It’s no secret that over the previous few months, political relations between america and Mexico have been tumultuous. So, it’s no marvel why many Black Individuals would query the choice to maneuver south of the border. Nevertheless, such tensions don’t outweigh the long-standing historical past between the Black diaspora and Mexico. The first enslaved Africans arrived on Mexico’s shores way back to the sixteenth century, with these individuals and their descendants contributing significantly to the nation’s vibrant tradition. You could possibly say it’s one of many causes at this time many Black Individuals usually really feel at residence there.
From the capital of Mexico Metropolis to Playa del Carmen, Merida and past, increasingly more Black persons are selecting to name Mexico residence—and Black ladies are main the cost. Yow will discover them educating the youth, elevating households, beginning companies, sharing sources and pouring again into the native communities that welcomed them with open arms. ESSENCE caught up with 4 Black ladies to seek out out why, for them, transferring to Mexico has been a lesson in group constructing, a reclamation of pleasure and a private liberation that has them lastly residing life on their very own phrases.
Educator and Journey Content material Creator
One factor about life, regardless of how a lot you propose, it’s usually the surprising twists and turns that lead you to precisely the place you’re alleged to be. That’s precisely what occurred to New York native, Karina Henry. Regardless of having lived in three totally different international locations exterior the U.S., Mexico was by no means on her radar. The truth is, Henry had taken her metropolis edge and South Carolina roots to China and was all set to make it residence when Covid struck and began her on the trail to rethinking her views. “Like many individuals, I believed the narrative the media pushed for years—that Mexico was harmful and unstable. I had no want to go to, not to mention dwell right here. It wasn’t till August 2020, when some associates—additionally lecturers ready for China to reopen its borders—invited me to spend 5 days in Mexico for my birthday, that I lastly gave it an opportunity. I got here, had fun, after which returned to the U.S. My ideas then have been easy: Mexico was cool, however it didn’t really feel like residence,” she says. Then, on January 6, 2021, as rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, she booked a one-way ticket to Cancún—in search of refuge from the escalating political unrest whereas awaiting her return to life in Shanghai.
Earlier than she knew it, a 3 month break changed into what she had been looking for all alongside. “The tradition, the group, the meals, the convenience of life, the heat—each literal and emotional—felt like every little thing I didn’t know I wanted. Mexico gave me house to breathe. It gave me peace. And earlier than I knew it, I had constructed a life right here. So when China lastly reopened, I didn’t return. Mexico had already turn into residence.”
ESSENCE: What made you determine to take the preliminary leap to maneuver overseas?
Karina Henry: I’ve truly lived in three international locations exterior the U.S., however my very first transfer was meant to be momentary. Again in 2018, I satisfied my U.S.-based job to let me work remotely from Thailand (sure, earlier than the pandemic—8-page proposal and every little thing). Whereas in Thailand, I noticed so many Black ladies residing and thriving in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. I couldn’t imagine it! I additionally met a 22-year-old who was on Spring Break in Krabi whereas residing her greatest life instructing in Vietnam. She confirmed me precisely how I might do it too, and I noticed simply how burnt out and boxed in I felt again residence. I wanted greater than only a life centered round hustle. I wished peace, progress, and pleasure. So, I made the leap. A couple of months later, I used to be residing in China—and I knew I used to be by no means going again to the U.S. full time.
In what methods resides in Mexico totally different?
Mexico is the place I actually discovered myself—and sure, that occurred in my 30s. This nation has given me one thing I didn’t even know I used to be lacking: peace, house, and the liberty to discover elements of myself I hadn’t but met. For the primary time in a very long time, I’ve had the time and vitality to prioritize my well being, creativity, and well-being. I’ve realized tips on how to swim—and simply final month, I took off my life vest in deep water for the primary time. I began horseback using at an area equestrian middle and hope to compete subsequent yr. I’ve additionally made extra money whereas residing right here than I did within the U.S., and with out the stress! I dwell very comfortably on $1,200–$1,600 USD a month. That features lease, meals, utilities, transportation, and leisure. I used to suppose I needed to be a millionaire and was chasing that dream. I not want to be a millionaire. I’m not inquisitive about being “booked and busy.” I simply need to be paid and at peace.
There appears to be massive communities of Black Individuals residing in Mexico. Which teams have helped you discover your tribe?
Once I first arrived in Mexico, I solely related with expat teams, however over time, I discovered that my core tribe is native. From my native church group to my colleagues in school, most of my friendships are with locals. I feel absolutely immersing your self helps you expertise a rustic in a means you’ll be able to’t whenever you keep in an expat bubble. That stated, I’ve additionally met some unimaginable Black creators and entrepreneurs who’re doing wonderful issues right here.
