Welcome to our latest blog series, where we are thrilled to introduce our newest brand ambassadors! These passionate adventurers share an unbreakable bond with nature, each bringing their unique stories and experiences to the table. We got to hear about their journeys—from the first moments they caught the adventure bug to the mentors and friends who helped them along the way.
In this Q&A, you’ll learn about their favorite outdoor spots, memorable mishaps, and proudest achievements. So, kick back and join us as we dive into the lives of these inspiring outdoor enthusiasts and discover what makes their connection to nature so special.
Meet one of our newest brand ambassadors, Erin Nash.
Q: What is your primary passion (activity, pursuit, adventure)? Please describe how it fits into your life?
I take joy in painting, photography, and finding outdoor spaces as tools for healing through meditation and decompressing from daily stressors. I make it a priority to spend time outdoors with other folks of color and allies. I incorporate my creative nature by sharing my adventures through visual storytelling. My mission is to encourage all people of color to find refuge, healing and explore all curiosities in public lands, open space, and natural spaces.
Q: What are your secondary activities/passions?
I would consider camping, hiking, cycling, and learning to rock climb as my favorite ways to enjoy outdoor spaces. I also pride myself as a Black Urban Planner by incorporating my passions into my work. I advocate for creating more accessible and safe open spaces, bike infrastructure, and green spaces in the City of Los Angeles. As a cyclist in Los Angeles, advocating for safe cycling infrastructure is critical and in alignment with keeping the City safe for all outdoor enthusiasts.
Q: In relation to that primary passion, can you tell us when you first got the itch? Did you have a mentor, family member, friend or guide who helped get you into it?
My maternal grandfather was a fine artist, so it's literally in the DNA! I have drawn since pre-k. As far as my outdoorsy lifestyle, I didn't own a pair of hiking boots until 2016. I slowly discovered public land from my first visit to Death Valley National Park that year.
Camping naturally has barriers (i.e expensive gear, travel, education, park fees), and it took camping with a friend who grew up camping with family, that allowed me the space to discover this love. It would be a dream to sponsor kids with National Park passes and passports to enable them to discover the healing powers of nature and travel.
Q: In what ways do you find and inspire joy on your adventures or in your active lifestyle? How do you break away from pre-packaged outdoor experiences and imprint your own style on your adventures?
I resist the need to be an expert in my adventures. I am learning as I explore. As I learn more about gear, Leave No Trace principles, best practices, I make sure to educate family, friends, and community. Most importantly, I show that I can take up space in all spaces that people of color have not always been welcomed in. I show my community that we all can hike, bike, climb, camp, and empower others to do the same while outdoors.
Q: Have you had any noteworthy active/adventure mishaps, successes, or a-ha moments?
Oh, absolutely. I attempted to drive from Los Angeles to Yosemite during a snow storm in winter '23. I had to learn how to put on snow tires and dig my Subaru out of a mountain of snow. It took eight hours, and a lot of prayer to make it without hydroplaning too much. Upon arrival the park was shut down to visitors, and I turned around the next day. I learned how to move through fear, and to use best judgement while navigating mother nature.
Q: Where is your favorite place to spend a day in the outdoors?
As of late, the beach in the morning, early enough to catch the surfers has been my latest favorite. Resting and meditating by a body of water is nurturing. Finding a low-trafficked trail in the Angeles National Forest is how I would imagine a great day spent.
Q: Who inspires you, both personally and in the world of adventure and/or travel?
Gina Danza, a top Black Landscape photographer, who advocates for the inclusion of Black narratives across the outdoor space. Her images inspire the creative aspirations within myself, as I aspire to be a travel photographer.
Q: What is your greatest adventure/active lifestyle triumph?
Completing a nine hour hike up Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. As well as, completing a backpacking trip along a portion of the Pacific Coast Trail (PCT).
Q: What is your next trip active lifestyle goal or skill you’d like to learn?
- Completing the 'Six-Pack of Peaks' challenge in SoCal (progressively challenging hikes in SoCal)
- Completing my first marathon in 2025
- Completing the 545 mile bicycle ride from San Francisco to LA through the Aids Life Cycle ride in 2025
- Become a better skilled climber!
Q: Where do you really want to go and why?
In addition to every National Park in CA, I would love to backpack in the Eastern Sierras. My interest in the Sierras is strictly a right-of passage for any backpacker in California to complete.
Q: What are your current favorite outdoor clothes that aid you in outdoor adventure or active lifestyle pursuits? How do you plan to enhance your activities with Outdoor Afro, Inc. gear?
As of today, I love my reusable water bottles and hiking pants that also look great on me. They double as great protective gear while climbing outdoors. I believe the Outdoor Afro, Inc. trail pants will enhance my climbing experience through the comfortable and breathable design.I enjoy being very bright outdoors, so the Outdoor Afro, Inc. colorways are exactly my style.
Q: What is your favorite Outdoor Afro, Inc. product, and why? Or a product you’re most excited to try out?
The Keen sandal collab camping pillow, "yellowish" trail pant, and the purple / teal shell are my favorites that I do not own and would love to try. My leggings and fleeces' I use weekly, as I train for my races.
Q: How do you like to connect with your community and the people within it?
I've found so much community through joining groups oriented to leading people into the outdoors. I post my experiences, make friends and continue to venture out joined by friends I've made through these spaces. Expanding my community through online and in-person community based meetups is how I was introduced to rock climbing, most recently.
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Hope you enjoyed learning a little more about our brand ambassador, Erin Nash. Now we want to hear from you! What else do you want to hear from us? Let us know on social media: @outdoorafroinc.
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Want to learn more about our REI x Outdoor Afro Inc. collection? Check out the collection here.
