A tribe of our own: Attendees, Aida Ihsani, and Marina Mahathir gathering at the end of a morning filled with shared stories, growth, and community connection.
What if the hardest part of climbing a mountain isn’t the climb itself, but taking the first step?
That was one of the many reflections shared during Trybe by Zafigo: Summit State of Mind, our second community gathering. Bringing together women curious about hiking, adventure, and personal growth, the morning was less about reaching a summit and more about the journeys that shape us along the way.
Hosted at Aida’s Loft, the event featured adventurer and community builder Aida Ihsani, who shared her own journey of falling in love with climbing, and later joined Zafigo founder Marina Mahathir for an honest and inspiring conversation about courage and the lessons that life outdoors can teach us.
From rock bottom to the mountains
One of the most surprising revelations from Aida’s Trail Talk was that climbing mountains was never actually on her bucket list.
Just three years ago, she shared, she found herself at one of the lowest points in her life. Looking for a way forward, she slowly began stepping outside her comfort zone. What started as a small decision to try something new eventually became a passion that transformed her relationship with herself, adventure, and community.
Aida reminded us that growth rarely happens in giant leaps. Instead, it often begins with small, uncomfortable choices.
“We are so obsessed with success that we don’t see the journey we took,” she reflected.
For many in the room, that message resonated. In a world that celebrates milestones and achievements, it was a timely reminder to acknowledge the progress and lessons gained along the way.
Another takeaway centred on courage, a quality often misunderstood as fearlessness.
“Adventure teaches you that you can push through fear,” Aida shared. But she was equally clear that courage does not mean ignoring your limits.
“You can have courage, but you can also have boundaries.”
Whether on a mountain trail or in everyday life, knowing when to push forward and when to pause is a skill in itself.
The power of sisterhood on and off the trail
The conversation continued during the fireside chat led by Marina, where participants had the opportunity to ask questions about hiking, preparation, confidence, safety, and the realities of outdoor adventure.
One of the strongest themes to emerge from the discussion was the importance of community.
For Aida, adventure has never been about conquering mountains alone. While many people associate hiking with independence and self-reliance, she believes some of the most meaningful experiences happen when they’re shared with others.
More than simply having people to travel or hike with, she spoke about the value of sisterhood: having a support system that encourages you to take that first step, helps you navigate challenges, and celebrates your growth along the way.
The discussion also touched on mountain safety, including what to do if you experience Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Aida stressed the importance of listening to your body, communicating symptoms early, staying hydrated, and avoiding the temptation to simply push through discomfort. Resting, slowing down, and descending when necessary are often far wiser choices than forcing yourself to continue towards the summit.
Participants were also eager to learn what Aida always packs for her adventures. Her essentials include (at least) one litre of water, a whistle, a safety fire blanket, a headlamp, and plenty of snacks. She also highlighted the importance of reliable footwear, noting that while she doesn’t personally recommend them, many hikers she has met continue to swear by a trusty pair of Adidas Kampung shoes as a backup.
Perhaps the most memorable reflection of the morning extended far beyond hiking itself.
“Travelling or climbing a mountain is a disruptor in your life that you need.”
Stepping away from routine, whether through travel, adventure, or simply trying something unfamiliar, creates space for new perspectives and personal growth. As Aida reminded us, staying exactly where we are isn’t always the comfortable option we imagine it to be.
“Not doing anything is uncomfortable.”
A community worth climbing with
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our sponsors who helped make the event possible. Attendees took home curated goodies from Vitamode, LUMI Beauty, and Xnocs, brands that share our commitment to supporting women’s wellbeing, confidence, and growth both on and off the trail. We’re also grateful to Being Juice for keeping everyone refreshed with fresh juices throughout the morning.
To everyone who joined us, asked thoughtful questions, shared stories, and embraced the spirit of community: thank you for being part of it.
If this was your first Trybe by Zafigo event, we hope it’s only the beginning.
What is Trybe by Zafigo?
Born from our own desire to explore new things while finding meaningful connections, Trybe by Zafigo is our community-led series of events and workshops designed for women who are curious, adventurous, and open to trying something new.
From pickleball sessions and creative workshops to trail talks and outdoor adventures, every Trybe event is beginner-friendly, welcoming, and built around the idea that growth happens when we step beyond our usual routines.
More importantly, it’s about finding your people. The ones who encourage you to take that first step, cheer you on along the way, and remind you that you don’t have to do it alone.
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