Local Insider: Dominican Republic
Conversation with Elah about the Dominican Surf Town she grew up in, and the mission behind the skin-care brand that she founded with her family. Plus, my take on what you need to pack to Cabarete!
Today we are chatting with Elah, co-founder of the skincare brand Moringaia which you might recognize since I have partnered with them to be one of their online retailers in the United States to sell their amazing Miracle oil. Elah and I have connected virtually throughout our partnership, but it feels like I’ve known her all my life. Today we are diving into her life in DR, the skincare brand she launched with her family, and the trip that changed her life. I’m grateful our business ventures have brought us together, and I’m excited to see what the future holds. Because I’m pretty certain…that this is just the beginning. :)
Note: All photography of Moringaia and the farm were taken by Dominican photographer, Jose Rozon.
What is your story?
I grew up in a small surf town on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. It wasn’t rare to go surfing before school, and after-school and weekend activities were always in nature - water sports, horseback riding, visiting a waterfall, or a lesser-known part of the island. I grew up with a deep sense of grounding and immense gratitude for the everyday. This profound appreciation and giving back was instilled in me as early as I can remember; this drive to give back also comes to life with Moringaia.
Tell us about the concept and inspiration behind Moringaia.
It all began with my brother, Ben (@plantmandr on IG). In 2012, he visited the most drought-stricken part of our island. Even in this arduous environment, the Miraculous Moringa tree grew strong. Known locally as El Árbol De La Libertad (Tree of Liberty), the Moringa tree provides shade, attracts pollinators, and holds the earth to avoid mudslides, while the leaves and seeds are packed with rich nutrients. It became clear to Ben-Yam that more Moringa trees needed to be planted for the benefit of both people and the planet, and he set out to make a product that would create a demand for Moringa in rural communities. Moringaia is a mission that led to the creation of a brand, not a brand with a mission. Years later, inspired by his passion and impact, and with my background in creative advertising and marketing, I joined Moringaia.
Can you elaborate on what regenerative agriculture is and how Moringaia contributes to the local community? I turned to the plant man himself for this question: Regenerative agriculture is how we found out about Moringa in the first place. It is the art and science of building soil, promoting biodiversity, and preserving life on earth for generations ahead. Our commercial activities directly promote the cultivation and preservation of Moringa trees on the island, benefiting endemic pollinators and the community.
Can you tell us the different ways people use moringa? What makes Moringa, The Miracle Tree, very special is how all of the tree's parts can be used. The roots are very strong, holding the earth during heavy rainfall and preventing erosion. The leaves are a superfood that can be consumed fresh straight off the tree and are often found as supplements or teas. The leaves also provide shade.
The tree produces beautiful white flowers that attract pollinators (it's so touching to see the bees and the butterflies approach them on our farm!). The flower buds then turn into green pods that are also cooked in stews in some parts of the world. We wait for the pods to mature, and that's where our Miracle Seeds are. Then, we cold-press the seeds only once to retain the potency of the seed's natural properties to make our Miracle Oil, which is the base of all of our formulas.
Travels / Dominican Republic
For someone visiting the area of Cabarete for the first time, where should they go for:
Coffee/Breakfast: Vagamundo
Dinner/Drinks: Drifter
Shopping: Paseo Don Chiche (also locally known as Calle Francesa)
Culture + Art: The Academia de Bachata is a beautiful music education initiative that is part of the DREAM Project. Check them out on Instagram!
Describe the Dominican Republic for those who have never visited. What makes this beautiful island so special for you?
Apart from the natural wonders and biodiversity - from the crystal clear beaches in the southwest to the Atlantic in the north, to Pico Duarte (the tallest peak in the Caribbean), what makes the Dominican Republic so unique is the people.
What are some of the regions and towns in the Dominican Republic that you love to visit most, and why?
My brother always takes me to new places all over the island - a river that’s 2 hours away - or a special waterfall. Where nature goes, he follows. I love the area of my hometown of Cabarete, and I also love the Ciudad Colonial in Santo Domingo. This part of the city has really had a renaissance and has the cutest cafes and shopping.
What is something about the Dominican Republic that most people don’t know?
Most people don’t know that we have the tallest peak in the Caribbean - it gets really frosty up there! Also, the national flower is the Rosa de Bayahibe. People are also often surprised to learn that the population is over 10M.
The most memorable meal you’ve had on the island?
This is a hard one. Too many! Fried fish in Rio San Juan. Tostones on the beach in Playa Sosua. Meals cooked at home, and barbecues at the farm.
Can you share beauty rituals and essentials inspired by travel and your culture? (feel free to add items from Moringaia so we can share!)
I learned a lot of beauty rituals from my college roommate Raman and her Indian heritage. One of my favorite DIY beauty rituals I learned from her was a very simple, turmeric + yoghurt face mask, it’s always a good pick me up when my skin is feeling congested. I believe that beauty rituals and essentials should be as easy and as close to nature as possible, which is why I always have my Moringaia Glassy Waves Lip Balm with me which I use 3 ways as well as our multi-tasking Miracle Oil.
Name a favorite recuerdo (souvenir) from your travels (anywhere in the world) that holds a lot of meaning for you.
When I was 21, I backpacked through India with my college roommate. There are so many recuerdos from that trip, but one particular one is seeing the Ganges River with the town of Rishikesh in the background. We had just left an ashram and were heading to town when an immense feeling of gratitude engulfed me. I couldn’t believe that this was actually my life, that this is what I was living. It’s a feeling of sincere appreciation, humbleness, and disbelief. I carry that feeling, that recuerdo, with me to this day.
For daily travel and skincare inspiration and insight into life in Cabarete, follow Elah on Instagram here.
What to Pack: Surf Town Vibes
Okay, my obsession with Johanna Ortiz is beyond….and you’ll come to know that since I will probably be inserting her dresses in most packing lists! :) The truth is that her dresses and accessories are just perfect for a surf town boho vibe. Each piece is designed and manufactured in Colombia…and yes, the prices can be steep (but you find INCREDIBLE sales on sites like Moda Operandi, Saks, or Net-a-Porter). I should also note that even though her prices are high…you will feel good purchasing a product that is sustainably made in a company with high standards in the community and slow production. If you are unfamiliar with the brand or want to learn more about how Johanna is helping artisans in Colombia…read more here.
Here is a moodboard with links to what I would pack to the surf town of Cabarete in the Dominican Republic.
Note: Products below might have an affiliate link which means I profit from you clicking or purchasing.
Miracle Oil (If you’re a paid subscriber - you get free shipping from my shop with this item!)