From Breakin’ to Trekkin’

My story is about the power of reinvention and rediscovering my true north. Prior to 2017, which is when my hiking + outdoor journey began, I really was nothing outdoorsy whatsoever. I came from the dance world, the hip hop/breaking community where I produced street dance competitions, managed dance talent, and also battled and performed with my dance crews all over the US. When I stopped dancing and being active in that community, it left a major void inside of me which led to a deep depression. At that point in my life, I felt uninspired and lost, reached a career ceiling at the job I was currently at, and filled that void with partying and toxic people. I needed to learn to shed off the old skin like a snakes does, and grow into a new version of myself. 

It was back in April 2017 when I completed my first treks in Malibu in the Santa Monica mountains that would change my life. That month I did Corral Canyon, Point Dume, Murphy’s ranch, and then discovered the majestic Sandstone Peak (tallest mountain in the Santa Monica mountains at 3,014 feet) via the Modern Hiker blog. I ventured out there with a longtime family friend and we did it accidentally for sunset since we arrived so late in the afternoon. When I reached the top of Sandstone Peak, I felt a stillness and peace come over me that I hadn’t felt in so long. On that day, I felt like I had literally climbed out of my depression. The surreal sunset views, glowing rock formations, and infinite mountain layers that lay before my eyes had such a powerful impact on my entire being. It was on that day that I felt I discovered something new, something that I would learn to love deeply like just like when I first found dance. I get emotional even when I type this, reminiscing on the powerful feeling of that moment. A grand epiphany and spiritual cleanings of sorts happened on that day. 

This is why I have an immense gratitude to my hiking + outdoor transformation. It set me down a new path and purpose in life, it healed my mind + soul, reignited my creative spirit, and also catapulted me into the most amazing community out there -  the SoCal hiking + outdoor community. The connections, friendship, and laughter shared on the trails have been some of the best times of my life. Furthermore, becoming this more outdoor centric person led me to creating my own hiking crew known as the Just Trek Crew and my adventure podcast known as the Just Trek Podcast. Two endeavors I hold near and dear to my heart. 

Hiking also came to me at a point in my life when I was completely over Los Angeles and was ready to move out to the Pacific Northwest. I felt I had done everything I needed to here and wow was I wrong. Rediscovering Los Angeles, the place I’ve called home for the past 20 years, through the local trails and mountains, has made me fall in love with the city all over again. 

Elevation has been my recreation for the past 8 years, and I’ve only just begun.