“I stand for peace, choice, and a life of dignity for all humankind — regardless of skin color, gender, or religion.” – Elena Levon
Elena Levon is a Russian-American explorer, author, and multidisciplinary artist whom photographer Robert Farber has described as a modern-day Renaissance woman.
Author of Naked Poetry—endorsed by Lionel Richie and shaped through collaborations with internationally recognized artists—her work reflects more than two decades of travel across six continents and over 100 countries.
Her path has taken her from private circles at the highest levels of global culture and leadership to some of the world’s most remote and demanding environments: documenting Yanomami funerary rituals (endocannibalism) in the Amazon, living in the Darien Gap, interviewing rebels in Mali, traversing the Sahara, and surviving Category 5 Cyclone Winston in Fiji.
In 2023, with no prior sailing experience, Elena purchased the 47-foot sailing yacht Rebels and began offshore sailing expeditions that have since taken her more than 10,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean.
Based on available public records and documented sailing routes, in 2026 Elena Levon became the first woman to sail and anchor a private yacht in Liberia (West Africa) and the first woman to co-captain a private, non-commercial sailing yacht in a rare double-handed crossing of the central Gulf of Guinea, one of the least-traveled and most dangerous maritime regions in the world.
Today, Elena Levon is transforming those experiences into books, reported features, personal essays, photography, films, and humanitarian work, including fundraising for the Edina Birthing Center in Liberia.
(Full Biography Below)
“Women over 40” club
“In 2024 I proudly joined the ‘Women over 40’ club, somehow arriving without coloring my hair, getting botox, fillers or plastic surgery. In today’s predominantly ‘plastic cookie-cutter’ culture, that’s a beautiful and rebellious statement— one celebrating authenticity and humanity in its purest form. Living long enough to earn wrinkles, grey hair and deal with an aging body is a privilege not all of us are granted. That is why I will always wear my age with gratitude and fierce passion.” - Elena Levon
A Life of Freedom, Art, Courage and Passion
Elena Levon was born on March 27, 1984, in Moscow, USSR (Soviet Union), into a multi-ethnic family. She was born during the final years of the Soviet era, witnessed its collapse in childhood, and came of age in the post-Soviet world—a time marked by profound societal change, uncertainty, and economic instability.
But she was fortunate enough to grow up in a family where respect for different cultures and traditions are paramount, regardless of skin color, background and religion. Her mother, Tatjana Melnikova, was a teacher of higher geometry and a professor, who showed Elena by her own example, that no matter how little you have, you must share it with those who have even less.
In 2002, her father Eduard Leonovich Ayrapetov -- world-renowned scientist, author of numerous books and formulas, recipient of several international honors, awards and medals from Russian presidents, passed away after an extended battle with cancer. Elena had just turned 18. In May of 2023 Elena sang her last lullaby to her beautiful mother, who bravely fought in her own unforgiving “cancer war” for several years.
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At the age of 19, Elena Levon immigrated alone to the United States, building a new life independently. After nearly a decade of work and determination, she became a dual citizen, opening the path to a life of global exploration and discovery. Elena has spent decades pursuing experiences far beyond the ordinary. From living in the Darién Gap jungle and exploring the Amazon rainforest barefoot to living with desert nomads in the Mauritanian Sahara, surviving on an abandoned island in the Philippines, and celebrating with remote tribes in Papua New Guinea, her journey has taken her into some of the world's most isolated environments.
Her travels have moved between two very different worlds — from Oscars and Golden Globes events, exclusive charity galas, film premieres, and private gatherings at The Chateau Marmont to navigating Africa and South America solo by public transport, without guides or security.
Along the way, she has witnessed ancient Voodoo ceremonies in West Africa and South America, documented endocannibalistic funeral traditions of Yanomami tribe, danced with mummies in Madagascar and Indonesia, participated in rare tribal rituals, and received ceremonial amulets — including jaguar claw and bone necklaces — gifted by tribal shamans as symbols of protection. She has also stood before thousands of years of humanity's earliest expressions, witnessing ancient cave paintings and engravings left by our ancestors across different continents.
