Meet Stacy James | CEO of Dazzle Africa, Adventurer, Guide, Dreamer

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

Hi Stacy, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
We are a bringer of dreams. Dreams of fresh water for families who have no access, young students who never imagined they would be able to attend college, to the elephants and other animals as they are protected from poachers and we help those who have the dream of safari to travel to the motherland and give witness to the beauty and wonder of Africa firsthand.

What should our readers know about your business?
Dazzle Africa is the charity that I co-founded in 2012 and I think looking back what I’m most proud of is that we stayed true to our vision of being a partner with local organizations. A piece of the puzzle to help repair what is not working and grow what is working. There have been easier years and more challenging years and as time passes I realize that the long term goal we had of supporting local children to become college educated, communities having clean water and wildlife protected and thriving is most often a curvy, windy road, but if you stick with it long enough you reach milestones that give you evidence that all of the hard work is making a long lasting impact and it gives meaning to the vision.

What sets us apart in our model is that we offer what we call a “modern safari”, one that blends all of the best of traditional luxury safari experience with a new level of authenticity, connection, philanthropy and adventure. We believe this is what makes Dazzle Africa safaris unique for the guests as well as our larger global Dazzle community.

The entry into the world of charitable business was a leap of passion, commitment and faith. It was a one step at a time following our hearts first and then putting the logical steps in place next.

What I want the world to know about our brand Dazzle Africa is that a dazzle is a group of Zebra. Each Zebra unique and dazzling in its own right, but also part of the herd. We are also unique and small but mighty and we know we are only as strong as our tribe. If you’ve ever had a dream of going on safari and helping change the world for the better now is your time. Our profits from safaris fund our projects for clean water, college education and anti-poaching of wildlife. It’s a little like safari in technicolor. A dream for our guests as well as the community at large.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Las Vegas is layered with glitter and gold. It took me a long time to learn this. What you see on the surface is one layer – it’s touristy fun! But the next layer is one of innovation and creativity and space. Las Vegas is full of forward thinkers, connectors, and those that test boundaries. You can see this when visiting our revitalized downtown – a vision of the late Tony Shea or experience the outdoors space of the nature surrounding Las Vegas at Red Rock or Mt. Charleston or drift out to Death Valley and visit the site of the Amargosa Opera House, one of my favorite creations.

Drinks and food? Ahh so many! Chef Kenny’s Restaurant for AMAZING asian vegan. Cocktails can’t be beat at Parasol Down at Wynn.

Favorite Shows? Absinthe and Mystere.

Hidden Gem: Baobab Cafe – cafe during the day, custom designed funky clothes… and burlesque, small concerts and more at night…

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To my mother and father who instilled love, kindness and adventure in all I do and my husband who encourages me to make the biggest difference in Zambia.

Website: www.dazzleafrica.org

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DazzleAfrica

Image Credits
Dana Balaban Samson Moyo Cathy Smith Mike Paredes Bushcamp Company Kevin Zimmermann