Adah Esomonu, A Londoner in Kenya
Adah in her Nairobi home. Image by @Namuks
Nairobi based beauty, dining and travel enthusiast, Adah Esomonu is not afraid to shake things up. A born and bred Londoner, she relocated to Kenya almost two years ago, leaving behind a successful career in real estate and finance to pursue love and a new career path. Adah, who is of Nigerian and Zimbabwean decent is no stranger to the pressures of African parents and their very specific ideals for their daughter. She’s gone in the opposite direction of what her parent’s expected of her and even surprised herself with the boldness of her decision to relocate for love.
Her fearless nature has always helped her find the strength to set goals and smash them, pivoting if and when things don’t feel right. We were introduced in London almost ten years ago and became close very quickly due to her positive nature, fierce loyalty, warmth and fun spirit. Adah pursues her passions, both career and personal, with strong will and laser focus and is a great example that no matter your age or gender, one should keep learning, growing, achieving and doing. I sat down with the recently engaged boss babe for espresso and a nice chat while we were both in Italy this past June.
You went to school for Law but didn’t end up practicing. What did you do in London after graduating from Hertfordshire University?
I studied law mostly because my parents really wanted me to be a lawyer but very quickly after school it was clear to me that I never wanted to practice, so I changed course and became a mortgage broker. After a few years of doing that I shifted track and became a financial advisor. I also invested in a little bit of real estate when opportunities came up.
Adah in her Nairobi home. Image by @Namuks
It sounds like you carved a nice life for yourself in London. What brought you to Kenya and what are you doing?
I said goodbye to London to follow my heart to Kenya in early 2018. Over the years I had grown to really like numbers and considered going into accounting. I‘m currently working in an accounting office while studying for my ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) which is an internationally recognized certification. This move has given me a great chance to switch careers, so I’m seizing it! Oh and I’m also planning my wedding but we can get more into that another time (laughs).
How have you and your life changed since you moved to Nairobi and do you like it?
I’m happy that I took the big risk and moved. My relationship has blossomed with the challenges of uprooting our lives. As I said earlier, leaving my old career and life has given me the freedom to pursue a new career and life as a couple. We don’t eat out as much as we did in London partly because we have grown to enjoy cooking but also we’re probably overly cautious about food safety when we eat out. One negative is losing a bit of the ease of travel no longer being as central as we were in London. With that said, all this has made us grow even closer.
What are some important traits for success from your past that will help you in the new field you are pursuing?
Mindset and focus is everything for me, whether building a career, dealing with life challenges or sticking to a work out routine. I find it super powerful to take time to get mental clarity, check in with myself, reflect and visualize what I want. Vision boards have worked for me.
I also love a self development read to expand my mind and give me tools to live ‘my best life.” I’m currently reading ‘You are a Badass’ by Jen Sincero which is a refreshingly entertaining how-to guide helping you to identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you getting what you want. It is eye-opening!
What are your virtues?
I’m fiercely loyal, if you are my friend just know I’m an absolute ride or die. I’m actively practicing gratitude via daily journaling. Having a thankful disposition of heart and mind and acknowledging my own and other people’s contributions leads to new opportunities
I have a strong desire for security, it’s a bit taboo to talk money but it’s something I enjoy, respect and actively manage. I love investing and saving and I guess that’s why I’ve enjoyed working in finance for the last 12 years.
Any Vices?
Some call it “fussy”, I prefer “particular”. I prioritize comfort and pleasure over pretty much all else. Soft touches, smells, good food and being pampered are so important to me. I also love doing absolutely nothing.
Last Holiday and Next?
Well after your wedding we spent a few days on the Amalfi Coast and I fell madly in love with Ravello.
Next, London. It was my home but has now become a holiday destination. I actually prefer visiting than living in it. I get all the beauty without the pressure.
What is your greatest temptation?
I could spend every day in a spa if I could. Give me every type of indulgent treatment! My favorite place is Santi Spa in South Kensington, London.
A quote the exemplifies your outlook on life?
I can’t remember it exactly but it goes something like: “Don’t be afraid to do something just because you’re scared of what people are going to say about you. People will judge you no matter what.”