Windy hair, warm coffee, and starting over.

From the busy streets of Dublin to the calm of Copenhagen, Rowena Doyle embraced change without a fixed plan. She didn’t have all the answers - just a strong sense of curiosity,

a steady supply of coffee, and the drive to explore something new.

Photographs: Maja De Silva Photography

Text: Ophelia Wu

Sitting across from Rowena in a quiet hotel lobby on a sunny morning, her calm presence blends seamlessly into the colourful and decorative surroundings. But it's her striking blue eyes, set against dark brown hair, that truly capture your attention.

Once we begin chatting, Rowena's bubbly personality and sharp sense of humour shine through. That unmistakable Irish charm radiates from her—joyful, warm, and effortlessly uplifting. The sunlight streamed through the tall windows, and with Rowena in the room, it felt even brighter. Our time together was not just a conversation, but a genuinely fun and memorable morning shared.

A bold leap: From Ireland to Denmark

Rowena's story begins with a courageous decision. She didn't move here for love or a job; she moved for herself. It was an adventurous move; one made entirely on her terms. After ten years of running a successful business in Ireland, she found herself at a crossroads. "It was a tough time, but I felt a strong urge to start fresh and experience life in a new city," she reflects. She weighed up several options: London, Berlin, Lisbon, and Copenhagen. But it was the Danish capital that called to her, ticking all the right boxes. "So, in late 2019, I packed a suitcase, grabbed my laptop, and moved here solo with this slightly idealistic belief that I'd find a job and build a new life. I was approaching forty, and I thought, if not now, when?"

What followed wasn't the smooth new chapter she had envisioned. Instead, it was a raw, real, and often challenging experience—one that tested her resilience and ultimately deepened her sense of belonging in her new home.

The unforeseen challenge: Pandemic and isolation

The timing of her move could hardly have been more complicated. Shortly after settling in, the world changed. "My first year in Copenhagen was anything but typical," she explains. The COVID-19 pandemic brought life to a halt. Workplaces shut down, job markets froze, and social circles evaporated. "Job hunting became nearly impossible, and finding a place to live was just as tough." With Airbnb closed and the rental market overwhelmed, Rowena ended up living in a hostel. But there was comfort in shared experiences. "There were five of us internationals in the same situation," she recalls. "In the evenings, we'd gather at the hostel bar, sit at opposite ends, watch the news and support each other however we could."

Those quiet acts of connection amidst global uncertainty reminded her of the power of human resilience. Despite the empty streets and closed cafés, Rowena began to fall in love with the city's quiet beauty and rediscovered a childhood joy. "I was relearning how to ride a bike, probably for the first time since I was ten. Cycling through the empty streets made me realise I would stay here for a few years."

Building a career: Every step counts

Before moving to Denmark, Rowena had spent her career as an entrepreneur, working across communications, project management, and business development. A natural, creative and people person, she had always followed opportunities that allowed her to connect and build.

Her Danish career began with Pandora, where she worked in training and learning. "It was an exciting opportunity, especially as it was my first time working in such a truly global environment," she says. The role broadened her skill set and exposed her to new ways of working. Today, Rowena is the Global Head of Learning and Development at Flying Tiger, another international company known for its creative and inclusive culture. But the journey wasn't accidental. "In my early twenties, I worked with Bestseller Retail for four years," she shares. During that time, I travelled to Denmark to help train teams and open new stores. That early exposure to Danish work culture definitely helped me get interviews later on."

Her story highlights the cumulative value of experience. The small steps she took in earlier stages of her career ultimately paved the way for bigger opportunities. From self-employment to corporate leadership, her path shows how relationships, resilience, and timing often align when you least expect it.

"Rowena is refreshingly honest about the realities of moving to Denmark in today's climate. "Really understand what life here is like beyond the Instagram version."