Through these encounters, Elena has witnessed the traditions and strength of diverse cultures and communities around the world. She has shared life with Indigenous tribes across the Amazon, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, sailed an eighteen-ton ketch across the Atlantic Ocean with no previous sailing experience, come face to face with silverback gorillas, and experienced a rare close encounter with a wild leopard in the African wilderness.
She has survived dangerous situations in remote regions, including standing before a loaded rifle near Timbuktu and talking her way out of the encounter. From sharing dinners with presidents and royalty to sleeping on the ground in village homes, Elena Levon's life has been defined by curiosity, courage, and a deep connection to the people, cultures, and landscapes she has encountered around the world.
Elena Levon has navigated war zones, risked filming and sharing documentaries, which provided a much-needed voice to thousands of local people and helped tell their side of the story without censorship. She survived natural disasters and faced personal life tragedies, including the death of her parents and her own personal health hell— which almost cut life short in her twenties.
Through her life struggles, fearless solo world expeditions, unique craft as an artist, and profoundly intimate connection with the world's people and cultures, Elena encourages others to follow their own unique path, regardless of the obstacles and personal grief they might face.
A Rebel With A Cause — Giving Back
Elena has made it a priority to support the communities she visits. Her humanitarian efforts include providing medical and food supplies, clothing, and other essential aid to impoverished regions. World exploration should also benefit those who host you. Elena Levon ensures that every place she visits receives support directly from her. She supports local communities as gratitude for incredible hospitality and trust shown to her.
In 2016, during Category 5 Cyclone Winston in Fiji, Elena stayed behind when others, including American Peace Corps, evacuated. She was determined not to leave the local population behind and, despite the danger, helped rescue an injured infant and mother by securing a boat to take them to safety. Elena's commitment to standing with locals in times of crisis exemplifies her philosophy that no life is more important than another. Elena Levon is a true rebel, but one with a cause — Personal freedom and compassion are inseparable.
Epilogue: The Rebel's Legacy – Living Beyond Boundaries
Elena’s philosophy of living life authentically, beyond the constraints of society’s expectations, can be encapsulated in 8 words...
“I choose to collect memories instead of things” — Elena Levon
This powerful quote has become a mantra for a new generation of explorers. Businesses, artists, and thousands of dreamers out there, have been using these words to continue inspiring others. This is not just a quote. It’s an outlook on life, a way of being, an unerring compass that guides you day after day.
At 41, Elena Levon completed a rare double-handed crossing from Liberia to São Tomé across the central Gulf of Guinea. (Sailing Yacht “Rebels” expeditions)
Based on available public records, cruising references, and documented sailing routes, no earlier public record has been identified of a female-led private, non-commercial sailing yacht completing a direct, double-handed crossing of the central Gulf of Guinea - transiting active piracy zones and volatile equatorial weather conditions.
This passage represents a rare documented voyage and stands among the first recorded female-led crossings of this kind, supported by AIS tracks, navigation logs, weather data, and recorded footage of the entire passage.
Elena Levon’s life is a mosaic of extraordinary moments—a trailblazer whose life and death experiences have motivated souls from all walks of life. Elena continues to ignite the fire in others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery, artistic expression, and fearless world exploration through the chapters of her books, films, poetry, photography, art, public speaking events and one-on-one guidance opportunities.
Sailing Expeditions - Sailing Yacht “Rebels”
Format: Digital — instant access
Step into a vivid, audio-rich world of words, sound, and imagery. The Immersive Edition of Naked Poetry is a high-resolution, book-format PDF featuring life-like, flip-through pages.
270 fine art photographs woven with original poetry, prose, and art, spanning 20 years and 6 continents. The complete 301-page journey. Designed to be lived, not just read.
Includes:
Elena Levon reading her original poetry
Tribal songs and ancestral rhythms
Ambient soundscapes woven throughout the book
Zoom-in functionality and a full-screen viewing option, you are invited to explore every detail in an intimate, cinematic way.
Why this edition is rare:
For those who want to live the book — not just feel it. Elena’s voice. The pulse of the earth. The rhythm of memory and movement. A digital ritual to carry with you, wherever you go.
