Born in 1992, Joy Nkiru Ikpeoha first came to the island province of Hainan (South China) in 2015 to study Chinese language at Hainan University. Four years later, she extended her studies to include a Master’s degree in enterprise management, which she obtained in 2022.
Her entrepreneurial journey began this year when she established a company in the provincial capital of Haikou,
Says Ikpeoha: “My company is about helping foreign talents in Haikou or Hainan to set up their own businesses, and kind of feel at home here in Hainan,” Ikpeoha explained. The company also provides other services to foreign expatriates, including translation and assistance in finding rental housing”.
Although still in the early stages of her startup journey, Ikpeoha optimistically views the opportunities presented by the Hainan Free Trade Port construction as significant, predicting a positive impact on both her business and the broader foreign community in Hainan.
She adds: “I believe that Hainan, in the future, will do better, because more and more foreigners are beginning to come here,” she stated, adding that they’re also bringing more investors from all over the world, even from Africa, and capitalising on agriculture, tourism and a lot of other opportunities”.
In addition to her business pursuits, Ikpeoha is a vlogger, sharing glimpses of her life in Hainan, diverse cuisines, and cultural experiences that bring her joy.
Reflecting on the years spent in Hainan, Ikpeoha says it has been a serene and welcoming second home.