Ebony Joseph, 30, a former administration worker from Southend-on-Sea, Essex, relocated to St Lucia in April 2025 after struggling with mental health and feeling trapped in a cycle of working just to pay bills. Now a pastry chef at a hotel, she says she is happier, healthier, and enjoys dinners out for as little as £5 a night.
From Essex to the Caribbean
Joseph had given up hope of ever affording a home in the UK, despite earning 'decent money.' She says, '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.' After a holiday to St Lucia, she fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle and decided to take a leap of faith.
She arrived with only £2,000 in savings and relied on friends and locals for accommodation. 'If I hadn't had somewhere to stay when I arrived, I would've been in trouble,' she recalls. She sold cakes to supplement her income while building connections.
New career as a pastry chef
Although trained in cookery, Joseph spent years in administration for a construction company in England. In May 2026, she impressed an executive chef with a cheesecake and landed a job as a pastry chef at a hotel. 'He tried it, looked at my CV and offered me a job,' she says. She notes that Facebook is a key tool for finding work on the island.
Joseph gained full St Lucian citizenship in September 2025 through her father's family roots, which eased her transition.
Improved wellbeing and lifestyle
Joseph credits the island's outdoor lifestyle and connection to nature for her improved mental health. '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,' she says. She adds that she has more energy and has lost weight. 'My friends and family say I look happier and healthier.'
She values the community-focused culture in St Lucia, where people prioritise wellbeing over the nine-to-five grind. 'There is so much free stuff to do here. You can have a cookout by the river, spend time at the beach and really appreciate what you have in life.'
Advice for others
Joseph views her move as a risk worth taking. '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?'' Her advice to others: 'Do what's best for you. The only person who can change your life is you.'
She is now working towards launching her own tour company and interactive travel guide.
