Devon resident Frank Rapoport has started SamSara Gear to honor the memory of his late daughter, who died from suicide three years ago, writes Caroline O’Halloran for SAVVY Main Line.

Alexandra Rapoport had been fighting bulimia for two decades. Before her death, she wrote a last request to her family, asking them to “spread a message of prevention and recovery from eating disorders.”

Her father took her words to heart. He took a trip with his son to retrace Alexandra’s steps through Bhutan and Nepal to spread her ashes in Katmandu. During the journey, he bought a handwoven vest that became a hit among his wealthy Park Avenue friends.

He immediately recognized a good business opportunity and soon returned to Bhutan, where he struck deals with local weavers and pattern makers. He named his new business SamSara Gear, choosing the name because it means reincarnation in Sanskrit and brings his daughter’s spirit back to life.

A portion of the proceeds is donated to Heart Your Body, a charitable trust he created in Alexandra’s honor, the Academy of Eating Disorders, and the Multi Service Eating Disorders Association.

Read more about SamSara Gear at SAVVY Main Line here.

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