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River Mixers

"the river rats behind the scenes"

Mekong River, Laos

Kuba Sheppard

Lead Founder River Mixer
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#1 | The Mekong River | Laos

A seasoned traveler with over two decades spent exploring Asia and beyond, the lead founder of River Mixer developed a deep appreciation for the natural world, particularly rivers. His inaugural river water collection came from the Mekong River in Laos, near Luang Prabang, during a quest to find the tomb of French explorer Henri Mouhot along the Nam Khan River a tributary of the Mekong. Juggling responsibilities as the head of two family businesses, Kuba continues his global adventures, collecting river water from diverse locations.

Kuba established River Mixer as a personal outlet to share his adventures with loved ones. This passion has evolved into a lifelong pursuit to rekindle city dwellers’ appreciation for rivers and nature. As an entrepreneur, Kuba envisions achieving this goal by creating a line of gift and educational products that spark imagination and evoke nostalgia for the simpler times when rivers were a central part of daily life.

 

Valvert Thompson IV

Co-Founder River Mixer
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#1 | The Sumida River | Japan

Valvert’s passion for rivers began on a trip to Japan with his father, where he collected his first river, the Sumida River, which flows through Tokyo. As a dedicated theater student at the Houston School of Visual and Performing Arts, a nationally renowned performing arts school, Valvert balances his school activities with his recent interest in river collecting. During his summer vacations, he accompanies his father on extensive river collection trips around the world.

One of his most memorable adventures was a 2023 expedition to Nigeria, where he embarked on epic cross-country bus rides to reach remote river locations including the Njaba and Orashi rivers to name a few. Another unforgettable experience occurred during a trip to the Amazon along the Rio Negro, where he successfully caught a large piranha fish that the private chef prepared for a delicious lunch.

Dyon Wildman

Principle Contributor River Mixer
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#1 | The Thames River | UK
A Born and bread Londoner, Dion has been with the River Mixer team for the last few years being the link across the Atlantic. London is home to one of the largest and cleanest metropolitan rivers in the world with the Thames but that doesn’t stop him from adventuring further afield.
 

As another travel lover, he’s been collecting as he ticks off every country in Europe. Currently 38 down. One of the best adventures took him along the Saigon River in Vietnam. A city transformed by its vital river, Ho Chi Minh is still home to a plethora of traditional boats, fishing and manufacturers.

Zach Flynn

Contributor River Mixer
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#1 | The Kamo River | Japan

As a passionate creative designer, I thrive on infusing my work with unique perspectives and innovative ideas. My journey has taken me from the bustling streets of Houston, Texas, to the serene shores of Honolulu, Hawaii. This vibrant shift has not only influenced my design aesthetic but also fueled my adventurous spirit.

An avid traveler, I have a deep appreciation for nature, particularly rivers. I relish the opportunity to explore new waterways around the globe, whether it’s kayaking down a winding river or simply enjoying the tranquil beauty of a riverside landscape. Each river tells a story, and I find joy in discovering these hidden gems wherever my travels take me.

 

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Beneath the relentless Nevada sun, where the air shimmers and the horizon stretches into a mirage, a river whispers secrets. The Humboldt, a silver vein snaking through the parched earth, holds more than just water; it carries the echo of a visionary. A man who, before the age of satellites and data streams, dared to see the world as a living, breathing tapestry. Forget dusty textbooks and dry lectures. This is a journey into the heart of a wild landscape, where a river’s flow becomes a portal to a mind that reshaped our understanding of nature itself. Prepare to be drawn into a story where the arid beauty of the American West meets the revolutionary ideas of Alexander von Humboldt, and discover how a river, and a name, can illuminate the very soul of our interconnected planet.

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