable start up. We have many ideas about technological ideas, things we could add on and cooperations we would love to engage with. So – who knows?

And I would like to see many places in the next 10 years which I would love to report on in SISTER.

 

When did you start traveling? How and why did you travel for the first time?

My first travel took me to Leipzig, where I am now studying. I lived about 1 ½ hours away and was visiting my aunt. It was a big deal for me since I had always been a very, very shy girl, very dependent on my mom!

However with 16 I then took the big independent step and traveled to Canada, where I stayed for 10 months in a host family in Winnipeg. This time taught me a lot: how to overcome homesickness, how to be tolerant, how to me more self-confident and make real friends.

 

In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?

I have lived in Winnipeg/Canada for 10 months during my high school years. When I graduated from High School in Germany I first moved to Stuttgart (in South Germany) before I moved to Leipzig, where I am living right now. Last year I was lucky enough to spend 7 months in London – studying at the University of Arts (LCC) and working at a Mobile Agency. I’ve been in love with this thriving metropolis ever since!

Thus I speak my mother tongue German, as well as English and a little bit of French.

 

What’s your favorite city so far?

It is hard to say because I love so many cities for many different reasons. I love London because of its people, the humour and the great history. I love Berlin because of its relaxed atmosphere, the creative energy and my sister (who lives there ;)). I love New York and I would love to live there in the future for a period of time. And I even love Freiberg – my little Saxon hometown, where you know the hidden corners and meet your high school teachers on the street! However I cannot put a finger on just one place.

 

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

My computer!

 

Give us your global nomad profile:

window or aisle? aisle

boat or plane? plane

train or bus? train

walk or bike? walk

metro or trolley? metro

tropical, temperate, polar? Temperate

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? Hotel

must have fashion piece when traveling? Fashionable flats – such as brogues or loafers (because shoes do make your outfit ;))

explore/map or tour guide? Explore

Global Nomad Sister Mag Fashion Germany Theresa Neubauer
Wednesday’s Global Nomad: Dave Rad

Name, location and what do you do?

Dave Rad, NYC co-founder and designer at Holstee.

 

Why are you a global nomad? 

I feel at home everywhere on this planet. 

 

What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?

Together with partners Mike and Fabian, we saw an opportunity to design lifestyle goods in a way that had a smaller ecological impact and a greater social impact - while all the while pushing the limits of functionality and material innovation.    

 

What do you hope to achieve?

We hope to create a positive impact through conscious design.  

 

How long have you been working on this?

I have been working on Holstee full time for 2 years. 

 

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project? 

Since working on Holstee I have learned many things, most importantly that in the end, life is all about the people you meet and things you create with them. 

 

Where do you see this project in 10 years?

In ten years I see Holstee becoming the home for mindful consumers to buy meaningful products online.  

  

When did you start traveling? How and why did you travel for the first time?

I think I first took a flight alone when I was about 9 to visit some family in California - since then I have always loved travel.    

  

In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?

I have lived in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Laguna Hills (CA), Hamburg, Reutlingen.

I speak English, Farsi, Hebrew and German 

 

What’s your favorite city so far? 

Of all the cities I miss Hamburg the most, though if I wasn’t in NY now it would probably be NYC.

 

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be? 

pen and notepad. 

 

Give us your global nomad profile:  

window or aisle? Aisle 

boat or plane? boat 

train or bus? train 

walk or bike? bike 

metro or trolley? trolley 

tropical, temperate, polar? tropical 

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? local 

must have fashion piece when traveling? scarf 

explore/map or tour guide? explore 

Dave Rad Fashion Global Nomad Holstee
Wednesday’s Global Nomad: Evita Robinson

Name, location and what do you do?  

Evita Robinson. ‘Home Base’ is Bronx, New York. I am the creator and host of Nomad•ness Travel Series. 

 

Why are you a global nomad?

