About Me
Why I Do This
About Me
The Story Behind Rooted in Yard
When I first moved to Jamaica in 2015, it was for love — my (Jamaican) husband didn’t want to move to Canada, so I packed my bags and came here. I thought I could come to Jamaica and survive on vibes and love, but I was very wrong.
From inconsistent utilities, to culture shock, to my daily fight with bugs, I was constantly frustrated and feeling overwhelmed. By 2017, I couldn’t wait to leave, and was grateful he finally allowed me to apply for his Canadian residency. When we left, I was determined not to come back for a long time.
But well, as Jamaican’s say, “Long run, short catch.” Because that’s exactly what happened. In 2023, things shifted. I was burned out (burnt to a crisp) from work, got laid off, and my husband wasn’t working either.
Mentally and financially, we were in a different place and able to re-consider Jamaica. After considering our options, we realized that Jamaica was still more affordable that Canada, and we knew we still had strong ties here. But we also knew that if s&#t hit the fan, we could always go live in a bush somewhere on the island and survive. Either way, we ensured that we came back prepared for the things we know we’d face.
After settling in, I found myself constantly answering the same questions online — about the outages, cost of living, and what it really feels like to live here. Eventually, I thought, “You know what? Let me just make a whole channel.”
That’s how Rooted in Yard was born: so others can learn from my mistakes, laugh at my misadventures (and stupidity), and move to Jamaica without losing their minds (or their money). It’s not all sunshine and rum punch — but it can be worth it, if you know what you’re getting into.
My Mission
Helping those moving to Jamaica be able to thrive, not just survive.
My Promise
Authenticity, soft support, no sugarcoating.
My Why
I moved unprepared so you don’t have to.
The Truth
Why Rooted in Yard Exists
I created Rooted in Yard because too many people move to Jamaica blind — no support, no clarity. Just vibes and hope. I know, because I did it too. Now I’m making sure others can move to Jamaica much more prepared than I was.
Authentic Information
I don't just share the sunshine — I also share the struggles.
Real-Life Lessons
I’ve lived the hard parts so you don't have to.
Living & Sharing
I live the lessons, then turn them into content you can trust.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Whether you're dreaming, planning, or packing — Rooted in Yard is here to guide you with honesty, ease, and lived experience.
- Learn what no one else tells you
- Get helpful tools for the transition
- Connect with people who get it
- Build a life that actually fits you
Common Questions
Jamaica Relocation: What You Need to Know
Yes — depending on your lifestyle, financial situation, dependent situation, and location in Jamaica. Some areas are more affordable than others. But generally, you can comfortably live on about $2000 USD/mo. You can learn more on my channel and in my Moving to Jamaica Starter Guide.
Unsafe places exist everywhere (even where you are now), and that includes Jamaica. However, some places are safer than others (such as gated communities). Ultimately, your safety will depend on where exactly you live. I talk more about safety from in my videos and in my Moving to Jamaica Starter Guide.
Since Jamaica is a developing country, Jamaica still experiences power and water outages. However, the frequency really depends on your exact location in Jamaica. Some places experience outages more frequently than others. Generally, I find that if you are closer to a larger city, it's likely you'll experience fewer outages.
That said, I talk more about how to prepare for outages on my channel and in my Moving to Jamaica Starter Guide.
You can, but you probably don't want to. Since Jamaica is still a developing country, the pay rate is quite low, and you will probably find it offensively low. Additionally, jobs (especially good jobs) in Jamaica are scarce, and you don't want to come and take away good jobs from the locals.
What I recommend instead is working remotely or starting your own business (online or in Jamaica). I talk more about this on my channel and in my Moving to Jamaica Starter Guide.
You can. As far as I'm aware, there are no restrictions from foreigners buying property. However, I would highly recommend living here first before you buy any property.
Not everywhere in Jamaica will be your cup of tea. And not everywhere will meet your standard of living or stable access to utilities. Live here first to get a better understanding of the area(s) you may want to live in. Then, you can work with a realtor to buy property.
However, remember, you will need residency to live in Jamaica full time.
I talk about this more on my channel and in my Moving to Jamaica Starter Guide.
No. You don't need citizenship, but you do need residency, depending on how long you plan to stay. Depending on your nationality, you may be able to stay up to 6 or 9 months without residency. You can learn more on my channel and in my Moving to Jamaica Starter Guide.
In many ways, it IS more affordable — but not always. Some things cost more, especially imported goods. Or, some things cost the same as Canada or the U.S., but the quality is poorer. I share more information on channel and in my Moving to Jamaica Starter Guide.
Since Jamaica is still a developing country, utilities aren't always stable, and that includes the internet. However, I have found the internet to be good enough (and fast enough) to stream shows, have video calls, and play online games without issue. I talk more about this on my channel and give more detail in my Moving to Jamaica Starter Guide.
This will mostly depend on your lifestyle. But generally, you want to bring things that will help you prepare for those water and power outages. So, solar powered items, water pumps (for water jugs), etc. However, I talk more about this on my channel and in my Moving to Jamaica Starter Guide.
2 things:
- Coming without some money (and/or an income plan)
- Expecting Jamaica to be like their country of origin
As me how I know 😂.
But in general, people need to remember that Jamaica is an entirely different country than theirs, with their own customs, processes, and frustrations. Some things will take some getting used to, and some things will work entirely differently than what people are used to.
However, you can find a lot of information about how to best prepare on my channel and in my Moving to Jamaica Starter Guide.
Get in Touch
Ways to Connect with Me
Whether you’ve got feedback, questions, collaboration ideas — or just want to say thanks — I’d love to hear from you!
Collabs & Interviews
Interested in collaborating, doing an interview, or appearing on the channel? I’m open to meaningful, aligned conversations.
Feedback or Thanks
Share how Rooted in Yard has helped you, or send your ideas for improving the channel or the community — I’m listening!
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