Navigating Danish work culture and building connections

Moving from self-employment in Ireland to a corporate setting in Denmark presented its own learning curve. "Before moving, I ran my own business for over ten years, so stepping into a large corporate environment was a big adjustment," she says. The global nature of her role added both complexity and richness to her responsibilities. "Collaborating with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds and working styles was new to me. Everyone brings something unique, and learning how to navigate that has been one of the most rewarding challenges I've faced. Over time, it became one of the things I enjoy most." The experience motivated her to grow, remain curious, and become a more effective communicator. This openness to learning and adaptation has been central to both her success and her personal happiness.

One of the biggest challenges for internationals is building a sense of community. For Rowena, her background as an entrepreneur gave her an edge. "I had already built up my networking muscle," she says. "When I arrived, I wasn't afraid to reach out for coffee, go to events alone and start conversations." She stresses the importance of mindset. "Timing plays a critical role in both personal growth and professional development. Opportunities don't always align with our expectations, but being patient and prepared means you can make the most of them when they do come." Her advice for others is both realistic and hopeful. "When you're ready, whatever it is will find you."

Embracing Danish quirks and inspirations

Life in Denmark comes with its share of surprises. "People going to the bathroom in cafés and leaving their laptops on the table! That would never happen in Dublin," she laughs. It still gives her a bit of anxiety, even after living here for over six years.

Despite loving her life in the city, Rowena also loves a little retreating place outside the capital that inspires her most. "The Louisiana Museum is one of my favourite escapes. Getting out of the city, soaking in art and resetting my mind always sparks new ideas or gives me space to think more clearly."

She has also developed a fondness for hotel lobbies, where she has had some of the most interesting conversations and made meaningful connections. On the day of our interview, that theory held up. We shared a wonderfully random chat with two American tourists who joined our conversation, unprompted.

Honest advice for internationals

Even though she has built a happy life here, Rowena is refreshingly honest about the realities of moving to Denmark in today's climate. "It's become harder with the rising cost of living, so do your research more thoroughly than ever," she advises. She warns against relying solely on polished social media portrayals. "Really understand what life here is like beyond the Instagram version." Her guidance is practical. "Start connecting with local groups and communities online before you arrive. Watch, listen and learn from others who are already living here."

And, in true Rowena style, she adds a dose of humour. "We're not all cycling around eating expensive cakes with perfectly flowing hair. Your hair will probably be a total mess from the wind and rain." A perfectly realistic picture of daily life in Denmark. Rowena has embraced some Danish habits, notably the beloved cheese bun. "And I move slower now," she smiles. But she also misses the spontaneous warmth of home. "I really miss the Irish instinct for small talk, the spontaneous conversations in queues or cafés." Small talk, often dismissed as trivial, has real meaning for Rowena. It opens the door to connection, trust, and deeper conversations. Has she successfully started a conversation with a Dane through small talk? "Nope, not even once."

Irish people are known for their ability to connect instantly. During our time together, we joked that if we had been in Ireland, we would probably have been cracking jokes and plotting fun projects within minutes. At work, she naturally gravitates toward other Brits and Irish colleagues at lunchtime. "We just get the small talk culture. It feels like home."

Lessons from the journey

Looking back, Rowena admits she wishes she had known more about the Danish housing system and how things work in general before arriving. “I’m not a very structured person,” she laughs. “I’m more gut-feeling, jump in and figure it out as I go. Sometimes that works great. Other times, not so much.” Her path hasn’t been without detours, but every twist has led to growth. “You learn, you adapt, and eventually you find your rhythm, maybe with a few wrong turns along the way.”

Her story is more than just a tale of starting over in a new country. It’s a reminder that building a life abroad takes courage, flexibility and humour. Rowena’s experience reflects what many internationals face: loneliness, uncertainty, curiosity and the eventual joy of discovering where you belong. Sometimes, you have to trust your instincts, as she did when she chose Copenhagen.

As more people consider Denmark their new home, honest voices like Rowena’s offer both encouragement and perspective. Her experience shows that with bravery, openness and a good sense of humour, it’s possible not only to survive but to thrive.

Pursue your dreams, but keep one foot on the ground. Be brave. Stay curious. And trust that you’ll find your place.