Along with being a content material creator, you’re an educator and entrepreneur. Was it tough to seek out employment and begin companies in Mexico? What recommendation are you able to share?
Once I began my digital studying academy for ESL college students, it wasn’t even deliberate. After I refused to return to China throughout a worldwide pandemic, my faculty fired me. Mother and father of my college students requested me to maintain instructing their children on-line even after colleges reopened in China so I did. Phrase unfold, and by 2023 I needed to rent different lecturers to assist meet demand. On the identical time, surprising alternatives saved unfolding. After transferring to Mexico, an area non-public faculty in Playa del Carmen reached out after I learn my self-published youngsters’s e-book, Kaylen Strikes to China to their college students throughout a digital studying. That connection led to a part-time instructing position I proceed to get pleasure from at this time.
My recommendation? Do your homework. Establish a necessity and see how one can provide the necessity, and most significantly, construct relationships with locals, not simply different expats/immigrants. That’s the place the actual magic occurs. Probably the most significant and sustainable alternatives I’ve discovered—each professionally and personally—have come from these connections.
How do you do your half to assist the area people in Playa and make your presence of their residence much less dangerous?
The truth is that as foreigners with non-peso incomes, we’re a part of the gentrification dialog—and we’ve got to be trustworthy with ourselves about that. We do contribute to gentrification. That’s why I do my greatest to attenuate hurt to locals. For me, step one is staying rooted in the area people and in search of methods to serve. I assist native companies, volunteer, and collaborate with the native Division of Schooling to create free after-school English applications in native parks in the course of the fall and winter. I assist native outlets, markets, and artisans, and I take advantage of my platform to uplift native artists, manufacturers, and causes—just like the time I raised over $1,000 in beneath 48 hours to assist an area escaramuza charra group compete in San Luis Potosí (the ladies’s division of Mexico’s nationwide sport, charrería). On the subject of housing, I deliberately pay above a sure worth level to keep away from displacing locals from reasonably priced choices. And I made certain to turn into a authorized resident. It’s about being conscious, being respectful, and giving again to the nation that’s given me a lot.
Proprietor/Founding father of Excessive Vibez World and CeCethePlug
One facet of transferring overseas that many individuals don’t dive into is how tough it may be to attach with others in a spot that’s new and unfamiliar. The expertise could be a lonely one, particularly as a Black individual in a rustic the place nobody seems to be such as you and also you don’t converse the native language. As somebody who has been residing in Playa del Carmen, Mexico since 2021, CeCe Cleveland is aware of the journey of constructing group properly. “All the pieces modified once I moved to Mexico. I took the leap, began over, and created a brand new life overseas. There have been ups and downs, however I created one thing lovely from a clean canvas. And I’m nonetheless portray,” says Cleveland. Figuring out that creating connections is her superpower, she got down to not solely embrace her new residence, however assist different Black individuals transferring into the world type bonds and lay down roots as properly. Via her companies she’s helped to take away the fears and challenges that include acclimating to a brand new atmosphere by specializing in the issues that folks can join over regardless of the place they’re from. “Mexico radiates positivity, household values, and real love. Even when language is a barrier, individuals join along with your spirit.”
ESSENCE: They name you the plug! From actual property to experiences, you’re clearly tapped in. How did you get began and what suggestions do you may have for locating group overseas?
CeCe Cleveland: Sure! They name me “The Mayor” of Playa — the plug, the individuals connector. I’ve a ardour for bringing individuals collectively, constructing world networks, and creating secure areas for the Black immigrant group. That’s how Excessive Vibez World was born. I additionally associate with native companies to assist them develop, diversify, and join with Black vacationers and immigrants seeking to construct one thing significant in Mexico. Actual property in Playa del Carmen turned a pure extension of my mission. I used to be approached by Actual Property Playa, an organization that particularly sought a Black lady chief to coach our individuals on the significance of proudly owning property in Mexico. We are sometimes the final to purchase, and I made it my mission to vary that.
Ideas for locating group overseas? Faucet into present immigrant communities or, in the event that they don’t exist, create your personal. I did that by internet hosting occasions, listening to the wants of my individuals, and connecting them to one another and to native sources. Now, I’m targeted on serving to us not simply collect — however make investments collectively. We’re speaking about group land buys, property possession, and constructing generational wealth in a brand new land.
There have been issues from locals about gentrification. What’s your perspective and the way do you give again?
