Our Story!
Hey everyone, I’m Eli Sakmar, Co founder of Xplore.
I’m excited to share my journey with you!
After I graduated high school, instead of heading straight to college, I decided to follow my passion for photography and adventure. I booked a one-way ticket to Southeast Asia—Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos—and embarked on an incredible journey across the region.
Following my travels in Southeast Asia, I set off on an epic road trip across the United States as part of the launch for my brand, Xplore. From the bustling streets of New York to the serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, I drove coast-to-coast, capturing the essence of diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes. This cross-country adventure wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it was about immersing myself in the journey and gathering stories and inspiration that would fuel Xplore.
Here’s how I got to this point: I spent the summer working as a camp counselor in New Jersey, saving up $5,000. This experience gave me not only the funds but also a new sense of independence. Now, I’m using that money to travel for five months, embracing each day differently and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Xplore is all about embracing the unknown, discovering new places, and capturing every moment through the lens of creativity. With Xplore, I aim to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and see the world from a fresh perspective.
Launching Xplore has been a dream come true. Combining my love for travel with my passion for photography and storytelling, I’m determined to show that there’s more than one way to live a fulfilling life. Despite facing challenges and skepticism, especially from those who expected me to follow a more conventional path, I’m committed to proving that living outside the box can be incredibly rewarding.
I’m Eli Sakmar, and with Xplore, I’m showing that you don’t have to follow the conventional path to find fulfillment.
Hey everyone, I’m Stash Matse,
other Co founder of Xplore.
I’m excited to share my journey with you!
Stashu Matse, co-founder of Xplore, has always had a strong connection to nature, spending much of his time in the woods and finding peace in the wilderness. His love for the outdoors was cultivated through his years in Boy Scouts, where he and Eli not only became close friends but also ranked to Eagle Scouts in the same troop. Their shared experiences in scouting laid the foundation for their passion for adventure, exploration, and leadership.
During their time in Boy Scouts, they often talked about their dreams of starting a business together—something that would reflect their love for the outdoors and inspire others to embrace adventure. Those years of hiking, camping, and learning survival skills in the woods sparked the vision that would one day become Xplore.
With Stashu’s deep appreciation for nature and Eli’s photography and storytelling, the launch of Xplore was a natural evolution of their shared journey. Together, they aim to inspire others to explore the world beyond the beaten path, capturing the beauty of the unknown while staying true to their scouting roots.