"To be independent, you need money." – Grace | Proof Of Life, Episode 35.
On peace, pressure, culture, and the quiet work of figuring life out.
Grace is one of those people you meet briefly but somehow leave with a lasting impression of.
Soft in presence, sharp in thought, and quietly navigating more than she lets on.
In the time we worked together, she stood out as someone deeply curious, eager to learn, and incredibly effective in her craft. But beyond the work, Grace carries a layered life. One that moves between intention and pressure, peace and survival, softness and very real fears.
In this conversation, she opens up about choosing peace after a toxic season, navigating adulthood in Nigeria, the realities of money and independence, intentional love, and the fears we don’t always say out loud.
From near-death reflections to “Iro and Buba supremacy,” this is a story of someone learning to live fully, even when life feels heavy.
Like her name, Grace doesn’t try too hard to be felt.
She just is.
Enjoy this one.
Welcome Graceyy. What does “Proof of Life” mean to you in this season?
Hmmm
Proof of life means touching grass for me in this season. I don’t think this season has really been soft for me. It’s intentional and more private but also more stressful, and I’ve had more reasons to touch grass these days. From taking on more responsibilities to having an NDE to getting stressed out, I need a break. 😭
You described your birthday as peaceful, almost like that was the goal. What changed for you? When did you start choosing peace over noise?
As someone who has been surrounded by noise my whole life, I’ve always craved peace. Peaceful relationships, peaceful environments, peaceful jobs, etc… But last year, after nearly losing my life to a toxic, stressful job, I decided I was going to choose peace of mind, and on my birthday, I just had to mirror what I wanted.
P.S: If anyone wants a peaceful picnic, go to Lufasi Park – even the air there is different from the shitty air we are breathing in the rest of Lagos.
I’ve seen you navigate brand communications with such curiosity and eagerness to learn. What are your career hopes right now, and what kind of work do you want to be known for?
My career hope is to have a flexible job that would pay me in dollars. I know it sounds superficial, but with the way this country is going, that’s the goal. I also want to be known for excellence and creativity in every work I do.
You’re multi-talented, but also someone who knows how to step back and be in your own space. Do you ever feel misunderstood because of that? And how do you manage those perceptions?
Yesss, the girl with different talents and interests.
Sometimes people think I’m unserious because I like different things and tend to do different things at the same time, but honestly, I don’t care cos I know that’s not completely true. Also, the only way to manage wrong perceptions is by not caring because people will always have them.
Last year was full of small but meaningful moments — a dining experience, an art exhibition, Ibadan, a coronation, and salsa after a year. Which moment felt like “this is life” to you, and why?
The day I traveled to Ibadan was the day I realized it’s not life we’re living in this Lagos.
Ibadan is a peaceful place and I know I would end up living there at some point. Infact, as soon as I can, I will move there.
Let’s talk about love. You’ve shared glimpses of a very sweet, intentional relationship. What has this season taught you about choosing a partner and being chosen?
You know when they say, “Are you your type’s type?" That’s what I’ve learned this year. Having a partner who likes and understands me as much as I do and shows it constantly has been very helpful this season.
“Iro and Buba Supremacy” — we need context 😄.
What does 'style' mean to you beyond looking good? Does it reflect how you feel or who you’re becoming?
Iro and Buba supremacy o 😂😂. I love being Yoruba so much, and I love Yoruba clothing too, especially Iro and Buba; it is one style that can be anything- classy, elegant, cute, and even sexy. Such a shape-shifting style🙂↔️
My style is a reflection of how I feel. The days I put effort into my style, I’m in the best mood. The days I don’t… I’m the opposite.
Adulthood in Nigeria is a full-contact sport. What has it been teaching you lately — about money, independence, pressure, and just figuring things out?
Hmmm, first of all, adulthood in Nigeria is not sweet at allllll. Nobody told me it would be like this o!
One big lesson I’ve learned this year is that, to be independent, you need money, and to make money, you need a better job or business.
So I’m doing jama jama to make more money and have more income. On pressure, living in Nigeria is enough pressure already, so as a regular Nigerian, all I can do is hope it doesn’t break me before I get out of here.
What fears do you carry right now as a person?
The fear of not successfully dealing with poverty. I detest poverty so much, and the thought of being in it scares me so much. And the fear of losing a loved one – I don’t know if I’ll survive it.
To close, drop one random thought that’s been living rent-free in your mind lately.
This might sound weird sha but here goes;
“If death weren’t so painful and uncomfortable to do, a lot of people would try it out.”
I had a Near Death Experience recently and I realized dying is only easy when you do it in your sleep. Dying off when you’re ill or in pain is not pleasant at all.
Thank you Graceyy, see you at the top!
You are invited to SOHR’s Potluck and first hangout of 2026!
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