Once your order is complete, you will receive a private access link and unique password.
“Choose to collect memories instead of things” - Elena Levon (Unique card download)
Access to private instagram account @realelenalevon with all archives and Q&A’s from 2018
Note:
50% of all earnings will be donated to Edina Project in Liberia.
Please allow time for the full fulfillment of your order. Elena Levon is currently on a sailing expedition in the Atlantic Ocean. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unique journey.
By purchasing any product or film from this store, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
All sales are final.
Watch every documentary, adventure film, and sailing expedition in one collection.
GONE WITH THE DUST - Overland Adventures, Expeditions & Art
THE QUINTESSENCE OF LIFE - A documentary shot on six continents, capturing a 10-year journey.
GONE WITH THE WIND - Sailing Films, Expeditions & Art
Runtime: 5 hours of documentary footage
Year: 2011-2024
100% Ad-Free
By purchasing these films, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
Gifts:
OPIUM DEN - Art Film
Sicily, Italy (2020) - Lamu, Kenya (2021) - A sensual exploration of memory, movement, and passion — and the words left unspoken between them.YOUTHFUL FOOLS - Podcast Episode
“Choose to collect memories instead of things” - Elena Levon (Unique card download)
Access to private instagram account @realelenalevon with all archives and Q&A’s from 2018
Note:
50% of all earnings will be donated to Edina Project in Liberia.
A private access link and unique password will be sent to the email you provided. Please allow time for the full fulfillment of your order. Elena Levon is currently on a sailing expedition in the Atlantic Ocean. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unique journey.
By purchasing any product or film from this store, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
All sales are final.
Overland Adventures, Expeditions & Art
Most travel documentaries show destinations. These films froze a moment in history forever.
Namibia • Zambia • Mozambique • Eswatini • Angola • Ethiopia
A growing collection of independently filmed overlanding documentaries. Expeditions across Africa during 2021–2022, a period when much of the world believed travel had come to a standstill.
While news broadcasts spoke of closed borders and restricted movement, another reality existed parallel to the headlines. Roads remained open. Vast stretches of Africa became quieter than they had been in decades. National parks stood nearly empty. Beaches stretched for miles without footprints. Famous landmarks welcomed only a handful of visitors. For a brief moment, some of Africa's most extraordinary places felt as though they belonged to another era.
This collection follows independent overland journeys by motorcycle, expedition vehicle, public transport, and on foot.
"Some journeys are measured in miles. Others are measured in moments that will never happen again." — Elena Levon
You will witness border crossings that were never supposed to happen. Long days spent navigating remote regions. Encounters with hidden from mass tourism tribal communities, ancient rock art, forgotten roads, and places rarely seen by outsiders.
A historical archive of a disappearing Africa and a disappearing way of exploration. It is a story about freedom. The freedom to continue moving when the world said stop.
Runtime: 2.5 hours of documentary footage
Year: 2021-2022
100% Ad-Free
By purchasing these films, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
VICTORIA FALLS: THE EMPTY WONDER
Zambia (2021) - A rare record of Victoria Falls during a period of near-total tourism collapse. One of Africa's greatest natural wonders experienced in near solitude.
MOZAMBIQUE: TIDES OF FREEDOM
Mozambique (2021) - Pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and remote fishing communities along an empty stretch of paradise rarely witnessed by modern travelers. Unexpected hospitality, and the rhythms of everyday life along the Indian Ocean.
THE FORGOTTEN SPIRITS OF ESWATINI
Eswatini (2021) - A search for ancient San rock art hidden within one of Africa’s least-visited kingdoms. Camping inside empty national parks, moving through vast wilderness, and encountering local biker communities along the way.
JOURNEY TO THE HIMBA
Namibia (2022) - An expedition into remote northwestern Namibia in search of authentic Himba communities beyond established tourism routes.
THE GODLIKE SONG OF THE RED OCHRE PEOPLE
Namibia (2022) - A rare cultural record documenting life, traditions, and daily realities inside a remote Himba settlement.
