The Full Story
Gia
My life has been unique, to say the least. I’ve lived across three continents, each place vastly different yet united by one thing — I’ve always chosen beautiful destinations.
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To know me is to know the deep connection I have to the places I’ve lived and the lives they’ve shaped. My passion lies in sharing that beauty with others — crafting spaces and experiences that capture the essence of adventure, comfort, and design. Whether it’s a chic safari tent, a barefoot-elegant bungalow, a mountain cabin, or tapas at a cozy bistro, I believe adventure should always be experienced with taste, luxury, and style.
Truckee / North Tahoe
I snowboard, ski (yes, both), mountain bike, and hike — and I love living in a place that lets me do all of it and more. The mountains inspire both my lifestyle and my work. I’ve truly enjoyed contributing to Village Camp – Truckee, and I’m excited to continue growing and developing within this incredible, adventure-driven community.
Pemba, Mozambique
Pemba was my master’s degree in life. I was just 25 when we bought beachfront property in Mozambique and decided to build a lodge from the ground up. There, I learned how to design, build, operate, and market a resort—often through trial, error, and sheer determination. The lessons were tough, but the experience was extraordinary. No matter the challenges, I woke each morning to a beautiful beach and the company of wonderful people who taught me to laugh through even the most difficult moments.
Aminus, Namibia
Namibia was unexpectedly transformative. I joined the Peace Corps not under any illusion that I would change the world, but with the desire to experience life far beyond my comfort zone. I never imagined it would lead me to stay in Africa, yet somewhere in the middle of the Kalahari Desert—among the camel thorns, endless sand, and the vast salt pan—Africa stole my heart. It awakened a deep sense of confidence and purpose within me: the understanding that I am capable of more, and that with my fortunate upbringing comes a responsibility to use it meaningfully.
Yosemite
Everyone has that place that captures the best of their youth — for me, it’s Yosemite. I spent my childhood summers at a camp just outside the park, and later returned as a young adult to work there through high school and college. Even now, I volunteer my development skills to help maintain and restore the camp that shaped so much of who I am. And as a mother, I bring my children there every summer. I’m not overly sentimental — Yosemite simply commands return, and I am always better for answering that call.
Carmel, California
I grew up in Carmel, and I wish I could go back and tell my teenage self how much that would shape my life. At the time, it felt challenging to grow up among the elite without quite belonging there. But in hindsight, it was the best kind of education. I learned to dine with the queen—yes, I know which fork goes with what—and party with the paupers. Carmel taught me wit, grace, and confidence, shaping me into the strong woman I am today. And, let's be honest, it’s so breathtakingly beautiful that I’ll never complain about going home for visits.
International Mom
I can’t talk about myself without mentioning my little co-adventurers — my children. Both were born in California, but by the time each was just three months old, we were back in Mozambique. They’re lucky enough to hold dual American and German citizenship, and with their grandmother living in Spain, international travel is simply part of who they are. Even after trading the warm Indian Ocean for the snowy Sierra Nevada mountains, we still travel to Europe twice a year. They are my constant motivation to grow, create, and push boundaries — in hopes that one day, I’ll inspire them as much as they inspire me.
