Longtime Marysia supporter Olivia Lopez needs no introduction, but just in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last 10 years, here’s the breakdown:
Formerly @lustforlife, Olivia has spent her life documenting her travels and sharing it all.
Her love of travel soon turned into a career, leading to her writing a book, hosting a podcast called ‘The Art of Travel’ (a conversation space about the ways that travel transforms us),
and running a travel magazine and creative studio called Bon Weekender that focuses on eco and design-focused destinations.
She tested the Mexican waters in our new Resort 2022 collection on her recent trip to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. The stories she tells through her photos are always inspiring.
I hope you enjoy reading her interview as much as I did.
xoxo
Marysia
Why did you start traveling? What made you fall in love with it?
My first plane ride was moving to America from the Philippines when I was 7. The complete expansion of experience is one that stuck – and I’ve stayed curious on exploring new cultures and languages since then.
We love your podcast. Is there one conversation/episode from your podcast that has stuck with you?
I loved my first episode with Yolanda Edwards of CN Traveler on traveling less but traveling deeper, and how an open mind and non-attachment to risk and its potential rewards led to a succession of creative projects with Richard Christiansen. My season finale for Season 2 with Ian Schrager of EDITION and Studio 54 was really special as we talked about how culture and diversity is the “spice” and magic to life and experiences.
What are 5 essentials that you take on every vacation?
My film camera, a book, a swimsuit, cashmere blanket, and sneakers.
How do you decide where to go next?
It’s an equal measure of planning and spontaneity. Since a lot of my work involves travel, I try to build itineraries aligned with cities or destinations that I may travel to for work – but on occasion I will fly off to a destination totally on whim.
As many of us are setting new goals for ourselves in the new year, do you have any tips on staying committed to these goals?
For me I like to set boundaries rather than goals. Sure, I should probably learn to drive this year but my real intent comes from becoming aware of what I want less of, what I don’t have to do anymore and how I don’t have to people please all the time. Setting those boundaries will naturally lead me to any ‘goals’ I have this year, and for many more to come.
What destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Naoshima Island in Japan, Bahia in Brazil, and Tibet.
We know you are training to be a yoga teacher and immersion. What style of yoga will be the focus of your training?
I just completed 200 hours of Ashtanga-Vinyasa training in Lake Atitlan Guatemala, Vinyasa is the modern day flow class.
What is the one thing you never travel without?
A journal and iPhone.
Best piece of advice for fellow female entrepreneurs?
For me, finding my niche was extremely important to doubling down on my business. Diversity of life experiences feeds into what will inspire you – so don’t forget to make room for non-linear creative activities.
Tips on keeping a healthy balance between work and personal life?
Make balance a priority in your everyday life, if you want to build a sustainable lifestyle.
In Eastern traditions, wellness and self-care is a preventative measure while in the West it comes as an afterthought, usually after experiencing extreme distress or illness.
Although I grew up in America, this is one cultural trait from Asia I’ve held on to increasingly more conscious of as I go deeper into my yoga practice.
Create space every day to take care of your mind and body. This fundamental thing allows you to do more and give more in every other aspect of your life.
