An American model who moved to Spain says she initially thought the relaxed work culture was strange but now she loves it
Fernando Catala
- Princess Keisha, an American model and Nigerian royal, recently moved from the UK to Spain.
- Keisha relocated to Valencia after Brexit affected her family's European work permits in the UK.
- She said she admires Spain's relaxed work culture and family-oriented sense of community.
Princess Keisha Omilana and her family left their home in London, UK, for the Spanish city of Valencia in March 2022.
Keisha is an American model, entrepreneur, and owner of SAXS Mag, a travel, fashion, and entertainment publication that she launched in September. She is married to Prince Kunle, crown prince of the Arugbabuwo ruling house in Nigeria.
PATRICK MCMULLAN/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
The couple and their two children have lived in cities across the world, including New York City, Dubai, and most recently, London, where they lived for seven years before relocating to Valencia for work.
Speaking to Business Insider, Keisha said she and her husband's move was due to Brexit, which took effect in 2020. Britain's decision to leave the European Union meant individuals or companies with European work permits, including Keisha and Kunle, would have to reapply for work permits in the UK or relocate to mainland Europe, where their permits are valid. Keisha and Kunle chose the latter option.
Keisha says she initially found Spain's work culture 'strange'
When deciding where in Europe to relocate to, Keisha said Spain was the top choice because she has several friends who live there and also because her husband had traveled there for work in the past and loved it.
"It's been a great decision, I love it here in Spain. The weather alone is amazing," Keisha said.
"And what I love most is how family-oriented everyone is," she said, adding that most people in Spain set aside every Sunday to recharge and relax with their families and loved ones.
The model is also impressed with the country's relaxed work culture, although she admits that she initially found it difficult to get used to.
"In America in particular, working hard, having the best house, the biggest house, and work, work, work, is pretty much the culture," Keisha said.
In comparison, Spaniards value "living well" over financial gain, she added.
"You work because everyone has to work to earn a living, but their life isn't about work," she said. Keisha noted that it's not unusual for local business owners to close for lunch, even if it means giving up opportunities for sales.
"When we first came here, we were taken aback, like, 'Wow, this is very strange.' But you know what? That's very admirable, to not care about the sale and the cash flow, and your mind is really on eating and being with your family," she said.