A Letter from Sylvie Chantecaille

For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt a deep calling to protect the natural world. I believe that nature is not something separate from us—it is part of who we are. And when we lose our connection to it, we lose part of ourselves. That’s why I’ve spent the last 20 years working to preserve wild places and the extraordinary beings that call them home.

The Elephant Way was born out of that passion. Inspired by the remarkable intelligence, empathy, and memory of elephants—creatures who hold the past and present in their being—it is also guided by the wisdom of indigenous communities, the Earth’s original guardians. These communities live in harmony with the land, holding knowledge that has been passed down for generations—knowledge that can teach us how to live with greater reverence and responsibility.

This is a movement rooted in respect—for nature, for culture, and for the handmade. Through The Elephant Way, we partner with artisan collectives in Kenya, Colombia, and beyond, whose traditional craft is both a form of cultural survival and a powerful tool for conservation. Every piece is infused with the spirit of place and the soul of its maker. These are not just objects—they are stories, carrying the wisdom of the land and the hands that shaped them.

And because we believe in full-circle giving, 100% of profits go back to these communities—supporting local livelihoods and regional conservation projects that help both people and ecosystems flourish.

This is not about charity—it’s about listening. It’s about learning to walk more gently, guided by those who have never forgotten how.

with love,

Sylvie Chantecaille

The Elephant Way grew from the roots of our work at Chantecaille Conservation Foundation, extending its mission through craft, community and story. You can read more about CCF and our mission to conserve the earth’s wild spaces while protecting wildlife and empowering those who live within these treasured landscapes here.