I view my citizenship as being of the world, and have a fat passport to prove it. Yet, I think it’s also my mentality. I have a worldly view in everything I do, from showcasing my travels in the series, to my memoir writing, to even beginning the DRT•BG travel bag line this past summer. My travels have completely seeped into every aspect of my life: creatively, spiritually, professionally, even socially with the friends I keep around, and launching the Facebook Group, Nomad•ness Travel Tribe. 

 

What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?  

For a very long time I have felt that there are a few demographics missing representation on the larger travel platform. Women who travel alone is a huge market that is still gaining steam.  A Black woman traveling alone is a market completely untapped to a large scale. Also, the fact that I am exploring countries with an urban point of view, and seeing how that culture translates around the world, is something fresh and relevant in today’s society.   

 

What do you hope to achieve?

More diversity in travel. I want a kid living in my neighborhood in the Bronx to have someone that they can turn on the television and relate to in a positive way, in regards to travel. The youth around me everyday don’t even fathom being able to leave the city, let alone the country. I want to show them, as much as a kid in Japan, or a woman in any crevice of the world, that they can do it, even if it means doing it alone. It is feasible, and it is necessary for growth.

 

How long have you been working on this?

Nomad•ness TV since February 2010.

 

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project?

That as world as I believe I am, I had prejudices too. Ironically, this self-discovery of mine had been the brainchild behind a diversity workshop I am developing to bring to colleges and universities. But yea, my most interesting discoveries have also been facing demons that I found within myself, and growing from within.

 

Where do you see this project in 10 years?

In ten years Nomad•ness TV will be the number one top rated travel series in the 18-35 age demographic, around the world, as it will be online as well. It will be the force that binds all other projects that blossom underneath it, from memoirs, philanthropy and scholarship programs, to world-wide Tribe-like community of like minded individuals who see the artistry and beauty in travel.

 

When did you start traveling?

I would go yearly to see my Step-Father’s family in Montego Bay, Jamaica as a child. I didn’t ‘get it’ then though. It wasn’t until I went to Paris, France, alone, six weeks after college graduation, instead of looking for a job, that the traveling bug latched on.

 

How and why did you travel for the first time?

In focusing on Paris, I took a 4 week Digital Filmmaking course with the New York Film Academy, at La Femis Film School in Paris. I funded the trip through a fat loan I got while still being a student, and what would soon be a maxed out credit card. I made it work.

 

In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?

I speak English. I’ve traveled to a number of countries, but lived in France, Thailand, Japan, and the US.

 

What’s your favorite city so far?

Paris.

 
If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

Journal with attached pen, so that’s kind of one thing.

  

Give us your global nomad profile: 

window or aisle?  Definitely aisle
 
boat or plane? Plane
 
train or bus? Train
 
walk or bike? Walk
 
metro or trolley? Metro
 
tropical, temperate, polar? Temperate
 
hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? Hostel
 
must have fashion piece when traveling? I never take off my mother’s high school graduation ring.

explore/map or tour guide? Explore/Map

Global Nomad Evita Robinson Travel Nomadness
Wednesday’s Global Nomad: Vaughn

Vaughn is the co-founder of Nubian Drifter, a travel site that inspires and encourages people to take the leap and explore the world around them.

Name, location and what do you do?

Vaughn. From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I’m a writer, photographer, blogger & traveler. Occasionally I give speeches about the benefits of travel and understanding and appreciating culture.


Why are you a global nomad?

I love meeting new people and exploring new places. I’m at my best when I’m elsewhere. What’s more, I enjoy talking to others and helping them find their travel comfort zones.


What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?

I’ve been around the world and everywhere I’ve gone, I noticed a lack of color where travelers were concerned. It troubled me that everyone else was traveling, but a lot of black people were not. I started my blog to be an inspiration to black people and other people of color who might find the act of travel daunting or think it’s beyond their reach.


What do you hope to achieve?

I hope to continue to inspire people to break away from their comfort zones and find bliss in exploring the globe.

How long have you been working on this?

A little over a year.


What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project?

Since starting this project, I’ve been linked up with a host of black travelers who have similar goals as mine; it’s great to know I’m in good company.

Where do you see this project in 10 years?

