Ebony Joseph, 30, a pastry chef from Southend-on-Sea, Essex, relocated to the northern part of St Lucia on April 30, 2025, after feeling disillusioned with life in Britain. She now enjoys meals out for as little as £5 a night, compared to the £100 she would typically spend in the UK.
Joseph, who obtained full St Lucian citizenship in September 2025 through her father's family roots, said she felt trapped in a cycle of working solely to pay bills and had given up hope of ever affording a home. A holiday to the island a year earlier made her fall in love with its laid-back lifestyle, natural beauty, and business opportunities, prompting her to make the move.
Financial and lifestyle transformation
Armed with just £2,000 in savings, Joseph relied on friends and locals for support upon arrival. She said: 'I was earning decent money in the UK but no matter how much I earned, it felt like I was never getting any further forward. I couldn't see a future where I could afford my own property and I felt like I was just going to work to survive and pay bills.'
In May 2026, she secured a job as a pastry chef at a hotel after impressing an executive chef with her cheesecake and CV. According to Joseph, Facebook is a key platform for finding work on the island. Her savings have increased significantly due to lower living costs; she notes that a meal for two in St Lucia costs well under £20, whereas a similar outing in the UK would be around £100.
Improved wellbeing and future plans
Joseph reports having more energy and feeling happier since the move. She said: 'In England, if I was feeling low, I'd stay indoors. Now, if I'm having a bad day, I can go for a swim or spend time at the beach. As soon as the sun comes out, I want to be up and doing something. I've got so much more energy.'
She is now working towards launching her own tour company and interactive travel guide. Joseph added: 'There is more to life than working nine to five and partying every weekend. I wanted to surround myself with positive people and build something for myself.'
Advice for others
Reflecting on her journey, Joseph said: 'Life is full of risks and sometimes you don't know what the outcome will be. I thought I had a 50-50 chance, but if it didn't work out, I'd just be back where I started. I didn't want to look back on my life and wonder 'what if?' My advice is simple – do what's best for you. The only person who can change your life is you.'