UNMAPPED AND UNMASKED: ANGOLA
Angola (2022) - Deserts, tribal territories, and the prehistoric rock art of Chitundo-Hulo. Jorney through some of the country's most isolated landscapes.
JOURNEY TO THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND
Apollo 11 Cave, Namibia (2022) An expedition to one of the oldest known artistic sites on Earth and a reflection on humanity's enduring desire to create.
KALASHNIKOV'S LULLABY
Ethiopia (2022) Elena Levon’s solo journey by public transport into Ethiopia's remote tribal frontier near the South Sudan border. (war zone)
Gifts:
OPIUM DEN - Art Film
Sicily, Italy (2020) - Lamu, Kenya (2021) - A sensual exploration of memory, movement, and passion — and the words left unspoken between them.YOUTHFUL FOOLS - Podcast Episode
“Choose to collect memories instead of things” - Elena Levon (Unique card download)
Access to private instagram account @realelenalevon with all archives and Q&A’s from 2018
Note:
50% of all earnings will be donated to Edina Project in Liberia.
A private access link and unique password will be sent to the email you provided. Please allow time for the full fulfillment of your order. Elena Levon is currently on a sailing expedition in the Atlantic Ocean. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unique journey.
By purchasing any product or film from this store, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
All sales are final.
A documentary shot on six continents, capturing a 10-year journey. With no crew, no corporate sponsors, and zero staging, this independent film offers an unvarnished look at human connection, solo adventure, and extreme exploration.
Discover the answers to the biggest questions we all ask, regardless of skin color, religion, or birthplace. From documenting Yanomami funerary rituals in the Amazon, living in the Darién Gap, and interviewing rebels in Mali, to traversing the Sahara and surviving Category 5 Cyclone Winston in Fiji—this film unites, uplifts, and restores faith that no matter how different we seem, we all share the same soul, pain, and joy.
This 10-year journey will make you laugh, cry, and inspire you to follow your dreams, no matter what obstacles you face at the present moment.
Runtime: 60 Minutes
Year: 2023
100% Ad-Free
By purchasing this film, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
FILM REVIEW:
"This is such an amazing testimony to life and living. The smiles, beauty, wonder & wisdom in your film simply stun me. I stand in awe of how you were able to experience all these moments and somehow at the same time capture them to be shared. This is truly a gift to the world -- thank you! I look forward to following your continuing adventures over the next ten years and more...Namaste." - USA
Gifts:
OPIUM DEN - Art Film
Sicily, Italy (2020) - Lamu, Kenya (2021) - A sensual exploration of memory, movement, and passion — and the words left unspoken between them.YOUTHFUL FOOLS - Podcast Episode
“Choose to collect memories instead of things” - Elena Levon (Unique card download)
Access to private instagram account @realelenalevon with all archives and Q&A’s from 2018
Note:
50% of all earnings will be donated to Edina Project in Liberia.
A private access link and unique password will be sent to the email you provided. Please allow time for the full fulfillment of your order. Elena Levon is currently on a sailing expedition in the Atlantic Ocean. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unique journey.
By purchasing any product or film from this store, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
All sales are final.
Sailing Films, Expeditions & Art
Most sailing films show turquoise anchorages, perfect sunsets, and effortless passages. These films include those moments—but they are defined by what happens in between.
A growing collection of candid sailing documentaries capturing life aboard the 1989, 14-meter Vagabond ketch Rebels during double-handed ocean voyages across the Atlantic.
“If you have ever wondered what ocean voyaging really looks like beyond the glossy narrative, these documentaries offer an honest view from the deck of a classic sailing vessel crossing some of the world's most challenging waters. Welcome aboard Rebels.” — Elena Levon, Co-Captain
It is not a curated social media version of life at sea. It is the raw reality of learning to sail while crossing oceans. When Elena Levon first stepped aboard Rebels, she was not a trained sailor. There were no classrooms, certificates, or protected training waters. The lessons came in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, between countries, in changing weather, during equipment failures, night watches, navigation challenges, and thousands of miles under sail.
