It’s common for most people to want to spend more time with their families, and sometimes earning a living gets in the way of that goal. But, for a few, putting those two ideas together can have a lasting impact.
Over the past five years, Arthur and Stephanie White of Lake Wales have significantly advanced their business ventures in Polk County, Florida. They successfully ran Kingdom Fitness and Nutrition, a personal training studio in Lake Wales, for five years and operated Orgen D’nal Cafe and Juice Bar for three years, all while teaching full-time for the Polk County School Board.
Recently, the Whites visited Tanzania in East Africa to reconnect with their African ancestral culture. Feeling led by God, they decided to move their entire family abroad for eight months. During their time in Tanzania, they founded a tourism and hospitality company, opened three Airbnbs, and launched an online vlog to share their journey.
Stephanie emphasizes the importance of the value of self before tackling big dreams.
“I believe you deserve to feel seen, heard and understood, as a person, by all who love you,” Stephanie says. “But, before you expect anyone else to understand you, first you have to see yourself, love yourself, hear yourself and understand yourself. Then those that love you will see exactly who you are even if they don’t always understand. You will then have the space mentally to give them grace when they don’t always understand.”
Arthur’s vision for himself and his family is ingrained in positivity.
“Africa has always held a special place in my heart,” Arthur says. “I aim to inspire and uplift as I share my real experiences as a follower of the Most High God, a traveler, entrepreneur/ business consultant, a Father and Husband on a mission to make a positive impact in Africa and America.”
Now back in Lake Wales, the Whites are once again growing their entrepreneurial spirits. They’re hosting an East African-inspired simple juices class at Bok Tower Gardens on October 12 this year.
“We are traveling as a digital nomadic family,” Arthur says. “We returned this summer to host a non-profit science camp at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland and we are also online teachers and tutors.”
The couple has two daughters, who are said to have loved the experience of travel to Africa.
“Homeschooling aboard was great: we are teaching our daughters Swahili, how to build a business aboard,” Arthur shared. “Our older daughter had a hard time adjusting to Tanzania just because she missed family and friends. Overall, our older daughter says the major difference between Lake Wales and Dar es Salaam Tanzania is, ‘Tanzania has fresher air, they play more soccer, and the culture is more peaceful.’”
The Whites find it important to impress the importance of factual information and realistic expectation when it comes to expanding one’s sights.
“The most important thing we want the Lake Wales community to know is there is a lot of misinformation about Africa and the only way to breakdown the barrier is to travel Africa or follow others that travel to Africa.” Arthur says.
“It is possible for anyone to travel the world; you have to be strategic about saving and planning ahead. It doesn’t take a lot of money to just go and enjoy, but you have to learn to budget properly. We encourage people to at least try to learn more about traveling abroad to see the world; don’t stay trapped in the dome because the outside world is waiting to help you grow and heal. God made the world for us to explore and interact with different cultures and grow stronger as a people.”
If you’re interested in traveling to East Africa in 2025, you can reach out to them at [email protected].
The family’s Vlog Is @SoloSoul24.
On YouTube & Stephanie Mentors moms facing Postpartum Depression her Facebook Group is: “Moms Overcoming Postpartum Depression” and her YouTube: @SarayahMichelleOvercomer.