I utterly perceive and agree with the locals’ issues. Their frustration isn’t simply with Individuals — it’s with a protracted historical past of white European tradition taking up land, elevating prices, and pushing locals out. As a Black lady transferring to Mexico, I get it. Via Excessive Vibez World, I be sure that as I develop, native communities develop too. I amplify their companies, collaborate with them, and guarantee my presence is about mutual elevation, not simply private acquire.
How have the native individuals embraced you and what similarities have you ever found?
They completely love me — and I really like them. We share laughter, tears, and actual household bonds. Regardless that I’m nonetheless studying the language, the connection is actual. The Mayan individuals remind me of us. They’re melanated, religious, community-based, and wealthy in tradition and custom.
Afro-Mexicans, particularly within the Yucatán, are happy with their heritage — although they aren’t at all times credited for his or her affect. Like us, they thrive by artwork, music, dance, and resilience.
What native comforts have you ever come to get pleasure from? Something from residence that you just miss?
Residing close to the seaside is every little thing. Water is therapeutic. And I really like the fruterías — recent, therapeutic fruits like mango, soursop, noni, and mamay are a part of my each day weight loss program. Having the ability to entry recent tropical fruits that nourish your physique, it’s a blessing. I miss my household and my greatest good friend. I’m a family-oriented individual, so being away from them is the toughest half.
Why ought to different Black ladies make the transfer to Mexico? What recommendation are you able to give?
Black ladies ought to transfer to Mexico as a result of it teaches us tips on how to decelerate, prioritize ourselves, and embrace delicate residing. We stock a lot. In Playa, I realized what it feels wish to be held, liked, and supported by different highly effective Black ladies overseas. In the event you’re able to expertise peace, sisterhood, and self-discovery — Mexico is looking you.
Proprietor, Flotante Mexico; Co-owner, Aspired Locations and Occasion Coordinator
We’ve all been there. In that house the place life is nice, nice even, however one thing in our soul is itching for extra. That’s precisely the spot Atlanta native Ashleigh Esprit-Barr discovered herself in years in the past. She liked Southern residing and being close to her wonderful mother, however she couldn’t shake the sensation that there was one thing extra ready for her past the comforting borders of Georgia. “I had this deep craving to discover one other nation. It felt like I had reached my potential residing at residence, and I used to be craving one thing new, an journey. I’ve at all times lived in Atlanta, apart from going away for faculty, however Georgia was all I knew. I wished to interrupt out of routine and create a special sort of life, one which challenged me, impressed me, and allowed me to develop in new methods,” she says. And develop she did. Now the proud proprietor of two native companies, she spends her time surrounding herself with good individuals who worth group, indulging in mani-pedis, honoring native tradition and tapping into a spot that permits her to be taught and discover all variations of herself with out all of the noise.
ESSENCE: How has your life modified since transferring to Mexico?
Ashleigh Esprit-Barr: In so some ways—massive and small. I’ve slowed down. I’ve realized to maneuver with extra intention and fewer stress. Life right here has taught me to prioritize peace, pleasure, and presence. I’ve grown extra in tune with myself—mentally, emotionally, even spiritually. I’ve let go of hustle tradition and embraced a way of life that truly lets me dwell. I’ve discovered magnificence in simplicity, related with unimaginable individuals from all over the world, and gained a deeper appreciation for group and tradition. Residing in Mexico as a Black lady is a journey full of vibrancy, some occasional stares, deep moments of self-discovery, and a singular mix of pleasure and problem as you navigate id, language, and group in a brand new nation. It hasn’t at all times been simple, however it’s been value it. Mexico gave me house to breathe, develop, and are available again to me.
What have been some challenges you’ve confronted as a Black lady in Mexico?
A few challenges I’ve skilled are that I’ve acquired unsolicited feedback about my hair. Whereas they’re not at all times meant to be dangerous, they’ll nonetheless really feel uncomfortable or exhausting, particularly after they occur continuously. One other problem has been the language barrier. I’m not fluent in Spanish but, so some on a regular basis duties can really feel intimidating or irritating, notably in pressing or emergency conditions.
Regardless of the challenges, you’ve began two profitable companies, Flotante Mexico and Aspired Locations. How did you get began and what recommendation would you give to ladies seeking to observe in your footsteps?
