our team.
Franschhoek, South Africa
Nas Owusu
Founder, CEO & Luxury Travel Designer
Nas launched her career in politics on Capitol Hill before building a strategic foundation across high-growth SaaS companies. She led cross-functional initiatives, go-to-market launches, and customer-facing programs marked by clarity, warmth, and high-impact execution. A lover of culture and former digital nomad, her travels taught her that the most meaningful experiences happen around tables, at dawn markets, in family kitchens, and through conversations that linger long after the meal ends. This belief in travel as a sensory, soulful experience shaped the mission of Rare Aura: to make travel personal again by curating awe-filled journeys that inspire wonder and create lasting connection. Splitting her time between Washington, D.C. and Accra, Ghana, she gathers creative energy from both cities. Outside of work, she finds inspiration in travel, food, and wine, and spends her time practicing tennis and mentoring others.
Paris, France
Claudia Guccione Cox
Partner, CXO & Luxury Concierge
Claudia built her career in operations, sales, and client service, developing an instinct for detail, a gift for anticipating needs, and an eye for thoughtful execution. Her own transformative travels inspired her to launch a luxury concierge service, deepening her expertise in high-touch planning. Now based in Mexico City, she draws inspiration from the city’s vibrant culinary and cultural scene. Known for her impeccable taste and way with words, Claudia brings an editorial sensibility to every itinerary and every piece of content she creates. Sharing in Rare Aura’s vision for redefining travel design, she became a Partner and now serves as CXO & Luxury Concierge, leading the brand’s concierge offerings with creativity, care, and precision. Outside of work, she’s on a Pilates mat, hiking a new trail, or saying yes to a perfectly made cocktail and the dinner reservation no one could resist.
Modena, Italy
Lukas Dempsey
Sommelier-In-Residence
In addition to advising Rare Aura’s culinary-centered trips and events, Lukas spent seven years working as a sommelier in New York City’s top restaurants. His time at Masa (3-Michelin Star), The Modern (2-Michelin Star), and most recently, Le Bernardin (3-Michelin Star), gave him the opportunity to work with the world’s finest wines while executing service at the highest level. He is now Assistant Vice President and Wine Specialist for Sotheby’s in the Los Angeles area. During Lukas’ tenure at The Modern, the restaurant was awarded Wine Spectator’s Grand Award twice. While at Le Bernardin, it received its first Grand Award and retained its position on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants List. Lukas holds a Certified Sommelier designation from the Court of Master Sommeliers and an Advanced Award in Wines from the WSET, achieved with distinction. Outside of wine, Lukas finds joy in traveling, discovering local gems, and exploring the culinary landscape of his new hometown, Los Angeles.