The seed of L’Hommage
African Journey — Where Courage Meets Transformation
Discover the story of how it all began: In 2006, Thomas Kettner accompanied Olivia Jackson on a life-changing journey through Namibia that marked the very beginning of L’Hommage. She was searching for a turning point: to leave behind her life as a beauty model and step into a daring new identity.
A Journey Into the Wild became a Journey Within
Among the Himba people, a tribe deeply rooted in ancient tradition yet threatened by the encroaching modern world, she discovered not just a new culture — but a new rhythm of life and a new self. What began as an external adventure became an inner transformation: a reconnection with authenticity, courage, and the essence of life itself. In the silence of the desert and the warmth of human connection, she found an inner peace that no city could offer. Belonging, and the strength of community : The tenderness and harmony between humans- the L’Hommage philosophy.
From Model to Stuntwoman
What began as a quest for clarity became a rebirth. Olivia emerged not just transformed, but fearless — beginning a new life as an international stuntwoman in Hollywood. Between wilderness and self, a deeper truth was found. On her journey she discovered raw courage, determination, enabling her to enter a new life phase. Solitude, reflection, wisdom, rebirth: An Inner Journey of finding clarity and strength.
From Journey to Legacy
A search for Identity became the spark of a Legacy. This journey gave birth to ONGWE (The Leopard), a breathtaking book that went on to win the prestigious German Design Award. More importantly, it captivated countless readers — sparking their own dreams, and inspiring them to seek the courage to live them. ONGWE, the award-winning book became a symbol of courage — the beginning of L’Hommage.
The Spirit of L’Hommage
This journey proved what L’Hommage has stood for ever since:
Not just documenting beauty, but awakening the extraordinary within. From this first African journey, the vision of L’Hommage was born: to create transformative experiences that dare us to live fully, and to immortalize them as art — as living legacies.
The Voice of the Journey
“My watch, my laptop, my smartphone — back home, they were my constant companions. Here, they became nothing more than distant echoes. Instead, I found peace, warmth, and a profound human connection. Facial expressions, glances, and touches spoke louder than words ever could. Every moment was thrilling, different, new. I discovered an inner peace — one strong enough to face anything.” — ONGWE
A Transformative Experience
L’Hommage was born in Africa: a journey through Namibia that revealed how deeply nature can change a life. From encounters with cheetahs and elephants to nights under vast desert skies, every moment connects you with something greater than yourself. Here, silence carries the weight of ancient stories, and mirrors the strength, fragility, and beauty within us. Guided by Thomas Kettner and his team, the African Journey combines luxury, adventure, and profound self-discovery — captured forever in photography, film, and culminating in a personal legacy book.
“Begin your own journey. Write your own story with L’Hommage.”