In 10 years I’d like it (Nubian Drifter) to be bigger than a blog; I’d like to be inspiring people on a much larger platform.


When did you start traveling?

I’ve been traveling around the US since I was born, but internationally, not until the age of 23.

How and why did you travel for the first time?

A good friend of mine moved to Paris on a whim; this completely shook up my thought process and inspired me in a lot of ways. She told me I should come visit. I did. I ended up hopping on a flight to London while in Paris, and so it began.


In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?

Internationally, I’ve lived in both London and Tokyo. I speak some french. I can get around in Japan/read some labels… English is the only language I’m fluent in, though.

What’s your favorite city so far?

This is difficult! I loved every city I’ve been to for different reasons. But if I had to pick, I’d say London. I think I had the most diverse, interesting life in London, so yeah… that’s my favorite city.


If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

My SLR camera, of course. I need to take photos on my travels. It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t.


Give us your global nomad profile:

window or aisle? window.

boat or plane? plane

train or bus? train

walk or bike? combination of the two

metro or trolley? metro

tropical, temperate, polar? temperate

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? local’s apartment

must have fashion piece when traveling? handmade bracelets

explore/map or tour guide? explore

Become a fan of Nubian Drifter or follow them on twitter.

Global Nomad Nubian Drifter Vaughn Travel
Global Nomad: Maryse Emilie Holly

Maryse Emilie Holly is currently a Leland International Hunger Fellow based in Haiti, a program where 15 fellows are placed in 15 different developing countries or emerging markets for 2 years, fighting hunger with the tools of their different disciplines. In May, she finished the coursework for a Master’s of Professional Studies in International Agriculture and Rural Development. While in Haiti, Maryse aims to provide support to an organization that is producing a ready-to-use-therapeutic-food and a critical component of production involves purchasing peanuts from Haitian farmers.

In addition, Maryse has also launched a summer camp with her cousins in Haiti a few years ago that is located in a remote beachfront area. This past summer was their third summer.

 

Why are you a global nomad?

I’m a global nomad because home for me really is wherever my stuff is!

What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?

I am passionate about agriculture and agri-business because so many marginalized people in the world make their living in agriculture. A key step in supporting development will involve poor people moving up the value chain. For example cocoa is grown in several African countries but mostly exported for processing and then re-imported as a finished product for consumption. That finished product is sold for a much higher price than the raw product. I want my life work to involve seeing raw products processed IN the developing countries that grow them.

What do you hope to achieve?

While I’m in Haiti, I hope to create sustainable relationships between Haitian peanut farmers and Haitian university students that are studying agronomy, plant science or rural development as well as any other relevant disciplines.

Rice production in Haiti is also close to my heart so anything I can do to encourage and support rice production is on my list as well. I’ll probably try to convince some NGOs to buy locally produced rice for their employees. Offices and businesses often serve lunch. 

I hope to establish an artist-in-residence program at a guest house here. I want an artist to live at the guest house for free in exchange for regular exhibits or performances (dependent on whether they are a visual or performing artist). I feel strongly that artistic expression should be supported and encouraged because it’s therapeutic and its how people dream and how conversations start.

I also hope to become fluent in French and Haitian-Creole. I speak both but I cannot claim fluency in either.

How long have you been working on this?

A clearer vision has been in mind for about the past 5 years. However, I’ve been preparing for this my whole life. My mother was raised in Liberia and always told the best stories about her childhood there. My father left Haiti as a young adult and he too, enthralled me with tales of his childhood in St. Marc, Haiti. Add to that a cool aunt who was a lawyer for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. She often brought me souvenirs of the different African countries she was visiting. I still have a woven basket and a pot holder that she gave me. Regionally, my interest is expanding to Southeast Asia. This past January, I consulted for an Indonesian rice company and fell in love with that country too.

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project?

The importance of patience before action. Also, that I could put together some VERY cute outfits from the outdoor clothing market in Cap-Haitien, Haiti.

Where do you see this project in 10 years?

