My journey through Africa began in April alongside my client, the American philanthropist Kym Rapier. As her exclusive hair and makeup artist, I have the privilege of traveling with her to remarkable places around the world. Yet nothing could have prepared me for the profound impact that Africa would have on both of us.
Our first destinations were Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
From the moment we arrived, we were deeply moved. Africa is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in the world. Its landscapes are breathtaking, its nature is powerful and untouched, and its beauty feels almost impossible to replicate anywhere else on Earth.
During our journey, we experienced unforgettable moments. One of the most extraordinary was going on safari — something I had never done before. Seeing animals in their natural habitat was absolutely magical. Witnessing creatures I had only ever seen in documentaries, now just meters away in the wild, was a moment filled with awe and gratitude.
The continent also surprised me in beautiful ways beyond its landscapes. The food was incredibly fresh, natural, and often organic — simple, healthy, and deeply connected to the land. But what touched me most was the people. Everywhere we went, we were welcomed with warmth and genuine hospitality. Their smiles, kindness, and joy revealed a culture rich in empathy, generosity, and care. In every place we visited, we felt the love and openness that people carried in their hearts.
One of the most unforgettable experiences happened in Kenya, where we spent several nights staying in remote cabins in the middle of the wilderness. It was truly in the middle of nowhere — surrounded only by nature. Our small camp was supported by a wonderful local team who provided the cabins, meals, and everything we needed, allowing us to live fully immersed in the landscape.
Sleeping there was an experience I will never forget.
For five nights, every morning at sunrise, we woke up to the distant roar of lions echoing across the savannah. Hearing that powerful sound as the sun slowly rose over the African horizon was both thrilling and humbling — a reminder that we were guests in one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth.
At the same time, the trip invited deeper reflection. There were moments when our hearts beat faster — moments that made us ask ourselves what more we could do to help.
That experience led to an extraordinary decision.
After witnessing the realities faced by many communities, Kym decided to establish a foundation in Kenya dedicated to supporting children and families in need. Being present during this moment — watching the beginning of something meaningful — was incredibly powerful.
Throughout the journey, I continued my role supporting her during interviews, filming sessions, and meetings connected to the foundation’s mission.
Africa’s landscapes were vast, and traveling between locations often required unique logistics. Because many of the roads were rough and difficult to access, we frequently traveled by helicopter to reach remote areas safely and efficiently. Flying over the African landscape from above was unforgettable — endless savannas, wild nature, and scenery that felt almost cinematic.
We also stayed in several beautiful lodges and private residences during our travels. One place that left a particularly strong impression on me was Sirai House. That property is truly spectacular — surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and designed with a level of comfort and elegance that made the experience even more special.
After returning to the United States for a period of time, we traveled back to Africa again in August. This time our journey brought us to Zanzibar, where the foundation expanded its work in remarkable ways — supporting schools, donating scholarships, and creating opportunities for local communities.
To close the year of 2025, we returned once again to the African continent, traveling to Mozambique and South Africa. Mozambique held a special place in my heart because it allowed me to connect with people in my native language, Portuguese, creating an immediate sense of familiarity and connection.
Throughout these travels, we were also filming and conducting interviews to document the work being done and the impact of the foundation’s initiatives.
From a beauty perspective, working across different regions of Africa also presented unique challenges. The climate varies dramatically — from dry heat in some regions to intense humidity in others. Maintaining flawless makeup under these conditions requires both expertise and the right products.
For these journeys, I relied on an exceptional primer and a high-performance foundation that allowed the makeup to remain fresh and intact throughout the entire day, even during long hours of travel, filming, and outdoor activities.
In the future, I look forward to sharing more about these products and the beauty techniques used during these experiences. We are currently refining and developing them further — something I will speak more about in the next chapters of this journey.
Traveling through Africa was more than a professional experience — it was a deeply transformative one.
It reminded me that beauty, purpose, and compassion can coexist in powerful ways.
Some journeys stay with you forever.
Africa is certainly one of them.
