Meet Mildred Opendi

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mildred Opendi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mildred, what do you want people to remember about you?
– African Enthusiasm. One of my favorite quotes from Chinua Achebe is “Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter.” Having been born and raised in Africa, I know there is so much beauty and opportunity in Africa that the rest of the world is yet to appreciate. Through sharing my African travel content on social media, I aim to highlight some of the gems and therefore create some visibility. I want people to remember me for my love for Africa.

– Empowering Women and Girls through my humanitarian work, particularly focused on girls’ education and empowerment. This work is easily a cornerstone of your legacy. I would want to be remembered for transforming the lives of countless young women, providing them with opportunities to thrive and succeed, and breaking the cycle of poverty through education and skills development. I have been fortunate to have a headstart in life and through my charity initiative, I try to level the playing field for the young girls in my village who haven’t been as fortunate. I am convinced it’s part of my calling and doing it helps me sleep a little better at night too. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My passion for travel content creation stems from a deep-rooted love for exploration, storytelling, and the desire to inspire others to see the world through new lenses. I’ve always believed that travel goes beyond just visiting new places—it’s about connecting with different cultures, discovering hidden gems, and embracing the beauty in diversity. Through my content, I aim to demystify the idea that travel has to be expensive or inaccessible. I want people to realize that, with a bit of planning and creativity, anyone can experience the wonders of the world.

Venturing into travel content was a natural extension of my love for adventure. From capturing moments in Africa, over 30 States in the USA, and Dubai to exploring serene landscapes, I’m constantly driven by the joy of sharing these experiences with others. It hasn’t always been easy—building a brand takes persistence, navigating through creative blocks, and learning how to engage with an ever-changing digital audience. But each challenge has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying authentic to my purpose.

I want the world to know that my mission as a travel creator is to make travel accessible, fun, and enriching for everyone. It’s not just about beautiful pictures or exotic locations; it’s about breaking barriers and showing people that the world is full of opportunities to learn and grow. I hope to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones, immerse themselves in different cultures, and, most importantly, see travel as a form of self-discovery. For me, this journey means more than just creating content—it’s about fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and creating memories that last a lifetime. “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” -Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr, the growth that comes with travel is but extremely profound and I wish that upon everyone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Hollywood Highlights – Morning: Start the trip with a hike up to the Hollywood Sign for stunning views of LA.
– Midday: Head to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, taking time to explore the star-studded sidewalks and snap some iconic photos.
– Afternoon: Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) for a mix of contemporary and classic art, including the famous Urban Light installation.
– Dinner: End the day with a fantastic meal at Nobu, savoring Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine with ocean views.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration
– Morning: Visit the Getty Center, where art, architecture, and gardens come together. The panoramic views are breathtaking.
– Lunch: Head to Five On The Hill for a fresh and vibrant brunch with a view.
– Afternoon: Take a tour of Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive—perfect for luxury shopping or simply admiring the elegance.
– Dinner: Dine at Castaway in Burbank, known for its delicious cuisine and sweeping views of the city.

Day 3: Coastal Adventure
– Morning: Spend the morning kayaking around Long Island and soaking up the sun and sea air.
– Lunch: After kayaking, grab a relaxing brunch at Whata Peach.
– Afternoon: Continue the beach vibe with a leisurely **boat ride at Marina Del Rey and unwind in the coastal beauty.
– Dinner: Head down to Cocobana at Brick Hotel in Oceanside for a delightful dinner experience.

Day 4: Theme Park Fun
– All Day: Immerse yourself in the magic of Universal Studios Hollywood. Explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, take thrilling rides, and enjoy the shows.
– Dinner: After a long day, have a laid-back dinner at The Three Broomsticks inside the park, or Funke Rooftop Restaurant known for mouth-watering pasta for a quieter evening.

Day 5: Relax and Recharge
– Morning: Sleep in and enjoy a relaxed morning.
– Lunch: Have a late brunch at Five On The Hill for more California sunshine.
– Afternoon: Stroll around Santa Monica Pier or Venice Beach—enjoy the street performers, and beach vibes, and maybe rent a bike or rollerblade along the boardwalk.

Day 6: LA by Night
– Morning: Explore the vibrant Griffith Park and take in the iconic Griffith Observatory
– Lunch: Enjoy a delightful rooftop brunch with views at Castaway.
– Evening: Head to Downtown LA for rooftop bars and lounges. You could also explore The Broad Museum or grab drinks at Perch LA.

Day 7: Farewell Fun
– Morning: Head to The Grove for some last-minute shopping and celebrity spotting.
– Lunch: Stop for one last brunch at your favorite spot from the week (Five On The Hill or Whata Peach).
– Afternoon: Wrap up the week with a stroll through The Getty Villa in Malibu or relax at Venice Canals

The itinerary blends culture, adventure, luxury, and relaxation, making for an unforgettable week in Los Angeles!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my late father, Titus Opendi, who recently passed on. He has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my life, nurturing my love for Christ, Sports, Photography, Adventure, Humanitarianism, and Literature. I am convinced my siblings and I are his greatest legacy.

My dad walked the talk and through living his authentic life, and he subconsciously gave us the permission us to do the same. I grew up seeing my dad undertake many Entrepreneurial opportunities, read a lot of books, travel often both for work and pleasure, serve in the church, and do a lot of volunteer humanitarian work. Today, I find myself walking in the exact same steps though thousands of miles away, and for that, I will forever be grateful to have experienced him.

My dad is the reason I love photography too. Growing up, any day was a picture day, pictures were not only taken on special occasions like in other households. We have so many albums full of pictures. Lots & lots of happy memories are stored in those pictures. They say a picture is a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone. He was passionate about freezing these different moments for us and now we get to access them forever.

I continue to resonate with his wisdom and guidance, and I carry his legacy in every step of my journey. Simply put, to know my dad was to know love and I am forever grateful for him. I honestly owe a huge part of who I am today to him.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_milz_/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/the_milz_/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_milz_

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