Leaving Disney for a Dream Life in Nairobi

“I had a great experience working in corporate America,” says Faye Tillery. “My only issue was the inability to be able to enjoy life in the way I chose to—having to put business needs above my personal needs, like not being able to work from home while my mom was sick.”

Working for Disney’s legal department in LA, Faye had long dreamed of traveling the world. But it wasn’t until her mom passed away that Faye decided to leave corporate America behind.

She gave away all of her belongings and lived off her savings in Colombia for six months (she lived off of $650 a month back then) before she started her boutique travel company, HiSo Collective.

Faye working at the HiSo Collective.

“At the time, Colombia was overflowing with American tourists, and I would hear horror stories because they didn’t understand how to navigate the country,” she says. “I wanted to be the person who helped them visit the country and truly enjoy it to the fullest. That’s why I started my travel company.”

Since founding her company, Faye’s lived in Bali, Turkey, England, South Africa, and now, Kenya. She’d intended to only stay in Kenya for a few months, but after meeting her now-husband George, she’s settled in the bustling capital city of Nairobi, home to some 4 million..

There, they enjoy a five-bed, five-bath apartment for $895 per month. Electricity and internet come to about $70 per month. Entertainment costs are low too, says Faye. “I went to a very fancy restaurant last night with two other friends and our bill—for all three of us—was $33.”

She adds, laughing, that she now makes more than her salary as a lawyer while enjoying more flexible working hours. She says, “My day is split between managing travel for clients, supporting newly relocated Americans getting settled in Kenya, plus helping Americans invest in local business endeavors, like construction, from abroad.

“Kenya never seems to make the list of dream trips, but it should be on the top of the list,” she says. “I want to help as many people as possible experience this place that offers the highest in luxury, beautiful coastlines, and awe-inspiring safaris.”

Though there are relatively few American expats in Keyna, many who travel to the country end up staying, thanks to the country’s beauty and low cost of living. In fact, Faye’s expanded her travel business to include relocation services. (“The number one question I get asked is: ‘Is it safe?’” she says. “I love helping them realize that they’ve moved to a very warm, loving community.”) She also started a Facebook group, Black Expats in Kenya.

“I wanted to connect with like-minded people,” she confides. “You miss people from home so you want reconnection, dealing with homesickness and having things in common.” She found that many of her fellow expats were American women, too. Most, she says, are over forty.

Kenya should be at the top of your bucket list.

Recently, Faye attended George’s father’s wedding. Held on a mountaintop, guests were greeted by traditional Kenyan singers. “I don’t know my exact ancestry,” says Faye, “but it was a glimpse into African ancestry that deepened my connection and love of Kenya.”

Ithaga Coffee.

Faye and her husband founded a coffee company based out of their farm. Its name, Ithaga, means “beloved” in Swahili. She often brings travelers to her farm, where villagers cook traditional meals for the guests. This personal connection to the community and the land, says Faye, is very Kenyan. “We don’t have the big chains like Walmart or Costco, but we have fantastic farmers markets and local markets. You get to know the farmers and owners producing and purveying your food.”

Faye says that’s what she loves most about living in Kenya. “It’s a rainbow of people,” she says. “Kenya is the perfect fusion of abundant economic opportunities and unparalleled natural beauty.

“I think many people are afraid they won’t be able to look after themselves… but you can leave corporate America and still have a thriving life.”