I hope that in 10 years, I’ll be doing what I love - connecting businesses of underrepresented people to new, reliable markets and making a good salary doing it! I also hope that the children who attended our summer camp in Haiti will be in college (either in Haiti or someplace else in the world). I’ll be delighted to help pay their tuition!

When did you start traveling?

While I was in college.

How and why did you travel for the first time?

My sister was studying abroad in Senegal so my mom and I went to visit her.

In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?

I’ve lived in South Africa, Jamaica, the US: New Orleans, New York and now, Haiti.

In addition to English, I speak French and Haitian-Kreyol. I’ve got a bit of Spanish under my belt too. I’m hoping to add Bahasa-Indonesian to the list. 

What’s your favorite city so far?

New York for the fashion, diversity and never ending list of cheap and fun things to do. Paris, for the fashion, cheese and food. New Orleans, for the music (modern jazz), joie-de-vivre and food. Dakar for the people, dancing and fabric. Capetown for the music (Kwaito), dancing and cheap tasty street food. Jakarta for the spas, huge variety in inexpensive food and the amazing malls. 

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

A cute, empty backpack to gather up souvenirs. 

Give us your global nomad profile: 

window or aisle? aisle. On long flights I like to get up without squeezing past anyone.

boat or plane? plane.

train or bus? train. 

walk or bike? I like biking but I’m afraid of traffic so I end up walking.

metro or trolley? tough one. metro. I’m a NYC girl after all.

tropical, temperate, polar? tropical.

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? local’s apartment.

must have fashion piece when traveling? a comfortable dress. I LIVE in dresses. 

explore/map or tour guide? I just explore. I ask questions and I often come home and Google the things I saw. That allows me to just enjoy the moment.

Global Nomad Haiti Maryse Holly
Global Nomad: Gabrielle Smith

Gabrielle Smith is the founder of the iamthenublack culture blog.

Name, location and what do you do? 

My name is Gabrielle Smith (Gabi), I reside in the UK and I’m a graphic designer/owner of arts & culture blog iamthenublack.  

Why are you a global nomad? 

I’m a global nomad because although I reside in the UK for most of the year I’m able to connect and experience the cultures of people from many different countries across the globe. Also, London can be pretty diverse in terms of meeting people who are visiting from different countries and who also now reside here. 

What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this? 

I started thenublack as a personal project to celebrate Black culture in the UK and to also profile young creatives of African descent like myself.  

What do you hope to achieve? 

I hope that thenublack continues to be one of the go to platforms when it comes to the re-definition of creatives of the African Diaspora. I’d also like to start using it as a platform/charity to educate children about the creative arts.  

How long have you been working on this? 

I started thenublack in October 2008, which is UK Black History Month. 

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project? 

That’s a tough one! I think I’d have to say new artists whose work I love. It’s been so exciting coming across creative people who share the same values, aspirations as I do but are from different parts of the world. 

Where do you see this project in 10 years? 

I’d really like to have an art gallery that houses the works of the artists that I’ve featured.  

When did you start traveling? 

I think I was 19 when I started traveling solo. I need to travel some more though! 

How and why did you travel for the first time? 

I actually traveled and house sat for a family. They were coming to the UK and I was going to DC. I ended up going to Philly and New York City as well which was really fun. 

In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak? 

I’ve only lived in the UK but I’m planning to relocate in the next year - I haven’t chosen a destination as yet but I know I’m going somewhere! 

What’s your favorite city so far? 

Another tough one! I really like Amsterdam, and Margherita (which isn’t a city but is an island just of Venezuela). There’s a special place in my heart for New York City as well, lol. I never really used to love it as much as I do now but haven’t traveled to various cities, I really have a love for London. 

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be? 

My camera. Even if I go away for weekend trips that’s the one thing I have to take with me as I know I’m going to see something or someone interesting that I’d want to capture. 

