Why we Started.
In an era of disposable culture and excessive consumption, Geoff and Mary found themselves increasingly unsettled. As dedicated travelers and conscientious consumers, they realized the profound impact our choices can have on the environment. Rather than continuing to contribute to a cycle of buying, breaking, and replacing, they sought to break the pattern. In 2020, compelled by this growing concern and a shared passion for exploration, they launched Destiny River, a company which seamlessly blended their love for travel with a commitment to sustainability.
Our Mission.
Destiny River was born from the desire to chronicle Geoff and Mary's extraordinary European travels, but it was not just another travel blog. Beyond sharing vivid tales of stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures, the couple set out on a mission to test and promote products that could withstand the rigors of their nomadic lifestyle. Each item, whether it was a backpack, a tent, or a simple reusable water bottle, was scrutinized through the lenses of functionality, value, reliability, and most crucially, its environmental footprint.
What we Do.
As Geoff and Mary frequently said, "buying twice is twice as bad for the planet." This mantra became the bedrock of Destiny River, underlining their efforts to emphasize the importance of purchasing goods designed for longevity and minimal environmental impact. They understood that advocating for sustainable consumption would not just reduce waste, but could also usher in a significant shift in consumer mentality. Destiny River, therefore, is a testament to a journey driven by the belief that every step we take and every product we choose can shape our planet's destiny.
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Geoff King
Geoff King, born and bred near Wolverhampton, England, has always been a man of many talents and an admirer of life's simple pleasures. With an extensive background in design and decoration, he spent most of his adult life juggling between these two part-time vocations. However, Geoff was always more than the sum of his professional roles. His heart yearned for the great outdoors, a passion rooted in his vast experience of camping across Europe, which spans over five decades.
Geoff's love for camping emerged in his youth and matured into a profound appreciation for sleeping under canvas, preferring the sounds of nature to the conventional comforts of a roof. He thrived on the unpredictability and the freedom that camping offered. This fondness became a catalyst for his lifestyle shift during the 2020 pandemic. The global pause allowed him to step back, reassess his priorities, and take the plunge into a life filled with more travel and exploration.
Beyond his diverse professional skills and his wanderlust, Geoff is also a pet lover. His trusty companion, Jess, a sprightly dog with an equally adventurous spirit, is often seen by his side. Whether trotting along cobbled European streets or resting by a campfire under the starry sky, Jess has been a loyal participant in Geoff's many journeys. Their bond is a testament to the simple joys of companionship and the shared love for the outdoors.
In 2020, Geoff co-founded Destiny River with his partner, Mary, combining his experiences in travel, sustainability, and product testing into a shared venture. Now, his days oscillate between exploring uncharted terrains, blogging about his adventures, and advocating for eco-friendly consumer habits. Yet, he remains that humble man from Wolverhampton, happiest under canvas, with Jess by his side, and a more discerning world in his sights.
Mary Jankowski
Mary Jankowski, hailing from Poznań in west Poland, is a woman whose career has been as multifaceted as her interests. Originally a talented photographer, Mary found herself diving into the realm of entrepreneurship, running a small online camping retailer from 2007. However, in 2019, a sense of longing for a more fulfilling path prompted her to leave both roles behind, igniting a new chapter in her professional and personal journey.
Embracing her passion for travel and the environment, Mary co-founded Destiny River with her partner Geoff. This venture allowed her to meld her eye for beauty with her business acumen and strong desire to promote sustainability. The blend of travel blogging, product recommendations, and environmental advocacy became a harmonious fusion of her skills and passions. Destiny River flourished under Mary's guidance, reflecting not only her entrepreneurial spirit but also her unwavering commitment to values that transcended mere profit.
The year 2022 marked another pivotal moment for Mary when Destiny River was acquired by Naugrim Media Group. Although stepping away from the day-to-day operations, Mary continues to keep an eye on the business as a silent partner, ensuring that the heart and soul of the company remain intact. Her influence can still be felt in the ethos of the brand, as her principles continue to guide its mission. Mary's journey is a testament to her ability to balance creativity with practicality, business acumen with environmental stewardship, and dreams with reality. Her story inspires others to believe in the possibility of carving out a path that is both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful.
