PROOF OF LIFE: Ep. 09: My Business Is Abroad—But My Heart’s in Two Places ft Debbie
“Debbie, Move Back”—If God Talks, I’m Packing Bags 😂
Leaving home is never just about boarding a flight. It’s about letting go of familiar street sounds, being present for milestones through video calls, and learning how to rebuild identity on new soil.
For Deborah, it’s also about keeping her entrepreneurial spirit alive across borders. From selling human hair to curating luxury fashion for clients back home in Nigeria, she’s proving that distance doesn't dissolve drive. But beyond the hustle, this episode of Proof of Life shows us a young woman making peace with uncertainty, holding space for homesickness, and embracing softness in a system that often demands hardness.
As we celebrate Episode 9, Deborah reminds us that thriving doesn’t always look like perfect balance. Sometimes, it looks like crying quietly, then ordering your favourite food. Sometimes it’s pausing a sale to rest, or setting a boundary mid-conversation. Sometimes, thriving just means: I’m still here.
What does Proof of Life mean to you—especially as someone who’s left one world behind to build another?
To me, it means that irrespective of the culture shocks or challenges I’ve encountered, I’ve stayed the course. Still here, still growing, still thriving.
What was the biggest shock when you first moved to the UK—and what’s something you’ve surprisingly come to love?
The calm that comes with staying here. I was used to the hustle and bustle of Lagos—the noise. But here, I can actually daydream on a bus without being interrupted.
What’s been the hardest part of adapting to life abroad—and how do you handle the moments when it feels too heavy?
The hardest part has been being without my family, my support system, and missing milestones.
Honestly, I can’t even say I’ve fully adjusted. There are still days it feels too heavy. When that happens, I either cry to let it out or I go out to eat because, in that moment, food brings a bit of comfort and helps me feel less alone.
You sell human hair and shop luxury brands for others. What drives you in business, and how do you build trust across borders and screens?
What drives me is the passion to deliver quality. Whether it’s sourcing authentic pieces or selling human hair, I want every client to feel they’re getting real value.
Building trust across borders and screens isn’t easy, but I’ve learnt that transparency, clear communication, and consistency go a long way. I share proof of purchases, client feedback, and stay connected every step of the way.
Over time, I’ve also learnt that it’s okay to take a break. Rest is part of the process, and pausing doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re recharging to do better.
You can shop at Debbie’s stores here: ShopKoyima and KoyimaHairs
What’s something people don’t realize about running a business from abroad—especially when your market is largely back home in Nigeria?
People often don’t realize how emotionally and mentally demanding it is to run a business from abroad when your main market is back home in Nigeria.
The time difference, the pressure to constantly prove your legitimacy, and the logistical challenges can be overwhelming.
You’re not just selling—you’re building trust from a distance, managing expectations, and dealing with doubts simply because you’re ‘not around.’
It takes double the effort, patience, and consistency. But what keeps me going is knowing that the quality I deliver speaks louder than location.
What do you miss most about Nigeria? And do you see yourself ever moving back?
Ohhh, I miss the people. I miss laughing with those I know—and even those I don’t know.
To be honest, right now I don’t know. I’m trusting the process and letting God lead. If He says, “Debbie, move back”—the way I will pack my bags ehn! 😂😂😂😂😂
In your opinion, what’s one thing people could do better when it comes to how we treat each other?
Ask yourself, “If someone said this to me, would I be happy about it?”
People really need to learn how to be kind. One thing I live by is: do unto others what you want done to you. It’s not rocket science.
There are real people behind the screen with real feelings. Be kind—it’s not everything that comes to mind that you should say or type out.
What’s your go-to movie when you’re overwhelmed, and what songs are currently saving your spirit?
When I’m overwhelmed, I turn to FRIENDS—it’s my comfort show.
For music, gospel songs really carry me through, and once in a while, I vibe to Afrobeats.
No specific song at the moment—just whatever lifts my spirit in the moment.
As a woman in business, what’s a misconception people often have about you—and how do you deal with it?
Especially in the fashion space, I experience this once in a while with men.
They start by asking about an item, then suddenly try to turn the conversation into something sexual.
Like, Oga, this is not why we’re here o!.
It’s frustrating because I’m just trying to do business, and I have to constantly set boundaries and remind them that this is a professional space. Focus on the service I’m providing.
Finally, share your random thought?
Why do periods have to come with so much stress and wahala?
I’m constantly battling to keep my emotions in control. One day I’m energetic, the next day if you do anyhow you see anyhow, another day I’m just a baby that wants to curl up in bed, cry, and hear sweet nonsense.
What have I been doing lately?
Recovering from an ankle injury.
Yes, you read that right.
Like Mo Salah, I've been out for three weeks. Not that my team noticed, since I've been playing rubbish ever since I bought my new football boots. Not Hojlund levels sha o!
But today, despite these annoying showers of rainy blessings. I mark my return to the field.
Tomorrow is Father’s Day. You still have 24 hours to do the right thing.
Haha… and with that, you can play the Champions League anthem while I run out for the week.
Till next week! Have fun.