Give us your global nomad profile: 

window or aisle? Depends on how much sleep I’ve had, I usually go with aisle if it’s a short journey, window if I want somewhere to lay my head, lol 

boat or plane? Plane. I’m hoping to go on a boat trip this year when I go to Grenada…hopefully I won’t get seasick!  

train or bus? Train 

walk or bike? I have a really cool bike so definitely bike 

metro or trolley? Metro

tropical, temperate, polar? Tropical with a little bit of sea breeze :) 

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? I’ve only really stayed with family and friends when I’ve traveled but I think I’d pick a local’s apartment over a hotel just so I can be in amongst what’s going on in the neighbourhood.

must have fashion piece when traveling? Weekend bag.

explore/map or tour guide? Explore, getting lost in a new city can be exciting. Saying that I do often whip out my iPhone every once in a while to make sure I’m not too lost!

Global Nomad iamthenublack london Gabi Smith
Wednesday’s Global Nomad: Melinda Foran

Name, location and what do you do?

Melinda Foran, based in Calgary, Canada as an International Technical Advisor for CAWST, a non-profit working in water, sanitation & hygiene. I travel to countries in Asia and Africa to build the capacity of local organizations so that they can discover and implement solutions to improve access to water, hygiene and sanitation.

Why are you a global nomad?

Because I think of my home as wherever in the world I happen to lay my head down to sleep. 

What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?

I started working in water seeking solutions to a basic human need. As trite as it may be, I still cling to the cliche, “Water is life.” We drink it every day, can’t survive without it and definitely take for granted that it is safe to drink from the tap. I want to see that everyone is able to say that the water they put in their mouth is safe to drink.

What do you hope to achieve?

I hope to achieve a sense of respect and mutual understanding with whom I work and interact. 

How long have you been working on this?

Almost 10 years…in a variety of roles - engineer, student, researcher, mentor, and coach. 

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project?

Relationships are the most important part. Enjoy every conversation or friendship no matter how long or short. 

Where do you see this project in 10 years?

I think we’re going to see that water is still a hot global issue - who has too much, who has too little, who’s fighting over it, who’s is contaminated with shit. I also think we’ll see success in terms of access and safety of water for families globally. And I plan to still be in the middle of it all. 

When did you start traveling?

I started traveling when I was 22, late nowadays! 

How and why did you travel for the first time?

I did the stereotypical backpacking trip in Europe after finishing undergrad before moving away from the USA. I really wanted to visit cities and places with history and figure the plan out as we went along. 

In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?

Live - how do you define live? Dominican Republic, Ghana, USA & Canada - I speak English and Spanish 

What’s your favorite city so far? Mumbai - what a rich place in texture, aromas and color.

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

My Ipod - as a singer with a brain full of Top 40 lyrics since the early 1980’s, I have to be able to belt out songs on a regular basis. My Ipod provides me with that outlet, so that I don’t end up signing Dolly Parton or Akon in a vehicle somewhere in Africa. Who am I kidding, that usually happens anyway.

Give us your global nomad profile:

window or aisle? Window - I love to see where I’m going

boat or plane? Boat - I was born for water

train or bus? Bus - how can you give up travel with chickens under your seat and a competition for who gets to sit with both shoulders/arms flush against the seat

walk or bike? Walk

metro or trolley? Metro

tropical, temperate, polar? Tropical - I have no idea what I’m doing in Canada

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? Local’s apartment - what better way to find a new home?

must have fashion piece when traveling? Scarf - preferably one you’ve found on that trip

explore/map or tour guide? explore - but hide the map and only take it out in bathrooms or hidden alleyways

Global Nomad Melinda Foran
Wednesday’s Global Nomad: Amari Johnson

Name, location and what do you do?

Amari Johnson. I am a writer and musician based in New Orleans, LA.  In addition to putting the final touches on my PhD in Cultural Anthropology, my two major projects are Scattered People Arts and teaching at Kamali Academy.  Scattered People Arts is a multi-media production company.  Kamali is an African-centered home school collective my friend started two years ago.


Why are you a global nomad?

When I was a kid, I couldn’t sit still.  As I got older, it only got worse.


What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?

