The Eternal Vacation
Natasha Garoosi on How Travel, Culture, and Connection Shaped Her Vision of L’eterna Vacanza
Founder Natasha Garoosi photographed by Izack Morales.
In today’s fast-paced world, where hustle culture often takes center stage, L’eterna Vacanza offers a refreshing escape. Founded by Natasha Garoosi, whose rich cultural heritage spans Chinese, Colombian, Persian, and Italian roots, the brand is a celebration of timeless traditions and genuine joy. L’eterna Vacanza isn’t just a travel brand; it’s a philosophy that encourages us to slow down, connect with others, and savor the simple pleasures of life.
Natasha’s upbringing, shaped by diverse cultural influences, and her love for exploration, led her to create a brand that embodies the idea of an "eternal vacation." L’eterna Vacanza invites us to question the pressures of modern society and instead, embrace a life filled with meaningful experiences and authentic connections. From designing handbags that double as board games to inspiring a community of like-minded individuals, Natasha’s journey is as unique as the brand itself.
We spoke with Natasha about her personal experiences, the challenges she faced in bringing L’eterna Vacanza to life, and how her cultural background continues to influence her perspective on travel, hospitality, and community.
Pilar Alvarado: How has your diverse cultural background influenced your perspective on travel and life in general?
Natasha: Growing up surrounded by people from different cultures and people speaking 5+ languages taught me how to embrace the unfamiliar with ease. It’s helped me remain open-hearted. Every time I travel, I return feeling lighter, wiser, and more serene. Travel transforms us, reminding us of the simplicity of our shared human experience. Despite the different languages we speak or foods we eat, we’re all here, navigating this time on earth while we have it. This is why I love backgammon so much—it's a game that mirrors life. We all start in the same place, and depending on the roll of the dice, we each live our unique journey, only to eventually fade away.
PA: How did growing up in a family with such a rich mix of cultures and experiences shape your approach to hospitality and the creation of L’eterna Vacanza?
N: Hospitality is deeply rooted in Persian, Asian, Latin, and Italian cultures. Welcoming a guest and sharing unconditionally is incredibly fulfilling. In contrast, modern cities and fashion culture often feel disposable and cliquish. L’eterna Vacanza challenges this behavior. Our handbags are designed to encourage us to meet strangers and develop meaningful friendships, with the goal of enjoying quality time together.
PA: Can you tell us about some of the memorable places you visited and how traveling inspired the vision behind L’eterna Vacanza?
N: I spent a lot of time in Bologna as a kid, visiting my Iranian family. It was always exciting to catch up with my cousins over backgammon in the scenic, terracotta-colored city. One summer, I had a work trip to Capri and a family reunion in Turkey. I loved how both Italy and Turkey value taking breaks to socialize and indulge, whether it’s having an espresso at a corner bar or tea and backgammon in the middle of a bazaar. While dreading my return to the nonstop hustle of the States, I thought to myself, "I want to live on L’eterna Vacanza." Growing up in NYC where the priority tends to be money or status, I wanted to introduce something where the priority was play.
That’s when the vision for the brand was born. Similar to the dolce vita lifestyle, L’eterna Vacanza encourages us to explore how different cultures savor life’s beauty and relaxation.
PA: What is one of your favorite travel destinations, and what makes it particularly special to you?
N: I’m in love with Brazil. The beaches, mountains, and Amazon are breathtaking. Brazilians have ancestry from almost everywhere, and it’s beautiful to see people of all skin tones and looks enjoying a culture that revolves around dancing, singing, and nature.
PA: What was the process like for you when starting L’eterna Vacanza, and what challenges did you encounter along the way? How have your personal experiences shaped the brand?
N: I recently learned a term in a Carl Jung book—"misoneistic"—which describes a fear or resistance to change. I had so many fears during this process: fear of transitioning careers, fear of introducing something new to the world. But when I made the prototype, the feedback was incredible. I met people from all over the world who share a love and appreciation for backgammon and exploring other cultures. Everytime I play with someone, I get to experience their playful, inner child spirit.
PA: Tell me about the inspiration behind creating bags that double as board games.
N: When designing for L’eterna Vacanza, I knew I wanted to share my personal story in a way that would resonate with others. The Baggammon was the perfect vehicle because it blends my Italian and Persian heritage while connecting people to their playful side and nostalgic memories playing games. Personally, I’m not someone who shops a lot, and this was my first time designing luxury handbags. I always joke around that all I need when traveling is my passport, keys, phone, money, and a backgammon board.
From L’eterna Vacanza’s mission as a brand, I’d love to ask your personal take on a few things in a “quick fire” format:
How do you enjoy the world around you?
Playing, Music & SingingWhat do you prioritize in your day-to-day?
Hugs, Health, LaughterHow do you connect with different cultures?
Games and FoodWhat do you look for in people to build a community?
Integrity, and a deep care for family and natureWhat passions do you share with your friends and community?
Radif (a Persian folkloric music genre), backgammon, Chinese foot reflexology, salsa, bachata, and reggaeton dancing