Hike Clerb founder Evelynn Escobar-Thomas talks about intersectionality and finding joy in nature.
– KEYS SOULCARE
When Evelynn Escobar-Thomas created Hike Clerb, an intersectional womxn’s hiking club based in Los Angeles, in 2017, she wanted to use her newfound platform to incite change in the great outdoors. She created a community and movement that prioritized bringing women of color together and into the great outdoors; a rebellion that acknowledged her own feelings of being underrepresented in the narratives of wellness and nature.
As Escobar-Thomas grows as an entrepreneur and community builder, she continues to stay grounded in her own practices of self-care. Here, she shares what keeps her moving and finding light in this world.
How does intersectionality align with your idea of soulcare?
For me, intersectionality has been about honoring all the bits and pieces of our lives that help to shape our world view and experiences. Honoring our whole selves is soulcare.
What women and people inspire you to continue doing the work that you do?
I’m inspired by the work of Black women across all verticals. Women who are unapologetically themselves and use their unique talents to change the world for the better.
When do you feel like your highest self?
Anytime we are collectively gathering and I’m facilitating a Hike Clerb experience. A stand out moment I had took place during our largest hike to date. We had 100 women show up to hit the trails, and seeing everyone [together] and hearing the roar from the crowd during our Hike Clerb chant really blew me away.
What tips do you have for people looking to be more aligned to their own physical bodies?
Do what you can with what you have. Whether that’s walking around your neighborhood [or] stretching in a park. Start somewhere that you can consistently return to.
When do you feel most beautiful?
I feel most beautiful when I’m of service to others.
Name one part of your body that you are most thankful for and why.
I’m most thankful for my mind and all the ideas and dreams it’s realized.
When do you feel most physically beautiful and/or embodied in yourself?
Whenever I’m active — whether it be hiking, yoga, walking, [or] riding my bike — I feel present and embodied in self.
We define lightworkers as those that bring and spread light and positivity into the world. What makes you a lightworker?
Being a vessel intent on making this world a better place for the greater collective and holding space for others.
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