It is my goal to be self-sustaining and prosperous off of my arts and talents.  In my mind and heart, it’s all so possible.  More than that, it’s how we were all meant to be.  By doing this, I want other folks to see we can all do it.


What do you hope to achieve?

I look to create quality cultural works that show us who, what, and where we are as African people, where we can be, and how we can get there.  In a phrase, I want to inform and inspire.


How long have you been working on this?

I’ve been creating since I was in high school, but the vision has really solidified over the past year.  In this time, I’ve completed a book, a CD, and will be touring the country this summer with my band, the BlackStar Bangas.


What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project?

That once I accepted the challenge of it all, it became clear it couldn’t be any other way.  From there, things have just come together.


Where do you see this project in 10 years?

Oh, in 10 years I’ll be traveling the world doing what I’ve come to do!  Scattered People Arts will be known and recognized as a producer of innovative cultural works that see us whole ;-)


When did you start traveling?

I played soccer growing up, so that brought me all over the east coast.  That started when I was about 10.


How and why did you travel for the first time?

My first trip as an adult was in college.  I did a summer science course in Brazil.  We were in the rainforest, which was cool, but there weren’t any people around!  The time was short and there was so much I wanted to do, so I knew I needed to return.


In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?

Cuba, Ghana, Brazil, and a few cities in the US.  I speak English and Portuguese.


What’s your favorite city so far?

Cape Coast.  Easy.  New York is second, though.


If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

Don’t ever sleep on what comfortable shoes can do!


Give us your global nomad profile:

window or aisle? Aisle

boat or plane? Plane

train or bus? Train

walk or bike? Walk

metro or trolley? Metro

tropical, temperate, polar? Tropical

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? Local’s apartment, for sure.

must have fashion piece when traveling? Dry socks

explore/map or tour guide? Explore!

Global Nomad Amari Johnson
Wednesday’s Global Nomad: Sarah Oxford

Sarah Oxford is a self-proclaimed modern nomad. For the moment she lives in San Francisco, CA, and is a founding board member of Breaking Ground, a non-profit that enables Cameroonian communities to complete locally-initiated, sustainable projects by providing strategic resources and funding. Sarah is also a Rotary Peace Fellow and in Fall 2011, she will begin a Masters in African Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Bradford, England.


Why are you a global nomad?

I’m addicted to the mental and physical challenges of living in the developing world; learning new languages and cultures. I find the process of adapting to a new culture exhilarating. At this point, I’m more comfortable in foreign environments then in my own native country. There is a freedom in being different and accepted because you are exactly who you are.


What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?

I studied in Cameroon in 2004 and witnessed destructive development projects that were hurting communities, not helping. The commonality among these failed projects was that local input was not heard. In 2006 Breaking Ground’s co-founder was teaching English in Cameroon. Over a candid conversation with fellow teachers, she realized that the community was mobilized and ready for change, but lacked the resources to make that change possible. The teachers’ wanted to pave the classroom dirt floors because chiggers were biting the student’s feet. She e-mailed friends and family asking for support. Months later thousands of dollars had been  donated and community projects were organically coming to fruition. From there, Breaking Ground grew into a 501 (c) (3) registered non-profit. Our core value is simply to listen. I support Breaking Ground  because I know that I am making positive change in deserving areas of the world. I am capable to do this because I have access to resources and contacts that Cameroonians don’t because of where I was born and educated.

 
What do you hope to achieve?

I want to empower people to improve their lives through their methods.  When this occurs, a synergy is created; confidence is boosted, stereotypes are lifted and a platform for a better future is created.


How long have you been working on this?

Breaking Ground just turned five!


What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project?

That the word family has no boundaries. I am a sister, aunt, mother and child to hundreds of people and I never take their love for granted even when I’m thousands of miles away.


Where do you see this project in 10 years?