Beginning Flotante Mexico was really all about divine timing. I mixed my ardour for creating significant experiences with my love for meals, and it simply made sense. I’ve stayed at fairly a couple of resorts and resorts all alongside the Yucatán and Riviera Maya, and actually, solely a handful supply floating eating. I saved pondering, why isn’t this extra of a factor right here, particularly for individuals who aren’t staying at resorts? I wished to create one thing totally different. I used to be positively impressed by the floating breakfasts in Bali, however it wasn’t nearly copying a reasonably thought. It was extra like bringing this degree of magnificence and intention to Mexico. So I began pondering: how can I deliver that very same vitality to Mexico? Floating eating shouldn’t simply be for resort visitors. I wished to contribute one thing particular for vacationers who need that further magic, one thing elevated and nonetheless accessible. That’s the place Flotante was born. I waited till God positioned it on my coronary heart to lastly take the leap, and as soon as He did, every little thing began falling into place.
Aspired Locations began nearly a yr in the past as a ardour challenge between myself and my enterprise associate, Shabree White. We’re each previous brides who noticed firsthand how overwhelming vacation spot weddings and journey planning could be, so we determined to create a service that makes it seamless and thrilling. With me residing in Mexico full-time, provides us a singular edge in curating genuine, elevated experiences right here, from beachside weddings to unforgettable women’ journeys. In the event you’re fascinated by beginning a enterprise overseas, my recommendation is that this: know the legal guidelines, ensure you have the right documentation, construct real relationships with native distributors, and most significantly, begin from a spot of ardour, not simply revenue.
What recommendation are you able to give Black ladies making ready to maneuver to Mexico?
Get your geese in a row. Begin along with your paperwork: passports, visas, and all of the logistics. Get clear on what sort of life you need: Would you like metropolis vibes? Seashore life? Mountains? Mexico has all of it—you simply have to decide on your taste. Safe the way you’ll earn cash: distant work, entrepreneurship, or native alternatives, and keep open-minded. Life right here received’t appear like life again residence, and that’s the fantastic thing about it. Let your self evolve.
Group Builder and Wellness Advocate, Proprietor of Dream Occasion Area
Relaxation is a phrase that over time has turn into as synonymous with Black ladies because the phrase energy—particularly in latest instances. Burnout may be very actual for our group, and as a collective we’ve got been leaning extra into placing ourselves first and prioritizing wellness wants amongst the grind of each day residing. That is precisely what Nicole Carmier-Hatch was in search of when she and her household went from selecting Mexico Metropolis as their new residence to taking the recommendation of a fellow Black lady to take a look at Merida for a month, to touchdown within the metropolis on a Thursday and signing a six-month lease by Monday. Now, a yr later, Nicole couldn’t be extra in love with the life and ease she’s created in Merida. “This place is pure magic. Mérida checked all of the packing containers—after which some. It’s a spot the place our Blackness is well known, not feared. The tempo is slower, the vibe is relaxed, and it’s the proper place to lift our daughter the place pleasure is the baseline, not the prize,” she says. And he or she has no plans on trying again. “The affordability. The heat of the individuals. And the meals—don’t even get me began! We stroll, we bike, we dwell freely, with out the fixed worry that usually looms again residence. There’s time to breathe, to really dwell. Right here, we’ve discovered a rhythm that lets us savor each second.”
ESSENCE: What made you determine to take the preliminary leap to maneuver overseas?
Nicole Carmier Hatch: Truthfully? Peace. Pleasure. Area to breathe. My husband and I have been uninterested in simply surviving in a system that wasn’t constructed for us to thrive. The rat race, the payments, the worry, the burnout—it was giving no. We wished a delicate life with actual taste, group, tradition, and sunshine. So, we leapt. And haven’t regarded again.
So many ladies suppose transferring overseas is not possible with a household, however you’re doing it! How has it been parenting overseas and the way do you retain your daughter related to Black tradition?
It’s been lovely, however in some methods I nonetheless can’t imagine we live a lifetime of peace, pleasure, liberating and humbling. Our daughter is prospering—studying Spanish, making associates, adjusting to probably the most colourful tradition the place household is a lifestyle and a very powerful. She’s so blessed. Are there challenges? In fact. A brand new faculty system the place she is actually certainly one of six “foreigners.” However the best way they welcome and encourage her, she has been adjusting so good. There have been language gaps, particularly in the beginning. Her faculty teaches in Spanish and English. We miss some household however they’ve been fairly good with coming to go to. We preserve her rooted in Black tradition by playdates with different black expats. Additionally, the locals are so type, so she will get to expertise their tradition and even apply her Spanish. She sees herself mirrored within the areas we’ve helped create. That hella issues.
How has your life and love advanced since transferring to Merida?
Since transferring to Merida, my relationship with my husband has grown stronger than ever. We each put God first, and that’s been the inspiration of every little thing. In the event you don’t take anything from this interview, PLEASE keep in mind this: Put God first. He has blown our minds each single day. We’re strolling in our goal to serve, and we’re so grateful He selected us for this journey.