You will witness impossible routes fought against winds and currents. Mechanical breakdowns in the middle of nowhere. Encounters with coast guards and wildlife. Long nights without sleep. Moments of uncertainty — and the constant reality every sailor eventually discovers. Yet between the hardships lie the moments that make ocean voyaging unforgettable: the rare feeling of complete freedom that exists only far beyond sight of land.
Runtime: 1.5 hours of documentary footage
Year: 2024
100% Ad-Free
Atlantic crossings between the Canary Islands, Madeira, Cape Verde, and the coast of West Africa, revealing both the beauty and the cost of pursuing an unconventional life at sea.
By purchasing these films, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
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The next chapter — a six-month West African expedition from the Canary Islands to Angola, (2025-2026) including a crossing of the Central Gulf of Guinea — will be added to this collection in the future.
Gifts:
OPIUM DEN - Art Film
Sicily, Italy (2020) - Lamu, Kenya (2021) - A sensual exploration of memory, movement, and passion — and the words left unspoken between them.YOUTHFUL FOOLS - Podcast Episode
“Choose to collect memories instead of things” - Elena Levon (Unique card download)
Access to private instagram account @realelenalevon with all archives and Q&A’s from 2018
Note:
50% of all earnings will be donated to Edina Project in Liberia.
A private access link and unique password will be sent to the email you provided. Please allow time for the full fulfillment of your order. Elena Levon is currently on a sailing expedition in the Atlantic Ocean. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unique journey.
By purchasing any product or film from this store, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
All sales are final.
No two lives—or journeys—are ever the same. All your dreams are valid. They deserve to be treated with care, respect, and the courage it takes to bring them to life.
Whether you are standing at a crossroads, navigating a major life transition, pursuing a creative dream, or searching for clarity amid uncertainty, this private one-hour conversation offers a confidential space to be heard with honesty, care, and respect.
For more than twenty years, Elena Levon has lived an unconventional life at the intersection of art, exploration, and personal transformation. Her path has taken her across six continents and more than 100 countries—from remote tribal regions in the Amazon and the Darién Gap to the worlds of fine art, literature, and offshore sailing.
She is the author of Naked Poetry, endorsed by Lionel Richie and shaped through collaborations with Robert Farber and other internationally recognized artists.
These sessions are deeply personal and tailored to the individual. There is no fixed agenda. Every conversation unfolds according to where you are in life and what you most need in this moment.
Possible Topics
- Art, writing, and the creative process
- Solo travel and unconventional living
- Personal transformation and reinvention
- Grief, healing, and life after profound loss
- Expedition planning and sailing
- Publishing and storytelling
- Building a life aligned with your deepest values
Your privacy will be treated with the utmost care and respect.
Many people come to these conversations during pivotal moments in their lives—after loss, during health struggles, while facing uncertainty, or when they feel called to make a significant change. Others simply seek perspective from someone who has chosen a radically unconventional path and transformed lived experience into art, writing, and meaningful work.
What You Receive:
- One 60-minute private video consultation with Elena Levon
- A personalized, heart-centered conversation
- Honest insight drawn from two decades of unconventional life experience
- Complete discretion and confidentiality
Gifts:
NAKED POETRY BOOK ✧ IMMERSIVE EDITION ✧ Format: Digital — instant access
A living, audio-rich experience to accompany Naked Poetry. This is not an audiobook — it’s a sacred sound ritual. Includes: High-resolution PDF of Naked Poetry (270 images across 6 continents. Full Book.)
Elena Levon reading her original poetry. Tribal songs, ancestral rhythms, ambient soundscapes. Private, secure link with lifetime access. Why this edition is rare:For those who want to live the book — not just feel it. Elena’s voice. The pulse of the earth. The rhythm of memory and movement. A digital ritual to carry with you, wherever you go.
Unique handwritten photo-postcard (6×8 inches) will be send to you by mail (Upon request)
Full Access to private instagram account @realelenalevon with all archives from 2018 including Q&A’s.
Note:
50% of all earnings will be donated to Edina Project in Liberia.
Please allow time for the full fulfillment of your order. Elena Levon is currently on a sailing expedition in the Atlantic Ocean. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unique journey.
By purchasing any product or film from this store, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to the viewing of mature, artistic content.
All sales are final.