Mode Around the Globe: Katia Kramble

Mode Around The Globe: Escalante, Utah
Katia Kramble
@jetlaggedlovers

Photography by JESSICA SPOHR
@jessicaspohr

Location: OFLAND ESCALANTE
@oflandhotels

What was your most unforgettable moment during our time in Utah?
It was so heartwarming getting to meet the local businesses and owners and seeing how passionate they are about the area they live in. You truly feel a sense of community when you are out there and I admire that.

What part of the trip pushed you out of your comfort zone — and how did it feel?
Modeliste trips always push me out of my comfort zone in the best way. On this trip, it was definitely Peekaboo Canyon. This was a really fun experience but definitely a challenging one.

What’s one thing you’ll never look at the same after this trip?
Tate’s chocolate chip cookies. I had way too many on the car ride up.

Sunrise hike or stargazing by the fire — which one was your vibe and why?
Both were so much fun, but I think waking up early and getting to watch the stillness of the desert waking up was the highlight of this trip in general. Sunrises in the desert hit a little different.

What did you learn about yourself during this adventure?
I am a nature girl through and through. I love animals, I love being outdoors, and I aspire to move out to the countryside — this trip solidified that dream for me.

What’s one item you packed that turned out to be a total lifesaver?
A sweatshirt! I didn’t realize how cold it gets in the mornings and at night out there.

Which moment made you pause and think, “I’ll remember this forever”?
We were horseback riding and I was FaceTiming my mom to show her, and then I remember looking up and seeing Bryce Canyon for the first time. It looked like planet Mars.

What’s the best advice you would give your younger self?
Find what you love and don’t stop working for it. One day it’ll pay off and you’ll realize you’re living your dream life, traveling through the Nevada desert and calling it work.

How did being unplugged in Escalante affect your creativity or presence?
It felt very peaceful and honestly the way I feel it should be on trips. I’m very big on unplugging during a trip to stay present and be attentive to the people and things around you. I’ll usually film content and take pictures throughout the trip and prefer to edit and post everything afterward. That’s why you’ll usually rarely see me posting in real time.

What’s one thing you’ll take home from this trip — mentally, emotionally, or physically?
Gratitude. Take more time to enjoy life and appreciate the little things. I’m so beyond grateful to have been a part of this trip and every time I think back on it, that’s the first thought that comes to mind.

If you could relive just one part of this experience, which would it be?
Going out into the field to shoot with the horses. I didn’t grow up around horses so it took me a while to become accustomed to them, but I love all animals and they carry so much kindness and warm energy. It was really special — and the photos turned out so beautiful. I felt so inspired.

What was the most Instagram vs. reality moment you had on this trip?
Definitely the hike we did! You always see pictures of the Antelope Canyons and they’re beautiful smooth ridges with open-top caves, but what you don’t see is the claustrophobia you feel walking through them

Which fellow traveler inspired you most and why?
I can’t pick one. I think the entire group carried the best energy as a unit and I’m so grateful to have met everyone on this trip. But if I had to give a shoutout to one person, it would be Jess. I get so inspired through the connections I make in this industry — especially those that do the magic behind the camera. She is very talented and I loved working with her. I thought we made a great team.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?
The freedom I have when it comes to creative direction — and the challenges that come with that. I have so many ideas I want to bring to life and every day I wake up excited to work on them.

What’s the most beautiful thing about the city you live in?
The people. To me, home has never been a place but rather the people around me. I’m still figuring out where home is for me, but I know that the most beautiful thing about it will always be the people.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Your energy is your biggest asset. Always bring the best of it to every table but also be wise about who you spend it on.

What’s something coming up for you that you’re excited about?
So many things — you’ll have to follow along to find out.