Paris Calling: Bold Moves & Career Pivots with Tsahia Hobson
Caribbean Values & Midwest Life
Tsahia Hobson is a first-generation Jamaican-American who spent 20 years in the healthcare industry before moving to Paris to study luxury marketing, her journey offers valuable insights about taking calculated risks and embracing change.
Growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, Tsahia experienced a childhood that blended Caribbean values with Midwestern American culture. Her father, who initially studied agronomy before becoming a lawyer, and her mother, an educator who ran a daycare from their home, instilled in her the importance of education and cultural pride. Despite being one of few Black families in their community, Tsahia’s parents found ways to share Jamaican culture, with her mother introducing neighbors to curry dishes at church events and creating a supportive environment that celebrated their Caribbean heritage.
If Money Were No Object
After establishing a successful career in healthcare that spanned various sectors including academic centers, insurance, hospitals, and consulting, she began to feel the limitations of working within a system that often prioritized bureaucracy over patient care. The question that ultimately changed her trajectory was profound yet simple: “What would you do if money were no object?”
For Tsahia the answer was clear – she would move to Paris, pivot and immerse herself in the luxury industry that had fascinated her during her visits to the city. Unlike the healthcare system with its emphasis on cost constraints and regulatory hurdles, luxury marketing appealed to her because of its focus on creating exceptional experiences and fostering emotional connections with clients. Drawing from her previous professional experience, she recognized that the service-oriented approach of luxury brands could inform healthcare delivery models, potentially enhancing patient experiences through greater attention to comfort and personalization.
To Paris With Love
The transition to Paris came with significant challenges, particularly language barriers. Despite studying French, Tsahia acknowledges that achieving fluency has been “one of the biggest challenges of my life,” especially given the rapid speech patterns of Parisians. Initially completing her master’s program in English, she continues to work on her language skills while navigating life in a new country. Beyond language, adapting to cultural differences and practical considerations like dealing with summer heat in buildings without air conditioning represents the less glamorous reality behind the romantic Parisian fantasy.
Tsahia maintains her Jamaican identity while embracing French culture by proudly displaying Olympic flags in her room to seeking out Caribbean restaurants. Music serves as another vital link, with artists like Beres Hammond providing a soundtrack that grounds her during morning commutes. Her participation in organizations like “Jamaicans in France” demonstrates the importance of finding community among the diaspora, no matter where life takes you.
Bringing New Perspective to Luxury
Tsahia’s perspective on luxury marketing is uniquely informed by her multicultural background and healthcare experience. She recognizes that the luxury market is evolving as new wealth emerges across the globe, creating opportunities to reach diverse audiences in regions like the Caribbean, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Her ability to understand different cultural perspectives positions her to help brands develop more inclusive marketing strategies that resonate with a broader range of consumers.
As she looks toward the future, Tsahia continues to define success on her own terms, considering how she might eventually bring her expertise back to Jamaica. Her journey exemplifies the courage to pursue personal dreams while honoring cultural roots, proving that with careful planning and determination, it’s possible to land on your feet even when taking significant risks. For Caribbean people living abroad, her story highlights the importance of intentionally maintaining cultural connections while embracing new experiences and opportunities.
Connect with Tsahia:
- Website: https://www.tsahiahobson.com
Stay Connected
Connect with @carryonfriends – Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Enjoyed the show? Please remember to leave a rating and review in Apple Podcasts.
A Breadfruit Media Production: Instagram
