"What Happens When You Want More From Your Life?"

Christabel | Proof Of Life, Episode 35.

We’re back with another Proof of Life, and this one feels like a quiet turning point.

Meet my padi Christabel. A friend, business partner, and one of those people who sits at the intersection of clarity and becoming. This season of her life is not loud, but it is deeply intentional. The kind where you start asking harder questions about your work, your purpose, your relationships, and what you truly want your life to look and feel like.

Christabel

From managing brands to reimagining her place in marketing, from telling soft, nostalgic Lagos stories to finding meaning in service, friendship, and love, Christabel is navigating that in-between space many of us find ourselves in but rarely articulate.

This is a conversation about growth, honesty, and choosing more for yourself, even when the path isn’t fully clear yet.

Enjoy.

---

Let’s start where we always do.

What does “Proof of Life” mean to you in this current season of your life — especially as it feels like you’re standing at a bit of a crossroads?:

Proof of Life means showing up. It means being present in whatever you do. It means giving your best in everything.

You know, there are times you want to disappear because of how tired you are, but some situations won’t even let that happen. The last time I tried to disappear, I didn’t even get to rest because of the number of calls from people who care about me.

That alone showed me how loved I am, and yeah, I’m not trying that again 😂

Before you go far, chop kiss!

You’ve built strong experience in social media management, but now you’re thinking beyond that.

What’s driving this shift for you?

This drive comes from knowing, being certain that I’m capable of much more than what I’m currently offering. I’m more than where I find myself right now. I know that I’m so creative, and whenever I put my thoughts and mind into doing something, I go all out. Laziness and procrastination can be the bad side of this, but I sabi the work wella.

Is it ambition, restlessness, or a deeper clarity about what you want?

There’s this burning desire in me to move forward every day. I’ve been doing this for over 10 years, and right now I feel stuck. Every time I try to move, fear shows up, fear of taking risks. But if I don’t take that step, who will?

I want deeper clarity about what I truly want. I’m currently on that journey, and I’ve considered so many paths: lash tech, hairdressing, product management, product design, data analysis… there’s almost nothing I haven’t thought of trying. But now, it’s brand storytelling, and I think I like it here. As a storyteller, this feels right for me.

Job your love…

And when you imagine your next role, what should it look like and, more importantly, what should it feel like?

Bro, honestly, I don’t even know if I want to continue the 9–5 life. But one thing I’m sure about is this: my next role has to be exciting. I want something I genuinely love, not just something I do for money. I understand that people work for money, but I feel like I’ve moved past that stage. I want to love my job, not just do it.

You get me?

9. to. 5

You’ve been sharing your Lagos Diaries series — and there’s something very nostalgic and honest about it.

What pushed you to start telling these stories now?

Ah! My new baby. I love it so much, like, so much. I love Lagos Diaries by Arieri because it feels like me. What pushed me to start telling these stories is my experience growing up in Lagos. There’s something so unique about living here; it’s a completely different story from every other state I’ve lived in.

And as a funny person (lol), I thought, why not? I’ve written books and articles on Medium with over 1,800 readers, and I have people who genuinely support my work. So yeah, this felt like the next step. I’ve never liked hearing my voice in voice notes or videos, but somehow, it sounds so good when I do voiceovers. I sound like a woman telling tales by moonlight, very old-school vibes 😂

And if you had to pick, what are your favourite Lagos stories — the kind that stay with you long after the moment has passed?

You see boarding school? I have stories for days. I went to FGCL Ijanikin, and my childhood was very interesting. Secondly, growing up in Ajegunle, in a face-me-I-face-you house, there was always something happening, something to see or talk about every single day. I still carry those stories with me, and I’ll definitely be sharing them someday in the new series.

You handle communications at your church, which is a different kind of responsibility.

How fulfilling has that been for you personally?

I really love my church community. I love how everyone is always willing to help, and my pastor has played a huge role in my growth, both spiritually and career-wise. It can be challenging sometimes because I’m given tasks that make me wonder, “Can I really deliver this?”... I’m currently on a break, but let’s be honest, can Christabel really take a break from working at One Church NG? Not really 😂

There’s always something to do.

Once my pastor sends a message, I already know it’s work. And honestly, I’m grateful for it. It shows that he sees my work, trusts me, and believes I have the capacity to handle it. Right now, I’m working on something really big… and as usual, work never ends.

Angel Michaels wingwoman

And what are some of your most memorable moments from using your skills to spread God’s word?

I’m on the media team, social media. And we’ve had people say they attended church because of what they saw online. I remember one time I created a photo carousel post on the church page; it got over 1,000 likes, which isn’t very common.

The funny part was the comments; people were saying they’d visit the church because of that post. It made me laugh, but honestly, thank God something as simple as that could draw someone in.

