Leandro Lukeny: An Expat Journey of Courage and Transformation

Leandro Lukeny’s life is a testament to courage, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. Born in the vibrant city of Luanda, Angola, in 1989, Leandro’s journey as an expat began when his parents moved to Lisbon, Portugal, in search of a better life. Growing up in the culturally rich and modern capital, he always felt the pull of adventure and self-discovery.

At just 19, he made the bold decision to leave behind the familiarity of Lisbon and embark on a solo expat journey to Sweden. Armed with a backpack and a heart full of ambition, Leandro sought personal growth and independence in a new land. Today, he calls Gothenburg home, where he has built not only a family but also a thriving career as an entrepreneur.

As the founder of BlackCrown, a streetwear brand inspired by his identity and life story, Leandro has transformed challenges into opportunities, carving out his own space in the fashion industry. His experiences as an expat, from adapting to a new culture to embracing the freedom of living on his own terms, have shaped the person he is today—a passionate father, dreamer, and creator.

Tell us a bit about yourself: where were you born, how old are you, and where do you currently live?

My name is Leandro Lukeny. I was born on August 30, 1989, in the vibrant city of Luanda, the capital of Angola. When I was just three years old, my parents decided to seek a better life, and we moved to Lisbon, Portugal.

I grew up in the Portuguese capital, a city that blends tradition and modernity in a unique way.
Despite feeling welcomed, I always had a restless spirit, a desire to seek something more. This feeling culminated at the age of 19 when I embarked on an adventure to Sweden with nothing but a backpack and a dream in my heart.

Unlike my parents, who had made this journey with me as a child, this time I went alone. Today, settled in Sweden, I am a father of four and continue to walk my path.

What motivated you to make this significant life change?

I’ve always been driven by challenges. My decision to move to Gothenburg, Sweden, was born from a desire for personal growth. I felt the need to step out of my comfort zone and follow my dreams. This change was an opportunity to rediscover myself and evolve. It was time to spread my wings, leave the protective shelter of my parents, and start building something of my own.

Have there been any significant changes in your life following this decision?

This move brought about profound transformations. Before, I felt like I was living in a box, limited. Moving to Sweden allowed me to experience a refreshing sense of freedom, but it also came with challenges, such as adapting to a new culture and missing the closeness of family.

It has been a journey of self-discovery and overcoming obstacles that has shaped who I am today.

What differences do you find between living in your home country and in Sweden?

Angola, my homeland, carries stories of struggle and hardship, which I often witnessed from afar. Portugal, however, was the cradle of my cultural formation. Lisbon, with its wealth of Lusophone influences, was a place filled with warmth, great food, and music that connected me to my Angolan roots.

Sweden, on the other hand, offers impressive social development and an undeniable quality of life. Yet here, I miss the intensity of human connections that I always found in Portuguese and Angolan cultures.

How often do you go back home, and how do you feel each time?

While I’ve visited Angola a few times, I return to Portugal more frequently, especially to see my parents, friends, and family. However, since becoming a father, these trips have become less frequent, both due to cost and logistics.

What I miss most about Lisbon is the warmth of the people, the cultural diversity, and, of course, the food. The mix of Brazilian, Angolan, and African traditions makes Lisbon a unique and vibrant place.

What are your future plans?

My main goal is to be happy in my own way while raising my children with the values I consider essential: respect, freedom, and honesty.

At the same time, I’m investing in the growth of my streetwear brand, BlackCrown, which represents not just a professional dream but also a piece of my identity and history.

What advice would you give to someone who would like to make a courageous choice like yours?

For anyone considering taking a courageous leap like mine, my main advice is not to let fear paralyze you. Plan your goals simply and clearly so that you feel like you’re moving forward, even if slowly.

Nostalgia and the challenges of adaptation are real, especially when migrating to a Scandinavian country, where the culture can feel colder and more reserved. However, if you have a strong purpose, these barriers can be overcome.

My journey is proof that, with courage and determination, it is possible to transform your life and create a future that is more fulfilling and aligned with your dreams.

Thank You, Leandro!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Leandro Lukeny for sharing his inspiring expat journey with us. His story is a powerful reminder that stepping out of your comfort zone and pursuing your dreams can lead to profound transformation and success.

If you’d like to support Leandro and learn more about his incredible work, be sure to follow his Instagram page: @blackcrown_store_. For those interested in exploring his streetwear collection, visit the official website at BlackCrown Brand Store.

Leandro’s expat journey is far from over, and we can’t wait to see how he continues to inspire through his creativity, passion, and resilience. Stay tuned for more updates on his brand and personal growth!