We’re greatest associates. My husband, particularly, has been in a position to heal in methods I didn’t suppose potential. He’s not consistently residing in worry anymore, particularly in relation to his household. He’s turn into a lot extra sociable, and it’s been wonderful to see him construct a group of unimaginable Black males—husbands, fathers, and associates. They get collectively, bond, and assist one another, and it’s been such a good looking transformation to witness. We regularly say that that is the happiest we’ve ever been on this lifetime. We share our pleasure with one another, and it’s a blessing to be residing this life collectively.
You’ve began two profitable community-driven companies in Merida. Inform us about what led you to begin each, and why they’re so necessary to the Black group in Mexico?
Black Merida Expertise got here to life as a result of we have been craving connection—and we knew different Black expats have been too. It’s our means of claiming, “You’re not alone, sis. Come by. Let’s construct one thing lovely.” My husband and I create month-to-month occasions and meet-ups for our group—a secure house for Black individuals to return collectively. It’s a spot the place we are able to heal and develop with out worry. No cops pulling us over, no risk of violence—only a house to construct with each other. The craziest half? We didn’t know the way we have been going to construct this group, however God did. We’ve been strolling by religion, and it’s been an unimaginable journey. We’ve hosted every little thing from Yard Boogies to Open Mics, Bowling Nights, and Sundown Playdates the place all the youngsters can hang around each week. We additionally invested in a group house referred to as “Dream Occasion Middle”—a spot the place anybody can lease out for birthdays, workshops, seminars, sport nights, or no matter they dream up. In the event you can think about it, we’ve acquired the house to make it occur.
Self Care Sundays is a nonprofit that’s near my coronary heart—it’s all about creating an area for individuals to decelerate, recharge, and give attention to their wellness. Life will get hectic, and sometimes, we overlook to maintain ourselves within the midst of every little thing. So, with Self Care Sundays, we’ve made it our mission to assist individuals reconnect with themselves, their our bodies, and their minds by therapeutic practices. We host occasions that embody issues like yoga, sound bowl therapeutic, and workshops targeted on psychological and emotional well-being. Our objective is to make wellness accessible to everybody—regardless of the place you’re at in your journey. It’s not only for one group of individuals; it’s for anybody who wants that house to simply be, to breathe, and to begin therapeutic. Whether or not you’re coming solo or with associates, the concept is to go away feeling lighter, extra grounded, and able to tackle the week with a way of steadiness.
The fantastic thing about it’s that we’re not simply specializing in bodily wellness, but in addition psychological and religious therapeutic. It’s a full expertise the place individuals can let go of stress, join with others, and discover peace in a supportive, nurturing atmosphere. We’ve created an area the place individuals can really feel secure and cozy, realizing that they’re half of a bigger group that can also be on a path of therapeutic. Whether or not you’re seeking to unwind with a yoga session, attend a workshop on private progress, or simply join with like-minded souls, Self Care Sundays is a spot the place everyone seems to be welcomed and valued. We imagine self-care isn’t only a luxurious—it’s a necessity, and we need to create a world the place individuals prioritize their very own well-being and, in flip, assist to create a extra peaceable, conscious group.
How do you just be sure you combine your self into the group with out making a damaging affect?
In the event you come out right here, go away that entitlement mindset on the door. It’s necessary to do not forget that we’re visitors of their residence. The individuals in Merida, and Mexico generally, are extremely respectful, they usually really can’t stand the “American mindset” the place some suppose they’re higher simply because they’ve extra or imagine they’re residing a extra fulfilled life. Truthfully, these of us have cracked the code—they know tips on how to dwell in a means that’s rooted in group, simplicity, and pleasure. Exterior of my companies, I make it some extent to assist native artisans, eating places, and small companies as a lot as potential. I need to spend money on the individuals right here, not simply financially however by constructing relationships which are constructed on respect and mutual studying. It’s about connecting on a deeper degree, understanding the tradition, and contributing positively to the group with out imposing our beliefs.
Why ought to different Black ladies make the transfer to Mexico?
Since you deserve pleasure. Peace. Area. Group. You need to dwell free. Begin small—analysis, go to, join with of us who’ve already made the transfer. Don’t wait on perfection, simply do it. All of us acquired out right here on pure religion. There isn’t a “excellent time,” you simply should do it. I promise you’ll not remorse it. Residing in Mexico is a radical act of pleasure, freedom, and reclamation. And child, I’m residing it out loud. God Is soooo good!