Breaking Ground has already impacted thousands of lives. I expect the organization to grow in a sustainable manner, continuing to build upon it’s successes thus far. Currently we work in two regions. I am hopeful that in 10 years the theory of community development and fostering local ideas will have spread throughout Cameroon. I expect Breaking Ground to be in all regions of Cameroon and to have partnered with hundreds of communities and local ngo’s. However, if I were to dream, in 10 years Breaking Ground wouldn’t need to exist in Cameroon because these communities would have water, fair trade, schools, hospitals, etc. and the power to improve their communities themselves. We can all dream, can’t we?


When did you start traveling?

I remember traveling with my family at a very young age. I was raised in rural North Carolina and my parents wanted my brothers and I to know that there was another world outside of the small mountain town we knew and loved. They knew that travel is the best form of education.


How and why did you travel for the first time?

At age 16, a few years after the Apartheid ended, I traveled to South Africa with a youth exchange program. We participated in many team-building and challenging exercises throughout the beautiful nation, but what most impacted me was our experience in SOWETO and other townships. The blatant injustice and racism taking place greatly impacted me. I knew from that moment that I wanted to work towards positive change. I couldn’t turn a blind eye to what I had witnessed and I needed to see what the rest of the world was like, good and bad.


In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?

How do you define lived? If lived is having one main residence for a few months, then I can say France, Cameroon, Vietnam and all over the United States. Within the next two years I will “live” in Indonesia, Thailand and England. On good days I speak English and French. I pretend that I speak Spanish and Fulfulde and depending on the topic, many people believe me.


What’s your favorite city so far?

Leave me in the mountains!

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

My toothbrush!


Give us your global nomad profile:

window or aisle? Window

boat or plane? Boat

train or bus? Train

walk or bike? Depends on the scenery. Tie!

metro or trolley? Trolley

tropical, temperate, polar? As long as I can play outside, I love it all!

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? Local’s apartment

must have fashion piece when traveling? I’d have a hard time without my head wraps. I can’t always wash my hair and it’s great to wrap up my hair with colorful patterns.

explore/map or tour guide? Explore sans map!

Global Nomad cameroon Break Ground Sarah Oxford
Wednesday’s Global Nomad: DJ Sarasa

DJ Sarasa (a.k.a. Silverboombox) is an international Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, House and Disco DJ and producer based in Tokyo, Japan. She recently launched a new clothing brand for women called Mynority Classics in 2010.  

Why are you a global nomad?

Because I can’t sit still!

What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?

I was DJing for the 11th anniversary of a clothing line called MSGR. The president Katsuya Nakamura is a well respected producer/designer in the industry and we kept in touch after the party. After meeting many times he offered me to do a ladies line, which was one of my dreams. I had been having trouble finding the clothes that I really liked in the past, so I decided to make what I wanted. 

What do you hope to achieve?

I would like MYNORITY CLASSICS to become a global brand which spreads messages from Japan. I can see all the true-school B-Girls rocking my gear, and someday making a movement of independent women across the world.

How long have you been working on this?

A year.

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project?

Boys are jealous of our brand. They are actually pissed that they can’t wear them!!

Where do you see this project in 10 years?

Still going strong. MYNORITY CLASSICS would be the biggest ladies brand that could crossover between the streets and the high-end fashion.

When did you start traveling?

When I was 4.

How and why did you travel for the first time?

My dad is working in the importing and exporting business, so I had to fly over with the family and moved to New York. The first time I traveled on my own was when I was in high school. I went to Canada.

In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?

Japan, NY and Canada. I speak Japanese, English and conversational Spanish.

What’s your favorite city so far?

New York…. but I like Tokyo’s convenience too.

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

As sad as it sounds, probably my computer… ha ha!

Give us your global nomad profile:

window or aisle? Window

boat or plane? Plane, need to be quick!!

train or bus? Train, I get motion sick with the bus.

walk or bike? Bike, need to be quick.

metro or trolley? Trolley sounds nice…. but metro.

tropical, temperate, polar? Temperate.

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? Whatever suits the lifestyle of the locals and the culture.

must have fashion piece when traveling? My MYNORITY CLASSICS nameplate chain. Its made of real vinyl!!!

explore/map or tour guide? Explore with a map.

Global Nomad Fashion Japan DJ Sarasa street style music
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