You strike me as someone whose playlist says a lot about them.

What does your current playlist look like?

Lol, my playlist says a lot about me?? hehehe.

It’s a mix of R&B, worship, pop, country music, instrumentals, and old school. Sometimes, I also listen to Naija old school.

What kind of music carries you through your different moods?

I love listening to worship when I want to bask in God’s presence—there’s so much calmness in that. When I want to feel in love, give me country or R&B. I hardly listen to dancehall, but I do occasionally. Also, when I want to sleep, I listen to rain sounds or static noise.

What are some of the defining stories from your childhood that shaped who you are today?

Hmm… this is tricky because I had a tough childhood. I was beaten a lot until I was about 21. It wasn’t a good experience, but one thing I know is that it didn’t make me a hateful person. I used to get angry quickly and argue my way out of things, and I didn’t like being corrected—it made me feel less of myself. But now, I’m slowly learning to listen and accept correction. It’s such an important part of growth.

And if you could speak to a younger version of yourself or to young girls growing up now, what would you tell them?

Don’t stop that brand you started in 2017, and never doubt yourself.

You’ve built and maintained a healthy circle of female friendships, which few women can.

What do people get wrong about female friendships?

There’s a belief that females don’t like accountability, but that’s not true. My friends and I hold ourselves accountable, and we’re able to resolve issues by talking things through and moving forward.

I treat my friendships the same way I would treat a relationship with a man I love. My circle is also centered around God, and He has blessed me with incredible women in my life. When God is at the center, everything else falls into place.

And what has your own experience taught you about showing up, being supported, and sustaining real connections?

I used to be the type of person who didn’t know how to follow up or stay consistent. But seeing how my friends call, text, and show how much they miss me has made me step up.

Now, I try as much as possible to reach out so it’s not one-sided. I pray with and for my friends, too. I also believe showing up for people doesn’t always have to be monetary; your presence matters a lot.

Powerpuff Gyals!

Let’s talk about dating ; specifically, dating in Lagos.

What has your experience been like?

Lmaooo.. Woh, can we skip this? It’s been crazy. Someone poured gutter water inside the dating pool, honestly, because why is everyone scared to love?

Dem no dey love for Lagos

What are some of your best and worst moments, and what have they taught you about love, expectations, and yourself?

Ahh, there’s a lot. My best moments were in university around 2012, and honestly, nothing has quite matched that since. That was also the first time I received a really thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift, and I’m not sure I’ve had that kind of experience again.

My worst moment was when someone ghosted me after I told him I liked him. I’d never do that again because I’ve realized that men know who and what they want; you can’t force it. If they don’t like you, they just don’t. I’m still a lover girl through and through, though. One thing I always remind myself is that if it didn’t work out, it just means we weren’t compatible, not that he’s a bad person. We just weren’t a fit.

When you think about the next phase of your life — career, personal growth, everything — what are you hoping for?

Jesus needs to take the wheel at this point. Honestly, I’m not even sure I know where I’m headed. I get that having a Vision 2030 is important, but I also want to learn how to live each day as it comes.

I’m working towards transitioning fully into brand storytelling, and yes, I want to fall in love too. But right now, I’m taking life one day at a time: eating good food, reading Harry Potter, and looking forward to the new season in December. It’s still my favourite book/movie of all time.

Fave pose!

What does “alignment” look like for you moving forward?

God’s will is the only answer. But yeah, a job I love, peace, and happiness with my friends and family.

At this point, we all need to vent a little.

What’s your honest take on living and building a life in Nigeria right now?

Eeeehhh… things are really hard right now. I don’t even like talking about this country because what do you even say? It feels like everyone is both for and against each other.

And sometimes, I think we’re also part of the problem. Some of the things we complain about and blame the government for, we’re guilty of too. In many ways, the government is just a reflection of the people, and that reality shows up in everyday life. It’s heartbreaking waking up every morning with this heaviness, not knowing where the next piece of bad news will come from.

What frustrates you, and what still keeps you going?

The price of rent is actually insane. At this point, it feels like Lagos landlords and agents want us to start living under bridges 😭 because how is a self-contained apartment 2 million a year, and a mini-flat 5 million? You can’t even casually decide to move anymore; you have to mentally prepare to pay almost 4x your current rent.

Honestly, what keeps me going is God. I’m just holding on to hope that things will somehow get better. It doesn’t look like it right now, but e go better.

Finally, share your random thoughts

Egusi soup is just trash. Plantain is overrated and makes the taste of jollof rice not so visible. I know you’ll say that’s why I’m still single, but I’m nice, I promise.

Keep winning and shedding what you don’t need in your life. I am rooting for you,my guy!

And with that the 2026 Christabel comes to an end!

---

4 Random Thoughts!

Facts on all counts!

---

Other POLites love these